Does Gastrodia elata have a shelf life?

Gastrodia elata is both a food and a medicinal material. It is rich in nutrients. Common medicinal foods include chicken stewed with Gastrodia elata or fish head soup with Gastrodia elata, etc. These medicinal foods are very effective in treating headaches and limb numbness. Everyone knows that food has a certain shelf life. Once it exceeds the shelf life, it will cause harm to the body after consumption. So does Gastrodia elata have a shelf life?

First, does Gastrodia elata have a shelf life? About 2 to 3 years. Chinese medicinal materials do not have a specific shelf life. The origin, quality and storage conditions of the medicinal materials all have a certain impact on the shelf life. Normally, Gastrodia elata can be stored for 2 to 3 years. Under reasonable storage conditions, the shelf life of Gastrodia elata can be longer.

Second, can Gastrodia elata be eaten after its expiration date? It depends on the situation. Even if Gastrodia elata has passed its shelf life but has not become moldy or insect-infested, it can still be used. If the Gastrodia elata shows obvious signs of deterioration, such as having a pungent musty smell, the surface is hollowed out by insects, and it feels sticky to the touch, it cannot be eaten. It is recommended that it be discarded or processed.

Third, what should you do if you eat expired Gastrodia elata? Slight discomfort. If you experience mild discomfort after taking expired Gastrodia elata, such as diarrhea, nausea, etc., you can drink more warm water. Warm water can relieve the discomfort and dilute the content of harmful ingredients in the body. Pay attention to proper rest, which is beneficial to the body's self-recovery. Severe discomfort. If you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, rapid breathing, dizziness, etc., you should first determine whether they are caused by expired Gastrodia elata, and then seek medical attention immediately. What are the uses of expired Gastrodia elata? Foot soaking. Gastrodia elata contains effective ingredients such as gastrodin and gastrodin aglycone. Although expired Gastrodia elata cannot be eaten, it still has certain medicinal value. Gastrodia elata can be cleaned, ground into powder and used for foot soaking. It can also promote blood circulation, relieve fatigue and improve sleep.

How to preserve Gastrodia elata better. Normal save. Dry the Gastrodia elata, seal it in a plastic bag, and store it in a sealed container such as glass or ceramic. Keep at low temperature. Place the sealed Gastrodia elata in the refrigerator, making sure it is tightly sealed to prevent it from mixing with other foods or getting moisture in. Desiccant drying method. This method is similar to the conventional preservation method, which is to seal it in a container, but add desiccants such as quicklime to prevent Gastrodia elata from getting damp.