How to Store Valuable Chinese Medicinal Herbs in Summer
Introduction: Many households keep some valuable and nourishing Chinese medicinal herbs for health, such as Cordyceps, Cow Bezoar, Deer Antler, and Ginseng. Improper storage can lead to loss, so how should these valuable herbs be stored in summer? Here, we introduce some simple and correct storage methods.
Cordyceps: Refrigerate
To store Cordyceps, place them in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry place to prevent moisture and insect infestation. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can place the Cordyceps in a glass container, seal the cap, and then refrigerate. You can also store Cordyceps with Sichuan peppercorns or tree peony bark to extend their shelf life. If the herbs become damp, they should be sun-dried promptly. Sun-drying is only an emergency measure; the most appropriate method is to air-dry the Cordyceps in a ventilated, cool place to prevent insect infestation.
Cow Bezoar: Not Suitable for Refrigeration
Store in dark brown glass bottles or in a tin box with plastic packaging. Cow Bezoar should not be refrigerated to prevent it from turning black and becoming ineffective. If it gets moldy, it can be wiped with white liquor.
Deer Antler, Gecko: Use Peppercorns to Prevent Infestation
For storage, it is best to wrap them in fine cloth and place them in a small camphor wood box, a leather case, or an ash wood box, sealed tightly. A small amount of Sichuan peppercorns should be mixed in before wrapping to prevent insects. Among these, Deer Antler powder should be stored in a porcelain bottle. Gecko is highly susceptible to mold and insect infestation, and its tail can easily fall off. When storing Gecko, do not forget to add Sichuan peppercorns and protect the tail, as the tail is the main medicinal part.
Saffron: Seal in a Porcelain Jar
Saffron is a well-known blood-activating Chinese medicine. Its storage should focus on maintaining its oiliness, so it is best to place it in a small, sealed porcelain jar and store it in a cool place. Sanqi (Notoginseng) should be stored in a dry ash wood box, or stored by referring to the method for storing sugar with Ginseng.
Ginseng: Store with Sugar
Ginseng contains a high amount of sugars, mucilage, and volatile oils, making it prone to spoilage such as moisture, oiling, mold, discoloration, and insect infestation.
1. An appropriate amount of glutinous rice should be stir-fried until slightly yellowish, then placed together with the Ginseng in a sealable glass jar. The stir-fried rice should completely cover the Ginseng. 2. Use a sealable glass, enamel, or ceramic container. Spread a layer of fresh, lump-free white sugar about 2-3 cm thick at the bottom. Place a layer of Ginseng on top, then cover with another 1-2 cm of sugar. Seal the container and store in a cool place. When needed, take out the required amount and reseal immediately.
In addition, valuable Chinese medicines such as Pearl Powder and Musk can be stored in tightly sealed small bottles in a cool, dry place to prevent them from losing their potency. Bird's nest should be sealed and stored in a cool, dry place, or it can be stored in a lime box. Musk must not be stored with aromatic drugs like Borneol or Menthol. During the storage of powdered valuable medicines, the container should be shaken frequently to prevent hardening.