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Herbs harvested timely to ensure efficacy
Harvesting techniques for medicinal plants vary depending on the part of the plant being collected. For leaves, it's essential to harvest them before flowering, as once the plant starts blooming, nutrients shift from the leaves to the flowers and fruits, which can reduce the quality of leafy herbs. Leaves like Daqingye, basil, and others are typically harvested when they are dark green and robust. However, some plants, such as mulberry leaves and ginkgo, are best harvested after frost in autumn, while coriander is picked after the leaves have fallen. The harvesting methods include picking, cutting, or hand-picking, ensuring minimal damage to the plant.
When it comes to flowers, timing is crucial. Most flower herbs should be harvested when they are fully open or just beginning to bloom. For example, safflower is best harvested when it turns orange, not when it’s fully red. Flowers like chrysanthemums and magnolia blossoms are usually collected at specific stages of development, and some, like cloves, are harvested when they are still in bud. Harvesting too late can lead to petal loss and reduced potency. It’s best to pick on sunny days, using baskets to avoid crushing the delicate blooms and keeping them shaded to prevent discoloration.
Fruits are generally harvested when mature, such as star anise, pepper, and hawthorn. Some require a frost to enhance their properties, like hawthorn, which turns red after the first frost. Others, like green fruits, are harvested when unripe. Timing is critical, especially for species like hawthorn, where fruits ripen unevenly. Berries, such as wolfberries, need careful handling post-harvest to avoid damage. Methods include cutting or hand-picking, depending on the plant.
For seeds, most are collected when the fruit is fully ripe. However, some pods split open when mature, so they must be harvested earlier, like in the case of soybeans. Seeds that fall during ripening, such as psoralen, should be collected promptly. Methods vary—some seeds are dried and then extracted, while others are beaten or peeled if the flesh is also used medicinally.
Bark is typically harvested during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing, making it easier to peel. Root bark, like peony, is often collected in winter. Techniques include stripping or cutting, with care taken to preserve the integrity of the bark.
Roots and rhizomes are best harvested during dormancy, usually in autumn or early spring, when nutrient levels are highest. Plants like Codonopsis and Salvia miltiorrhiza are dug up after the foliage has died back. Special tools are used to minimize damage, and roots are carefully cleaned and processed to maintain quality.
Whole herb plants, such as Nepeta and motherwort, are often harvested during their peak growth, before or after flowering, depending on the species. Some, like Chunchaihu, are collected as young seedlings, while others, like Northern Asarum, are dug up with their roots. Harvesting methods include cutting or digging, based on the plant type and desired part.
Each part of the plant requires specific timing and techniques to ensure optimal quality and efficacy. Proper harvesting not only preserves the medicinal value but also supports sustainable cultivation practices.