Making my own herbs

I have a lush field that grows by me with an abundant amount of weeds, many in which I see uses for in the herb index. I want to start gathering some. My only problem is, I have no idea what part of the weed or flower I'm using. Is it the leaf, the stalk, the flower, the root? If I dry them, am I drying them as a whole or is each property of the plant unique and should be dried separately?

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Would you mind telling us what plant/s you're considering using? We might be a little more help to you if we knew.

You really should study herbs a lot more. Many herbs are beneficial; many are poisonous! If you can get hold of a book with illustrations of herbs (and fungi), all the better.

And what part of a herb to use. Sometimes one part is good,another part of the same herb can be harmful. For instance, I grow rhubarb; the stalks are a delight to eat, and have many uses. The leaves are poisonous!

The best book I know about herbs is this "De Materia Medica" Pedanius Dioscorides. Old but pretty good. In Spain we have an online version, this is the link http://dioscorides.eusal.es/

Do not take any plants without being absolutely sure, that's my advice.

If you are unsure which part of the plant to use or how to preserve it I'd suggest you do more research on herbs until you have a handle on that. In addition, are you trying to grow medicinal herbs or magical herbs? That can make a difference in how you go about it. Here are some books that I'd suggest:

"The Master Book of Herbalism" by Pau Beyerl

" Culpeper 's Complete Herbal: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs" by Nicholas Culpeper and Raven Starhawk Cunningham

"The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism : Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification" by Matthew Wood

Also, you might check around in your area to see if that are any herbalist societies. Becoming a member is a great way to learn from those who have been practicing herbalism for a long, long time.

There are a lot of thistles, primrose, passion flower, dandelion, wild morning glories, clover and more. I see these use in spells quite a bit.

Exactly! Looks like I need to make a trip to Books A million and find some good information on the subject! Thank you so much for your help!

Thank you very very much! I will check out the link. I appreciate your help!

Thank you very much. I was unaware there were even herbalist societies around! How helpful that would be!!!!! I will check into it. Thank you kindly. I will also look in to the book you mentioned.