Deer antlers have been stored for 20 years

Deer antlers can generally be purchased at regular pharmacies. Many friends do not take deer antlers immediately after purchasing them, but only remember to take them after a long time. If you purchase velvet antlers through formal channels, since they are strictly processed and packaged when leaving the factory, they will not be affected even if they are stored for 20 years if the storage environment is suitable.

How long is the shelf life of deer antler slices? The deer antlers generally sold in pharmacies or hospitals come in slices, capsules (fine powder), and "pieces" (whole sticks). These products with origin, brand and packaging have undergone strict processing and quality inspection. Generally, the quality is reliable and can be stored for several years, dozens of years or even decades. As long as the packaging is not opened, contaminated or infested with insects, there will be no impact on the use. However, the quality of some deer antlers sold as tourist souvenirs is not guaranteed. Even if they have not depreciated, their value is mostly in the category of handicrafts and are not suitable for consumption.

How to preserve deer antler

You must be especially careful when storing deer antlers and pay attention to the humidity of the air. If the air is too humid, the antlers will easily become moldy, and the next step will be to get infested with insects. So first put it in a ventilated place, then wrap some peppercorns in cloth and place it next to the antler. This way it won’t attract insects. If properly preserved, the medicinal effects of deer antlers will not change within three to five years.

Although there are many aspects that need to be paid attention to when preserving ginseng, deer antler, cordyceps, etc., one thing is certain: a good preservation method is to dry these medicinal materials, seal them, place them in a ceramic jar filled with quicklime, and then place them in a cool and ventilated place. If such conditions are not met, you can dry the ginseng, deer antler and cordyceps, wrap them in several layers of moisture-absorbing paper, seal them and then refrigerate them. Also, observe them frequently for any moisture and replace the moisture-absorbing paper in a timely manner. According to relevant reports, these medicinal materials can be refrigerated, but should not be frozen. The reason is that although the surface of various medicinal materials appear to be dried, they actually contain varying degrees of moisture. After being frozen at low temperatures, the moisture turns into ice, which will cause a certain degree of damage to the effective ingredients of the medicinal materials. In addition to causing them to change color, the quality of the medicinal materials will also decline. Even if it is taken out and thawed, it is difficult to restore its original "beautiful" color, and the efficacy of the medicine will be greatly reduced.