Can I use dried plants/flowers for all spells, or do I have to use fresh? Or does it depend on the spell?
Can I use dried plants/flowers for all spells, or do I have to use fresh? Or does it depend on the spell?
I have been researching this concern, before attempting a spell that requires any time of plant, in case the possible outcomes can be different.
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If your spell will create an item that is to be kept around for any length of time, it is best to use dried herbs because fresh herbs will quickly decay and get slimy if they are enclosed in any way. Any kind of sachet or mojo bag, or dream pillow will call for a dried herb.
If the herb is to be burned, dried is best because dried burns best.
Either fresh or dried herbs can be used for creating vinegars, for infusions (teas, baths, etc.) and tinctures either fresh or dried can usually be used. Herbs with delicate leaves like basil do lose their fragrance quickly once dried, so that's worth keeping in mind. If you are creating an oil, using dried leaves versus fresh reduces the chance that the oil will be contaminated with unpleasant bacteria. Essential oils can also be used to make herbal oils if they are going to be used topically and not consumed. (Some essential oils can be consumed safely, but some cannot, so that's a case by case.)
If you are weaving, winding or twisting herb stems together as for making a lavender wand or a wreath, this will be best accomplished if your herbs are fresh as dried herbs are more brittle. Some dried herb stems can be softened up by soaking before use. In either case, you will want to hang your finished product somewhere with good ventilation to dry over the next several days or you'll just end up with a moldy mess.
I hope this has been helpful to you. If you have a more specific example, please let me know.
in my experience, unless a spell calls for fresh herbs, dried is fine