Intermediate~11 hours12 lessons

Harvest Timing — Phytochemistry by Season and Phase

The chemistry of when to harvest each plant part for maximum medicinal value

Twelve lessons on the timing of harvest for maximum medicinal compound. You will learn the diurnal and seasonal chemistry of plants, the right harvest moments for aerial parts, roots, bark, seeds, and resins, the realities of lunar timing in traditional practice, and how to preserve compounds during drying and storage.

Taught by Deidre Starner, Master Herbalist

What you'll learn

Recognize the diurnal patterns of plant chemistry and time daily harvest accordingly
Identify the specific seasonal windows for harvesting each plant part
Apply timing principles to common medicinal plants you encounter or grow
Drying and storage methods that preserve specific compound classes
Evaluate the evidence behind traditional harvest-timing practices including lunar timing

Course outline

1
Course Welcome — Timing Is Half the Medicine
25 minFree preview
2
The Diurnal and Seasonal Chemistry of Plants
45 minFree preview
3
Aerial Parts — Leaves and Flowers
40 min
4
Roots — When and How
45 min
5
Bark — The Inner Bark Window
30 min
6
Seeds and Fruits
35 min
7
Resins, Saps, and Gums
30 min
8
Lunar Timing — Tradition Versus Evidence
35 min
9
Storage Right After Harvest
35 min
10
Drying Methods That Preserve Chemistry
35 min
11
Common Mistakes and Their Lessons
30 min
12
Capstone — Document a Full-Season Harvest
50 min