Fresh vs. Dry Evergreen: Which One to Use?
Evergreens are great for many herbal preparations. Fresh branches are ideal for injecting oilscreating tinctures, or making syrups, as they contain high levels of volatile oils and natural moisture. These qualities can help release more of the plant's constituents into the base liquid or oil. However, drying evergreens allows you to preserve these powerful herbs for year-round use, which is especially useful for creating a larger potion supply or when fresh twigs are not in season.
When making herbal preparations like permanent infusion skin toners, dried evergreen sprigs often work better than fresh ones. Dried evergreens contain less moisture, which helps prevent dilution of the base ingredients and can contribute to a longer shelf life for the finished product. However, proper storage in cool, dry, dark conditions is essential to maintaining the quality of dried evergreens over time.
For herbal teas and blends, evergreens are ideal because they can be stored for a long time without spoiling, and their flavors and medicinal properties are preserved in a concentrated form. The drying process can sometimes increase the concentration of certain constituents as the water content decreases, although some volatile elements may be lost.
On the other hand, for certain tinctures and infusions, the use of evergreen plants may be preferred. The natural moisture and fresh sap in freshly harvested twigs can help extract a full spectrum of the plant's compounds, including some that may be diminished in the drying process.
The advantage of having dried evergreens is year-round access to their medicinals. Whether you're making a soothing winter tea or adding them to your bath soaks and lotions, having dried sprigs ensures that you can incorporate these sacred plants into your herbal practice at any time.
Tip: It is important to note that proper identification of evergreen species is essential, as some can be toxic. In addition, when harvesting fresh evergreens, it is essential to follow sustainable practices to protect these often slow-growing plants. Always harvest responsibly, taking only what you need and leaving plenty of plants to thrive and wildlife to depend on.
