Natural Remedies

How To Store And Maintain Your Natural Remedies

  • March 14, 2022
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It seems like time has been reversed.  People these days have become more reliant on natural or home remedies. Natural remedies are the new go-to(s) for most of us, whether it is a wound emergency or a lifestyle corrector; we have the natural ways to treat it. However, there is no point in having knowledge of natural medicines and having them in homes until you know where have you kept them. Therefore, storing home remedies is also a task that should be done properly so that you get needed on time. Also, it limits the wastage and helps you refill them when they are about to finish. Moreover, it becomes more accessible and convenient when you categorise them.

The Basic Rule Of Storage

If you see storage and maintenance in general, there are certain tasks you must perform to have systematic storing.

1) Categorise Everything

Not all remedies are the same and require different storage conditions. Thus, firstly you have to know their nature, storage conditions and how long are they storable. Accordingly, categorise them. 

You can categorise in either way,

  • Nature of Remedies
  • Storability
  • Storage Conditions

The best way is to group according to the storage conditions.

Categorise Everything

2) Spread Them Altogether

Well, if you believe in natural remedies then you must be having a lot of it. That means it will take time to sort and put them in groups. However, it will be a one-time effort because next time you will have them ready in front of you. 

Let’s discuss some remedies, their characteristics and storage requirements to help you categorise them.

Fresh Herbs: As the name suggests, they can be used fresh only. The maximum you can store them for a week in the fridge but beyond that, they will not be of use. Or else, use them dry such as making their paste or power.

Examples of fresh herbs: Cilantro, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm, calendula

Dried Herbs: These herbs last long, even some of them last for 2-3 years. Their life ranges from 6 months to 3 years such as powdered herbs last 6-12 months, delicate herbs stay for 1-2 years and roots & barks can be used up to 2-3 years depending on their care.

You should keep these herbs away from moisture and sunlight. They should be stored in a tight jar to resist oxygen contact as well. You can use them until they smell good and looks as is.

Chamomile flowers, echinacea root are useful dried herbs that last long.

Tinctures: Alcohol tinctures should be stored in a cupboard where there is no sunlight. Moreover, they should not be kept in a cold place.  If stored properly, they can be used for around 2-5 years.

Essential Oils: There are two types of essential oils. One stays fine for about 1-2 years (citrus oil) and the other ones even improve their properties with time and can be used up to 8 years (base note oils). 

Store them in a clean glass jar or bottle which should be kept away from sunlight.

Glycerites: The tinctures that are made with glycerine are called glycerites. They can be used for about 1-2 years depending on how they have been stored.

Salves And Creams: You can store salves and creams in a dark yet cool place where they do not get exposed to direct sunlight. Use jam or metal jars that can be locked from the top. 

These can be stored for up to 1 year.

Homemade Lotions: Naturally-made lotions could be used for 1-2years. The only condition is that they should be stored at a cool place where it does not get direct sunlight and they should be stored at a normal room temperature.

3) Label & Allot The Natural Remedies

Now that you know what items should be stored where. Store them accordingly. Make sure they do not mix with other food items and they should be properly labelled; especially if you have kids at home. If not, they can be misinterpreted as foods and could be consumed by kids. It could have unpredictable consequences. 

Label & Allot The Natural Remedies

4) Organise What Is Left

Now you must be left with things that did not fit in any category. Do not worry, just store them safely in a jar and keep it somewhere away from sunlight as direct rays of the sun usually tamper with the herbs. Therefore they should not come in direct sunlight contact.

Rest the process will remain the same; label them properly and keep them where they can be found easily.

5) Remove The Unwanted Or Expired Remedies

Of course, there will be some herbs and other products that must be expired and not of use anymore. There is no point in storing them at home. You should dispose of them before they start stinking and tamper with other herbs.

Conclusion

Mere knowledge of herbs and their uses will not work, you must know how to store your natural remedies at home. They should be properly organised, well-categorised. Moreover, you should filter out unused/non-usable and expired products and dispose of them. For more information, keep reading our home remedies blog.