Is it okay to store Chinese medicinal materials in the refrigerator?

　　Is it okay to store Chinese medicinal materials in the refrigerator?

　　Store some unused Chinese medicinal materials in the refrigerator, thinking that they can be stored for a long time. In fact, this method is not suitable.

　　When medicinal materials are placed in the refrigerator, over time, various bacteria can easily invade the medicine, and they are also susceptible to moisture, destroying the medicinal properties of the medicinal materials and causing the medicine to lose its ability to treat diseases.

　　Here are some home preservation methods for common Chinese medicinal materials:

　　Gastrodia elata: prone to insects and mildew, should be stored in a closed, dry container. Place in a dry and ventilated place to prevent moisture return and mildew. At the same time, before the moth season (March-April) every year, it should be taken out and exposed to the sun repeatedly to prevent moths.

　　Ginseng medicinal materials: Ginseng medicinal materials include wild ginseng, red ginseng, sugar ginseng, raw sun-dried ginseng, American ginseng, etc. Because they contain a lot of sugar, mucilage, and volatile oils, they are prone to deterioration such as moisture, oiliness, mold, discoloration, and insect infestation. For ginseng that has been completely dried, it can be sealed in a plastic bag to isolate the air and stored in a cool place. You can also wrap it in a plastic bag, tie it tightly, and place it in the freezer of the refrigerator to store it for a long time.

　　Cordyceps: If the amount is small and the storage time is short, just put it and Sichuan peppercorns in an airtight glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator. You can also spray a small amount of 95% medicinal alcohol or liquor at about 50°C for sealed storage. Cordyceps should not be stored for too long, otherwise the efficacy will be reduced.

　　Deer antler: Place the antler in a ventilated place, then wrap some peppercorns in a cloth and place them next to it. You can also spray a small amount of 95% medicinal alcohol or liquor at about 50°C for sealed storage. If stored properly, the medicinal properties of deer antler will not change within three to five years.

　　Wolfberry: This product contains a lot of sugar and is easily susceptible to moisture absorption, oiliness, mold and insect infestation.； Moreover, the color quality of its ingredients is also extremely unstable and easy to change color. It is a variety that is difficult to maintain among traditional Chinese medicinal materials. You can mix the wolfberry with ethanol spray, then pack it in a non-toxic plastic bag, remove the air, seal it and store it, and take it as you go. This method can not only prevent insects from being eaten, but also make the color as bright as fresh products. Or store wolfberry in the refrigerator at 0-4℃.

　　Saffron: It is a famous traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation. When storing it, you should pay attention to keep it moist. Therefore, it is best to put it in a sealed small porcelain jar and store it in a cool place.

　　Ophiopogon japonicus: Contains viscous sugar and easily absorbs moisture and oil. If it needs to be stored for a long time, it should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated to avoid light.

　　Chrysanthemums, honeysuckle and other flower medicinal materials: contain volatile oils and are prone to discoloration and insect infestation. If stored for a long time, they should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from light.