by Tamara Mctee—Chartered Herbalist

The air is crisp. Leaves are falling. Autumn is definitely here. Now’s the time to harvest all those good roots which are so potent during this season.
Unearth them with a shovel. Cut the root away from the rest of the plant. Bang the dirt off. Then wash the remainder of the dirt off and scrub gently with a veggie brush. You can dry them with a clean towel.

Next, bruise the roots with a pestle or a clean rock. Slice lengthwise into slivers and allow to dry on a tray screen or wire rack. Dry the roots in a dry, well ventilated area, giving them a shake every day so they are sure to dry evenly. You will know they are ready to store in a sterilized amber jar when the root snaps and breaks instead of bending.

Roots keep their potency longer than leaves and flowers. They are good for two to three years, compared with only one year for leaves.
There are so many roots ready to harvest in this season—dandelion, comfrey, plantain, burdock, devil’s club, marshmallow—to name a few. Let’s focus on Mahonia aquifolium, more commonly known as Oregon grape or mountain grape (pictured above).

A good time to harvest Oregon grape root and bark is in the late autumn and early spring. This plant resembles the holly plant, with sharp leaves, but the root is bright yellow, almost the color of bile. This root actually stimulates bile production and aids the digestion of fats and oils. It can be useful in weight-loss plans when a sluggish system is suspected. A tonic for the gall bladder, Oregon grape root also clears up congestion of the liver, especially where there is nausea and vomiting.

Chew on the root in cases of gingivitis. A decoction of this root loosens up the bowels and makes a good laxative for chronic constipation. This herb is a great detoxifier, helpful with impurities of the blood. It will clear up most skin diseases: use it for eczema, psoriasis, and skin troubles of a scaly, chaffy nature. Yes, it’s safe to use while pregnant or nursing.

Oregon grape root, the “poor man’s goldenseal”, contains the alkaloid berberine. It is the west coast’s counterpart to Hydrastis, commonly known as goldenseal, which is becoming very rare because of over-harvesting. So, why not preserve what is left in the wild and harvest the plentiful Oregon grape root, which can almost always serve as a substitute for goldenseal?

‘When combined with dandelion root, Oregon grape root helps to clear up acne. In combination with ginger and dong quai, it stimulates hormonal production and helps regulate periods. As the taste of this root is quite bitter, you might want to make it easier on the palate by mixing it with licorice root or steevia.
To make a brew with roots, start with cold water. Grate or chop the root to be used if not using a dried variety; use at least one tablespoon per cup of water. Allow to simmer, covered, for 15 to 25 minutes. Strain into your mug and drink to your health! Or strain into a large mason jar and store in the fridge up to three days. Best results if taken a minimum 3 times per day.

Have fun harvesting roots, and let energy from Mother Earth soothe your soul.