Three Effective Methods for Treating Moldy Medicinal Herbs
During summer and autumn, high temperatures and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for mold growth on Chinese herbal medicines. These herbs tend to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold if not handled properly. If left untreated or improperly managed, this can result in significant economic losses. To address this issue, the following specialized treatment methods are recommended for mild or moderately moldy medicinal materials:
The Brushing Method: This technique is suitable for mild or slightly moldy herbs. After sun-drying or baking to ensure dryness, place the herbs in a basket or sack and shake them back and forth. The rubbing action helps remove the mold. Use a soft brush to gently clean the surface of herbs such as Gui Guishen, Tian Qi, Ophiopogon japonicus, Ziziphus jujuba, yam, Jade Gold, Aconite, Morinda, Dipsacus, Pueraria, dried shoots, ginger, 100 herbs, chicken grass, red buds, and others. However, this method is not recommended for long roots or flaky herbs. For those, it's better to brush them after drying with a soft brush, like broad bean root, Rhizoma Imperatae, gentian, and soil tinea.
The Washing Method: Moldy herbs can be placed in a container or pot and washed with water. After washing, they should be dried promptly. Be careful with the color of the herbs—some may lose their vibrancy during washing. Ensure that excess water is removed and the herbs are slightly dried before proceeding. For every 50 kg of herbs, fumigate with 200–250 g of sulfur to enhance the color. Use cold water for mild mold and hot water for more severe cases. The washing process should be quick to avoid soaking, which might cause loss of active ingredients and affect the herb’s aroma or quality. Some delicate herbs, like Gastrodia and Fritillaria, should be mixed with flour or Zhuojiao Baifen before washing to prevent damage to the outer layer and reduce loss. This method works well for herbs such as Codonopsis, Fritillaria, Angelica, Asparagus, Pinellia, Huang Jing, fleece-flower root, Curcuma, Millettia, and South Star.
The Vinegar-Washing Method: This is ideal for high-value herbs that cannot be soaked in water, such as hawthorn, Schisandra, ebony, Zao Ren, and Amomum. After mold occurs, spray vinegar over the herbs. The ratio is about 2.5–3 kg of vinegar per 50 kg of herbs. Spread the moldy 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 them sit for 1–2 hours. Then spread them out and air dry.
It’s important to note that while these methods can help remove mold, they may not fully restore the original quality of the herbs. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure. Proper storage and regular inspection are essential to avoid mold in the first place.
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