Three Effective Methods for Treating Moldy Medicinal Herbs
During the summer and autumn seasons, high temperatures and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for mold growth on Chinese herbal medicines. These herbs are prone to moisture absorption, which can lead to mold if not handled properly. To prevent economic losses, several specialized treatment methods have been developed for mildew-affected medicinal materials.
The brushing method is suitable for mildly moldy herbs. After drying in the sun or using a dryer, place the herbs in a basket or sack and shake them back and forth. The rubbing action helps remove the mold. This technique works well for herbs like Gui Guishen (Radix Pseudostellariae), Tian Qi (Panax quinquefolius), Ophiopogon japonicus, Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides), Yam (Dioscorea opposita), Jade Gold (Polygonatum sibiricum), Aconite (Aconitum carmichaelii), Morinda (Morinda officinalis), Dipsacus (Dipsacus asperoides), Pueraria (Pueraria lobata), Shoot Dry (Spatholobus suberectus), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Hundred (Cynanchum bungei), Chicken Grass (Lysimachia christinae), Red Buds (Erythrina variegata), and others. However, it is not recommended for long roots or flaky herbs. For these, use a soft brush after drying to gently remove mold, such as with Broad Bean Root (Vigna unguiculata), Rhizoma Imperatae (Imperata cylindrica), Gentian (Gentiana scabra), and Soil Tinea (Poria cocos).
The washing method involves placing moldy herbs in a tank or pot and washing or scrubbing them with water. After washing, dry the herbs thoroughly. Be careful with the color of the herbs—some may fade during washing. After cleaning, ensure they are slightly dried before proceeding. For every 50 kg of herbs, fumigate with 200–250 g of sulfur to enhance their color. Use cold water for mild mold and hot water for more severe cases. The process should be quick to avoid soaking, which could damage active ingredients, reduce aroma, or affect quality. For delicate herbs like Gastrodia (Gastrodia elata) or Fritillaria (Fritillaria thunbergii), mix with Zhuojiao Baifen (a type of flour) before washing to protect the outer layer and minimize loss. This method is effective for herbs like Ming Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula), Fritillaria, Angelica (Angelica sinensis), Asparagus (Asparagus cochinchinensis), Pinellia (Pinellia ternata), stems, Huang Jing (Polygonatum sibiricum), Fleece-Flower Root (Ipomoea batatas), Curcuma (Curcuma longa), Millettia (Millettia reticulata), and South Star (Typhonium giganteum).
The vinegar-washing method is ideal for high-value herbs that cannot be soaked in water, such as Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Ebony (Sappanwood), Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), and Amomum (Amomum villosum). After mold occurs, spray the herbs with vinegar at a ratio of 2.5–3 kg of vinegar per 50 kg of material. Spread the herbs on a mat or clean concrete floor, spray with vinegar, turn them over, and wipe by hand. Once fully sprayed, cover with sacks or cloth and let sit for 1–2 hours. Then spread them out and air dry.
It's important to note that while these methods can remove mold, they may not fully restore the original quality of the herbs. Therefore, it's crucial not to overlook prevention. Proper storage and timely handling remain the best ways to avoid mold in the first place.
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