WHEN TO HARVEST
OPTIMAL TIME OF DAY TO PICK.
When is the best time of day to harvest your medicinal plants? Typically, for aboveground parts such as flowers, stems and leaves, it is in the morning. After the morning dew has evaporated and before the heat of the sun wilts the plant. This is because the rain or dampness from dew and heat of day can remove the healing aromatic oils that you are looking for. Some herbalists will have specific days according to the ancient lunar rhythms as it’s believed the medicinal value is increased if harvested in harmony with moon cycles.
If you’re starting out, being aware of the moisture levels in your plant is important. You want to make sure when you’re preparing the plant, for example in tinctures or oil infusions, there is not too much water affecting the potency or risking going rancid. So make sure when you pick your plant ally, she is happy and dry.
