How to store Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine is a commonly used method for treating diseases nowadays, because we all know that using traditional Chinese medicine to treat and solve some diseases of the body can reduce the occurrence of various side effects. Therefore, generally in life, when there are some diseases, everyone can use this method for treatment. However, the correct storage method of traditional Chinese medicine cannot be ignored. Let us take a closer look at the storage methods of different traditional Chinese medicines.

Ginseng medicinal materials: Ginseng medicinal materials include wild ginseng, red ginseng, sugar ginseng, raw sun-dried ginseng, American ginseng, etc. Because they contain more sugars, mucus and volatile oils, they are prone to deterioration due to moisture, oiliness, mold, discoloration, and insect bites. For ginseng that is truly dried, seal it in a plastic bag to isolate it from the air and store it in a cool place. You can also wrap it in a plastic bag, tie the bag tightly, and place it in the freezer of the refrigerator, so it can be stored for a longer time.

Cordyceps: If the quantity is small and the storage time is short, just put it and the peppercorns in a sealed glass bottle and refrigerate it in the refrigerator. You can also spray a small amount of 95% medicinal alcohol or white wine at about 50° and seal it for storage. Cordyceps should not be stored for too long, otherwise its efficacy will be reduced.

Deer antler: Deer antler should be placed in a ventilated place, and then some peppercorns wrapped in cloth should be placed next to it. You can also spray a small amount of 95% medicinal alcohol or white wine at about 50° and seal it for storage. If properly preserved, the medicinal effects of deer antlers will not change within three to five years.

Wolfberry: This product contains a lot of sugar and is very easy to absorb moisture, become oily, moldy and insect-eaten. The color of its ingredients is also extremely unstable and easily changes color, making it a type of Chinese medicinal material that is more difficult to maintain. You can spray the wolfberries with ethanol and mix them evenly, then put them in a non-toxic plastic bag, remove the air, seal the bag and store it, and take it out when you need it. This method can not only prevent insect infestation, but also make the color bright like fresh products. Or store wolfberries in a refrigerator at 0-4℃.

Saffron: It is a famous Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation. When storing it, care should be taken to keep it moist. Therefore, it is advisable to put it in a sealed small porcelain jar and store it in a cool place.

Ophiopogon japonicus: Contains sticky sugars and easily absorbs moisture and emits oil. If it needs to be stored for a long time, it should be placed in a sealed container and kept refrigerated and away from light.

Chrysanthemum, honeysuckle and other flower-based medicinal materials: They contain volatile oil components and are prone to discoloration and infestation of insects. If they are to be stored for a long time, they should be stored in airtight containers in a cool and dry place, away from light.

If Chinese medicine is not stored properly, it will easily deteriorate and become infested with termites. Taking it at this time is not good for your health, and it will not be able to better exert its health-care effects. Therefore, I hope that after mastering the methods introduced above, the Chinese medicines you buy in your life can be properly stored.