Morgan Botanicals

Garbling certainly can be a tedious experience, but it is really quite enriching. I find that it has helped me get to know the plants I've collected even better. It's such a fun word to use too. I love when someone calls and asks what I'm doing, I love to reply, oh I'm just garbling some  Motherwart...or what ever herb I'm cleaning. Always makes them giggle, and it's always a fun way to start a conversation.

Oh, what is garbling you ask? Well garbling refers to the separation of that portion of the plant to be used from other parts of the plant, i.e. picking out wilted leaves, woody stems, stray grasses and other plants that came along with what you picked. This step is often done during and after the collection process. I always repeat this step after drying as well. Although there are machines that perform garbling, usually it is performed by hand.

Some may think it's silly that I dream about collecting herbs, but a day spent harvesting plants for use as herbal medicines is perhaps one of the most self-empowering things a person can do. For me, I love the whole process, wild harvesting or collecting cultivated herbs, cleaning, drying, then garbling. I love to sit and truly learn these plants.

When you take the time and effort to learn about the uses and virtues of a plant and how to identify it in its native habitat or how to cultivate it in a garden, or how to prepare it as medicine then you have given yourself the power of natural health.  Everyone should make use of the many safe and nurturing herbs found in nature such as Chickweed, Plantain, Dandelion, or Nettles as nourishing tonics. Pick a few weeds and practice the art of garbling, I guarantee you'll walk away with some appreciation for the little weeds in your garden. You can find freshly dried and garbled herbs in my Local Harvest Store.

Please email any questions to herbalist@morganbotanicals.com.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Jessica Morgan, M. H., Morgan Botanicals.

Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.

Jessica Morgan, M.H.