During the storage of traditional Chinese medicines, it is crucial to prevent various forms of degradation such as infestation by insects, mold growth, discoloration, loss of fragrance, decay, efflorescence, melting, and adhesion. These issues can significantly affect the quality and efficacy of the herbs.
The primary factors that contribute to the deterioration of medicinal materials include:
**Temperature:**
Medicinal substances have specific temperature tolerances. Extreme temperatures can cause changes in their chemical composition. When the temperature exceeds 35°C, oils in certain herbs may separate, reducing their potency. Herbs rich in volatile oils may lose their aromatic properties due to heat. Additionally, animal glues, plant gums, and resins can become soft, sticky, or even melt when exposed to high temperatures. On the other hand, temperatures between 20°C and 35°C create ideal conditions for the growth of insects and molds, leading to spoilage.
**Humidity:**
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. The moisture content of the herbs is closely related to the surrounding humidity. Most medicines should maintain a water content of about 10–20%. If the air is too humid, the herbs may absorb excess moisture, increasing their water content and making them prone to mold and decay.
**Air:**
Air contains oxygen, which can react with certain components in the herbs, causing color changes and chemical degradation. For example, paeonol and Huang Jing often darken due to oxidation of compounds like tannins, sugars, and oils.
**Sunlight:**
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage pigments and chlorophyll in some herbs, leading to discoloration. Therefore, red and green-colored herbs should be stored away from direct sunlight to preserve their appearance and potency.
To properly store and maintain different types of medicinal herbs, several methods are recommended:
**Insect-prone Medicines:**
Herbs such as Codonopsis, Coltsfoot, Coix seed, and black snake are highly susceptible to insect infestation. To prevent this, they should be stored in dry, well-ventilated warehouses. The floor should be kept dry through proper ventilation, and materials like lime, ash, or charcoal can be used to absorb excess moisture. Shelves should be at least 40 cm off the ground, and wooden shelves covered with linoleum paper can help with separation and cleaning. Sealing, refrigeration, fumigation, or using natural repellents can also be effective in keeping pests away.
**Oil-rich and Mold-prone Medicines:**
Herbs containing oils, such as Achyranthes, Asparagus, and Atractylodes, are prone to oiling out or mold growth. These should be stored in cool, dry areas to prevent moisture absorption and subsequent spoilage.
**Discoloration and Odor-loss Prone Medicines:**
Flowers, leaves, whole plants, and seeds like lotus, safflower, and cloves are sensitive to temperature, humidity, air, and light. They should be stored in a dry, cool place with controlled temperature and humidity. It's important to rotate stock regularly and avoid long-term storage. These herbs should also be kept separate from other strongly scented herbs to prevent cross-contamination.
**Heat-sensitive and Melting Medicines:**
Herbs such as Ejiao, catechu, and camphor have low melting points and can easily stick or deform when exposed to heat. They must be stored in cool, shaded areas and properly packaged to protect them from temperature fluctuations.
**Deliquescent and Efflorescent Medicines:**
Crystalline salts like Glauber’s salt can dissolve in high humidity. These should be stored in dry, dark, and wind-protected areas. Packaging should be moisture-proof and non-ventilated to prevent dissolution.
**Special Custody Medicines:**
Venomous, flammable, and high-value drugs require special handling and storage according to strict regulations to ensure safety and maintain quality.
Proper storage not only preserves the integrity of the herbs but also ensures their effectiveness when used in treatment. Regular monitoring and appropriate environmental controls are essential for maintaining the quality of traditional Chinese medicines over time.
Hydrogen water bottle,best hydrogen water bottle,hydrogen bottle
Shenzhen Yibainian Investment Industrial Co., Ltd. , https://www.100hydrogenwater.com