Cleaning roots.

To: herb.franklin.oit.unc.edu
Subject: Re: Cleaning roots
From: Henriette Kress <hetta.saunalahti.fi>
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2000 11:11:13 +0200

Susan Strasser <sustras.attglobal.net> wrote to herb.franklin.oit.unc.edu:
>It occurred to me just now, as I was cleaning roots to make a tincture, to wonder: how do other people do this? Someone told me long ago not to use water, which would surely be the most efficient method...

On small roots, like Valeriana officinalis, I use a soft brush (if needed), and lots of water.
On larger roots, like dandelion, burdock, or yellow dock, I use a harder root brush (these are sold over here to wash root vegetables with), and lots of water.

Using water is the single best way to get rid of all of the mud, clay, and small stones. And the earthworms.

Let drip dry before making your tincture. Or use a towel.

Henriette