Post by Drache on Jun 13, 2007 19:47:27 GMT -5
Bark: The bark of a tree should be harvested in mid-autumn whilst the sap runs most freely; this means that the tree will heal itself more quickly. Bark must not be taken from the entire circumference of the tree as this will kill it; bark that has moss or fungus should not be used. Inner bark is gathered by removing the outer bark and scraping portions of the inner away; this should not be done too deeply as it can permanently damage the tree.
Bulbs and Roots: These should be dug out of the ground just after the top has wilted and before they can sink too deeply into the ground; this is best done when the weather is dry as they will sink with wet soil. they must be cleaned before use. Make sure any roots gathered are good, with no rotten or worm-eaten spots.
Fruits and Berries: These should be taken only when fully ripe, although discarded if they are blemished.
Flowers: These are harvested as they reach full-bloom; for some this will be in spring, for others in summer or even the fall. Only the clean and fullest blossoms should be gathered; beware of impurities and discolorations that can indicate insect contamination or disease.
Leaves: They should be gathered at the mid-point of the herb's growing season; the best time of day is just after the dew has dried. No more than one third of each plant's foliage should be taken, nor should any blemished leaves be gathered. Pick only the freshest and greenest leaves, because wilted ones will weaken the healing power of the fresh ones. Be careful not to bruise them while gathering, as premature release of the properties will affect the strength when they are used.
Sap: Tree-sap should be collected mid-autumn when it is flowing most freely. A hole should be drilled in the tree and a wooden tube inserted to drain the sap into a bucket. Metal should not be used as this can cause contamination.
Seeds: Seeds should be collected about a day before the pods open, to make sure that no animals have contaminated them. The whole pods should be collected, but no more than one third of the plant's total number.
from Jenaith's Weyr
Bulbs and Roots: These should be dug out of the ground just after the top has wilted and before they can sink too deeply into the ground; this is best done when the weather is dry as they will sink with wet soil. they must be cleaned before use. Make sure any roots gathered are good, with no rotten or worm-eaten spots.
Fruits and Berries: These should be taken only when fully ripe, although discarded if they are blemished.
Flowers: These are harvested as they reach full-bloom; for some this will be in spring, for others in summer or even the fall. Only the clean and fullest blossoms should be gathered; beware of impurities and discolorations that can indicate insect contamination or disease.
Leaves: They should be gathered at the mid-point of the herb's growing season; the best time of day is just after the dew has dried. No more than one third of each plant's foliage should be taken, nor should any blemished leaves be gathered. Pick only the freshest and greenest leaves, because wilted ones will weaken the healing power of the fresh ones. Be careful not to bruise them while gathering, as premature release of the properties will affect the strength when they are used.
Sap: Tree-sap should be collected mid-autumn when it is flowing most freely. A hole should be drilled in the tree and a wooden tube inserted to drain the sap into a bucket. Metal should not be used as this can cause contamination.
Seeds: Seeds should be collected about a day before the pods open, to make sure that no animals have contaminated them. The whole pods should be collected, but no more than one third of the plant's total number.
from Jenaith's Weyr