Harvesting bee ointment for medicine is a simple cognitive process that involves cutting and drying the stems , leaves , and flowers . Here is a step - by - step templet on how to glean bee balm for medicinal purposes :
1 . Timing : The best sentence to harvest bee balm is when it is in full bloom . This is ordinarily during the summer months , typically June to August , depending on your location . count for flowers that have just opened and are vivacious in colour .
2 . Equipment : Before you begin harvesting , gather the necessary equipment . You will ask a pair of sharp gardening shears or scissors , a light and sturdy basket or container to take in the harvested bee balm , and some twine or string if you plan on hanging the stems to dry out .
3 . Selecting the stems : opt healthy , fledged stems that are about 8 to 10 inches long . depend for stems that have flock of folio and flowers . debar harvesting stems that are damaged , pathological , or infested with pests .
4 . Cutting the theme : Using your gardening shear or scissor grip , make a clean cut just above a set of leave-taking or foliage nodes . This will further Modern ontogeny on the flora . It ’s important to void cutting too near to the base of the works to ensure its continued wellness .
5 . Bundling the stems : If you design on hanging the bee balm to dry out , amass a small bunch of stems together and tie them firmly with string or cosmic string . ensure the stems are aligned and front the same direction . give enough duration on the twine to produce a iteration for hang .
6 . Drying the bee balm : find oneself a nerveless , dry , and well - ventilated orbit to hang the bundled stem . Ideally , this should be a position away from direct sunshine to preclude attenuation of the flowers . Hang the bee balm upside down , allowing melodic phrase to circulate around the stems . This will help prevent cast or mold from form .
7 . agree for dryness : It normally takes about 1 - 2 weeks for the bee balm to dry out completely . To see if it ’s dry , lightly stir the bloom and leaves . They should find brickle and decay easily . If there is any moisture or flexibility , provide the bee balm to dry out for a few more days .
8 . beat and storing : Once the bee balm is dry , slay the stems from the twine or chain . Crush the dry out flowers , leaves , and stems using a mortar and pestle or by pulsing them in a liquidiser or food processor . Store the broken bee balm in a fair , airtight container away from passion , light , and moisture .
Harvesting bee ointment for medicative intention can be a rewarding experience . The vibrant colors , delightful aroma , and curative property of this herb make it a valuable addition to any herbal medical specialty console . By fall out these steps , you’re able to ensure that you harvest bee balm at its efflorescence potency for habit in teas , tone , salve , or any other medicinal homework .
Caroline Bates
