Herb Harvesting and Drying Guide for Your Horse's Tea

Best Time to Harvest:
Pick herbs in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too strong. This ensures you’re harvesting when the herbs are at their most potent and fresh.

Which Parts to Harvest:
Use the leaves, flowers, and soft stems of the plant. Avoid harvesting the woody parts, as they don’t provide the same flavor and benefits.

Rinse Gently:
Once harvested, shake off any dirt, rinse the herbs gently under cool water, and pat them dry with a towel to preserve their natural goodness.

Air-Drying Method (Best for Leaves and Flowers)

What You Need: Twine or rubber bands, paper bags (optional), a dry, dark, well-ventilated area.

  • Bundle the Herbs: Gather small bunches of 5-10 stems and tie the ends with twine or a rubber band.

  • Protect from Dust (Optional): Poke a few holes in a paper bag and place it over the herb bunch, securing it around the stems.

  • Hang Upside Down: Hang the bunches upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area.

  • Drying Time: Allow herbs to dry for 1-2 weeks. They should be dry and crumble easily when fully dried.

Oven-Drying Method (Quick but Less Potent)

What You Need: Baking sheet, parchment paper, oven.

  • Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to the lowest temperature (around 40-50°C or 100-120°F).

  • Arrange Herbs: Spread the herbs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Dry Slowly: Keep the oven door slightly open for airflow.

  • Check Frequently: Drying takes 1-4 hours. Check every 30 minutes.

  • Cool and Store: Allow herbs to cool before storing.

Dehydrator Method (Best for Faster Drying)

What You Need: Dehydrator, trays.

  • Prepare Herbs: Spread herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays.

  • Set Temperature: Set the dehydrator to 35-45°C (95-115°F).

  • Check Herbs: Drying takes 1-4 hours. Check for dryness.

  • Cool and Store: Let herbs cool before storing.

Storing Dried Herbs

 

  • Check for Full Dryness: Herbs should crumble easily, and stems should snap when bent.

  • Store in Airtight Containers: Use glass jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or metal tins to keep herbs fresh.

  • Label and Date: Be sure to label each container with the herb name and the date of drying for easy identification.

 

TEA FOR HORSES

Calm & Collected

A soothing tea for anxious or stressed horses.
Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp dried chamomile

  • 1 tbsp dried lemon balm

  • 1 tbsp dried valerian root

  • 1 tbsp dried lavender (optional)

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Pour hot water over herbs.

  2. Steep for 10-15 minutes.

  3. Strain and let cool to lukewarm before serving.

Happy Hoof Brew

Supports hoof health and a shiny coat.
Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp dried nettle

  • 1 tbsp dried horsetail

  • 1 tbsp dried rose hips

  • 1 tbsp dried flaxseed (optional)

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

  2. Strain and cool to lukewarm.

  3. Serve directly or pour over feed.

Breath Easy Blend

Helps with respiratory issues and breathing comfort.
Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp dried peppermint

  • 1 tbsp dried eucalyptus

  • 1 tbsp dried thyme

  • 1 tbsp dried mullein leaf

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Strain and let cool before serving.

  3. Offer as a drink or mix into feed.

Gut Guardian

Supports digestion and prevents gas.
Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp dried fennel

  • 1 tbsp dried chamomile

  • 1 tbsp dried peppermint

  • 1 tbsp dried marshmallow root

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Strain, cool, and serve.

  3. Use as needed to support digestion.

Shiny Coat Sips

Promotes a glossy coat and healthy skin.
Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp dried nettle

  • 1 tbsp dried flaxseed

  • 1 tbsp dried calendula

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Strain and let cool before serving.

  3. Offer once or twice a week for a shiny coat.

Mellow Meadow

A calming blend for anxious horses.
Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp dried chamomile

  • 1 tbsp dried lavender

  • 1 tbsp dried passionflower

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Strain and cool before serving.

  3. Ideal for stressful situations.

Energy Elixir

Boosts energy and stamina.
Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp dried ginger root

  • 1 tbsp dried licorice root

  • 1 tbsp dried ginseng

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Strain, cool, and serve.

  3. Best before exercise or on tiring days.

Mane & Tail Tonic

Promotes strong hair and hooves.
Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp dried rose hips

  • 1 tbsp dried burdock root

  • 1 tbsp dried horsetail

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

  2. Strain, cool, and serve.

  3. Use weekly for coat and hoof support.

Immunity Boost Brew

Supports the immune system.
Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp dried echinacea

  • 1 tbsp dried rose hips

  • 1 tbsp dried turmeric

  • 1 liter hot water

Instructions:

  1. Steep herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Strain, cool, and serve.

  3. Use seasonally or during stress.