The Outposts: Herbalist/Foraging Cabinet

Raven's Herbal Cabinet

 At an Outpost or in one's home, one important thing to consider is where one's herbs are stored.  Besides needing glass jars, mortar and pestle, tins for salves, scales, and labels, one needs to have a place to keep them cool and dark when not in use.  This could be in one's "sick bay", healing room, or a corner of one's home, for general health and first aid needs.

There are many options for this, from a shelf in one's kitchen to a full-on herbal cabinet, like our reader Raven Motley has (pictured), to a herbal nook like I have (pictured), to a full-on root cellar, where they are kept with stored root crops, and canned items for the winter, it takes a lot of planning to consider where they would best be kept.

As one considers, take into account how many people there are in your family, what your herbal medicinal needs are, whether you use herbs alone, or you use some modern medicine as well, the storage area needs, and also your desires with how you will grow it in the future.  These will determine the amount of space you will need.

Morria's Herbla Nook

Also, bear in mind, the types of jars and storage you will need.  Some clear, for dried herbs, some amber for tinctures, and some tins salves.  Consider how many boxes of backups you will need.  

Also remember, some things like tinctures have one jar they are prepped in, then smaller jars they are stored in, for use.

Another thought to consider is do you keep your herbal books with your herb or do you store them elsewhere?  Or, like me, might you keep your most used books out along with your tools, and your others on a bookshelf or library elsewhere?

Beyond that, I would say everyone's herbal storage can be as unique as they are, and will grow and change with you as your skills and knowledge grows.  Have fun, explore, and be creative! 

Personally, I would love to see your areas, so feel free to post in the comments or on Facebook!   

In Umbra Terras,

Lady Morria