Method for judging the drying of Chinese medicinal materials
To ensure the safe storage of Chinese herbal medicines and prevent mold growth, drying is a commonly used method. The level of dryness significantly affects the stability and quality of the herbs during storage. In recent years, many commercial entities have started using instruments to assess the moisture content of herbal materials. However, in many agricultural production areas where such equipment is not available, traditional methods based on experience are still widely used to determine whether the herbs are sufficiently dried. These methods include:
The hand test: For leaves, flowers, or other delicate herbal materials, if they break easily when handled and crumble into powder with minimal pressure, it indicates that they are properly dried and suitable for storage. On the contrary, if the material feels soft and doesn't break easily, it suggests that it's still moist and needs further drying.
The hand insertion and biting test: For fruits and seeds, if they can be easily inserted into the hand without resistance and feel hard when bitten, this is a sign of proper drying. If there is significant resistance, or if the material feels moist, sticks to the hand, or feels soft when bitten, it means the herb is not fully dried and requires additional drying time.
The tapping test: When dried herbs are tapped together, they produce a dull and brittle sound, which may indicate insufficient drying. However, for certain high-sugar herbs like Guiyuan meat or asparagus, the sound after drying may not be crisp. In such cases, other indicators should be used for assessment.
The cross-section observation: For roots, rhizomes, and stems, if the cut surface appears uniform in color and there is no distinct boundary between the outer and inner parts, it suggests that the herb is well-dried. If the cross-section is uneven or still resembles the fresh state, it indicates that the herb is not yet dry and needs more drying time.
The texture test: Properly dried herbs tend to be firm, brittle, and difficult to bend or chew. If the texture feels soft or pliable, it is likely still damp and unsafe for long-term storage. Additional drying is necessary in such cases.
These traditional techniques, although simple, remain effective in many settings where modern tools are unavailable. They rely on sensory perception—touch, sound, and visual inspection—to make accurate judgments about the dryness of herbal materials, ensuring their quality and safety during storage.
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