Shelf-life of Dried Herbs

Years ago I was manic about collecting dried herbs for incense, bath satchels, spells, etc.. Anyway I collected dried herbs from all the local witchy shops and other less known places with the sole purpose of having mostly anything on hand because...you never know when you're going to need mugwort, hemlock, etc.. I stored the herbs in sealed mason jars and kept them in a dark, cool place. Now about 7 years later, I stumbled upon my neatly kept stash with the sense of surprised glee. Yes, I have been slacken on my dried herbs ventures, but life happened and my interests waned to other things.

Do you think the herbs are still good? I opened a jar of lemon verbana and the smell was as strong and lovely as the day I seal it, but one cannot be too sure about these things. Any input would be appreciated.

TIA

Tags: dried, herbs, incense, storage

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Permalink Reply by Maple on July 2, 2008 at 12:18am: Having no experience in this matter, I've been told that most herbs are good at least a year. I've never heard of anyone experiencing bad herbs. But on the other hand, 7 years is a long time. If you're going to use them for internal medicine, I'd be a bit wary, but I'd think for magick and incense they'd be fine.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wendy on July 10, 2008 at 10:43am: shelf life is usually about 6 months for herbs used in cooking. Medicinally can be somewhat iffy depending on how they were used. magickally speaking sometimes can be better when the herbs are older but not for every herb.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lobita on July 10, 2008 at 2:01pm: Thank you for the feedback. I will be using these herbs for incense.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Maple on July 12, 2008 at 11:45pm: For incense, I'd say until they lose their smell.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daughter (of) Hekate on July 10, 2008 at 7:22pm: Here is my input...I've been a gardening all of my life (even as a wee tot I spent much time in mother's garden) I do not use any of the herbs I grew in my hey day - between 00 and 03 - in food or medicine preparation (due to the fact that I would require much more strict treatment and cultivation of the herbs for those purposes) however in magickal work and for the usage of pleasantly smells I will use an herb as long as it retains the properties. So if it doesn't smell like it should, or it is musty/stale smelling - first consider airing it out a bit, but otherwise toss it. Now, I have noticed that certain herbs tend to fade in the scent department a bit faster, but there are many that do not. Consider your intuition - do you feel that the plant is still useful? Maybe try cultivating a relationship with the spirit of the plant and speak to it...; ▶ Reply to This