Traditional Chinese medicine, as an important part of traditional treatment methods, can effectively deal with various diseases. The Chinese herbal medicines we encounter in daily life are mostly specially processed, and these processed products also have issues with shelf life. The shelf life of Chinese medicine is influenced by its ingredients and storage conditions, with most Chinese medicines able to maintain their efficacy for about two years under appropriate storage conditions. However, precious medicinal materials like ginseng and reishi can be preserved for over five years, while volatile medicinal materials like mint and cloves have a shelf life of only about six months.
The spoilage of Chinese medicine is usually caused by several factors: high humidity environment leading to dampness in the medicine; excessive vibration resulting in the deactivation of active ingredients; oxygen in the air accelerating ingredient oxidation; direct sunlight damaging the medicinal components; and long-term storage leading to natural degradation of active ingredients. Recognizing spoiled Chinese medicine can be done from four aspects: abnormal appearance such as color changes, mold growth, or deformation; abnormal odors like moldy or rancid smells; significant decrease in medicinal efficacy; and reduction in active ingredient content as detected through professional testing.
Proper storage of Chinese medicine requires attention to the following points: prevent direct sunlight exposure to avoid damage to the components; maintain a dry environment to prevent dampness; reduce vibrations to protect medicinal stability; isolate from air to slow down the oxidation process; and control storage time to ensure efficacy. In practice, choose a cool and ventilated storage location, use well-sealed ceramic, glass, or stainless steel containers, along with moisture-proof packaging like aluminum foil bags or plastic sealed bags, which are crucial for maintaining the quality of Chinese herbal medicines. When purchasing, buy in suitable quantities to avoid long-time storage. Purchase from reputable sources to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese medicine. If any signs of spoilage are found, handle immediately to prevent health risks.
In conclusion, the shelf life and correct storage methods of Chinese medicine are critical for ensuring treatment effectiveness and medication safety. Proper storage can maximize the retention of Chinese medicine’s efficacy and prevent potential risks caused by spoilage.
