Spiderwort... when can I dry it?

Question

I have spiderwort growing in my yard. It is close to 3ft tall and has been blooming for a couple of weeks. I am moving within the next couple of weeks but I want to dry out the spiderwort plant.

When can I dry it and which parts should I dry? It I dry the whole plant should I separate the dried pieces into 1) flowers, 2) stems 3) leaves 4) root?

Thanks a bunch!!!!!

Answer 1

The only Spiderwort parts I've read about using are the root and leaves. The root is boiled into a tea for a laxative, "female" and kidney ailments. The FRESH leaf is smashed and applied to insect bites and other skin ailments.

Since probably the leaf will lose most of it's properties on drying, if it were me, I'd just dry the roots. You might try putting some of the plants in a big pot and transplanting them at your new place. Even if the tops seem to die, there's a chance the roots will survive and come back next spring.

You can dry a plant anytime but roots are most potent in the fall and least potent during and immediately after bloom. However, since you have to move now, you have no choice. You will still get medicinal properties, just not as potent as if dug and dried at the ideal time.

Other plants to use for skin poultice are Chickweed, Ground Ivy and Self Heal. You might look for those as a substitute for fresh Spiderwort leaf.

Another way to preserve the leaf would be to make an extract with either alcohol or with 50% glycerin and 50% water. Cut the fresh leaf into pieces, cover with either liquid and let sit in a dark cabinet for 2 weeks, strain and discard leaves. Use a glass container with plastic or enamel lid.