How Should Herbal Products Be Stored?
Proper storage of herbal products helps maintain their potency, freshness, and safety—ensuring you get the full benefits from every use.
Best Practices for Storing Dried Herbs and Teas
Dried herbs, including loose-leaf teas and culinary blends, are sensitive to light, heat, air, and moisture—all of which can degrade their quality over time. To maintain potency, store dried herbs in airtight containers like glass jars or metal tins with tight-fitting lids. Avoid plastic containers, which can leach chemicals and absorb odors.
Keep your herbs in a cool, dark place—ideally a pantry, drawer, or cabinet away from sunlight and stovetops. Excess heat can reduce the effectiveness of volatile oils and active compounds, while light can cause fading and loss of aroma. Moisture is another enemy, as it can lead to mold and spoilage. Always use dry utensils when scooping from your containers, and never store herbs near a sink or in a humid environment.
Label your containers with the herb name and purchase date. While many herbs can last 6 months to 2 years, their shelf life varies. Fresher herbs have stronger aroma and color, so use your senses to judge quality over time. At Fresh Times, we package our dried herbs with long-lasting freshness in mind—so you always get peak effectiveness.
Storage Tips for Tinctures, Oils, and Capsules
Herbal products in liquid or encapsulated form also require thoughtful storage to ensure they stay potent and safe. Tinctures and liquid extracts, often alcohol- or glycerin-based, are generally shelf-stable, but should still be kept in a cool, dark place. Amber glass bottles are ideal as they block UV light, which can degrade herbal compounds over time.
Avoid storing tinctures near heat sources like windowsills or radiators, as high temperatures can shorten their shelf life. Shake well before use, and always keep the dropper top clean and dry to avoid contamination.
Herbal capsules and tablets should be stored in a dry, room-temperature environment away from moisture and sunlight. Bathrooms, despite being convenient, are typically too humid. Instead, opt for a bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet that doesn’t fluctuate in temperature.
Refrigeration is usually not necessary unless specified by the manufacturer. In fact, overly cold conditions may cause certain oils or extracts to crystallize or separate.
Proper storage doesn’t just protect your investment—it ensures that you’re receiving the full benefits every time you use a Fresh Times product. With the right care, your herbal remedies can remain effective, safe, and vibrant for months, or even years.