Chuanbei can be stored for several years without spoiling

Chuanbei can usually be stored for 2-3 years without spoilage under dry, cool, and sealed storage conditions. The shelf life of traditional Chinese medicine is closely related to the storage environment, mainly influenced by factors such as storage temperature, humidity, and packaging method.

As the dried bulb of the lily family plant fritillaria thunbergii, its active ingredients such as alkaloids and saponins are easily deliquescent or oxidized. Traditional preservation methods often use lime tanks or ceramic jars for sealing, while modern recommendations suggest using food grade aluminum foil bags to evacuate and store in a cool place. If stored properly, the appearance can maintain a white or slightly yellow color, the texture is hard and brittle, and there are no mold or insect infestations. The medicinal effect can usually last for a long time. The high temperature and high humidity environment in summer may accelerate the deterioration of medicinal materials, and regular inspections are needed to check for softening, discoloration, or odor.

After spoilage, Chuanbei may exhibit surface oiling, darkening to brown color, and emit a rancid odor, indicating that the medicinal material has undergone oil oxidation or mold growth and should not be continued to be used. Some merchants may use sulfur fumigation to extend the shelf life, but excessive sulfur dioxide residue may cause respiratory irritation. When purchasing, attention should be paid to whether the medicinal materials have a pungent odor. If adhesion or powder agglomeration is found between Chuanbei and the inner wall of the storage container, even if the expiration date has not been exceeded, the use should be stopped.

It is recommended to store Chuanbei in an environment with a temperature of 15-20 ℃ and a relative humidity of 45% -55%, and it can be stored together with desiccants. When purchasing, prioritize small packages with production dates and use them as soon as possible after opening. If long-term storage is required, it can be taken out and dried for 1-2 hours every six months, but avoid direct sunlight that may cause the decomposition of active ingredients. In case of cough symptoms, the scallop can be mixed with snow pear and rock sugar to make Tonic Diet according to the doctor's advice. The deteriorated medicinal materials are not only ineffective, but also may aggravate the disease.