To properly store traditional Chinese medicinal materials, you can follow these guidelines:
Choose the Right Container: Use clean, dry, and odorless containers such as glass bottles, ceramic jars, or sealed plastic bags. Ensure the containers are airtight to prevent the entry of air, moisture, and odors.
Maintain Dryness: Keep the medicinal materials in a dry environment to prevent mold and deterioration. You can place desiccants such as silica gel or quicklime in the containers to absorb excess moisture.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Protect the medicinal materials from direct sunlight as ultraviolet rays can damage their active ingredients. Store them in a cool, shaded place.
Control Temperature: Store the medicinal materials at a suitable temperature, generally between 15°C and 25°C. Extremely high temperatures may cause the volatilization or deterioration of active ingredients, while extremely low temperatures may affect the properties of certain materials.
Seal Tightly: Ensure that the containers are tightly sealed to prevent the entry of air, moisture, and odors. Use sealing clips or tape for plastic bags, and screw on the lids tightly for glass bottles or ceramic jars.
Store by Category: Separate different medicinal materials to avoid cross-contamination and flavor mixing. You can categorize them according to their properties, uses, or other criteria.
Regular Inspection: Regularly check the condition of the medicinal materials. If there are signs of mold, insect infestation, or deterioration, handle them promptly.
Follow the Shelf Life: Be aware of the shelf life of the medicinal materials and use them within that period. Some fresh herbs have a shorter shelf life.
Avoid Contact with Odorous Items: Medicinal materials easily absorb odors, so avoid storing them with items that have strong smells, such as detergents or perfumes.
Pest Control: You can place pest control agents such as camphor balls or Sichuan peppercorns in the storage containers to prevent insect infestation.
Special Requirements: Some medicinal materials may have specific storage requirements. For example, certain materials need to be stored in wine, vinegar, or honey after processing. Following these traditional methods can help maintain their efficacy.
Consult Professionals: If you are unsure about the storage of a particular medicinal material, it is best to consult a professional Chinese medicine practitioner or pharmacist for advice.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your traditional Chinese medicinal materials are stored properly, maintaining their quality and efficacy.
