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 moisture content of these herbs significantly affects their long-term preservation. In recent years, many commercial entities have started using instruments to measure the dryness level of herbal materials. However, in agricultural production areas where such equipment may not be available, traditional methods based on experience are still widely used. These methods help determine whether the herbs are sufficiently dried for safe storage.
The hand-touch method is often used for leaves, flowers, and other delicate herbal materials. If the material breaks easily when handled and the leaves or flowers crumble into powder with minimal pressure, it indicates that the herb is sufficiently dry. On the contrary, if the material feels soft and does not break easily, it suggests high moisture content, and further drying is necessary.
Another technique is the hand-insertion and biting test, which is particularly useful for fruits and seeds. If the herb can be easily inserted into the hand without resistance and feels hard when bitten, it is considered properly dried. However, if there is significant resistance, or if the fruit or seed feels moist and sticks to the hand, or if it feels soft when bitten, it is not yet dry and needs additional drying time.
The tapping method involves striking two pieces of the herb together. If the sound produced is dull and brittle, it may indicate insufficient drying. However, this method is less effective for herbs with high sugar content, such as Guiyuan meat or asparagus, which do not produce a crisp sound even when fully dried. For these, other indicators should be used.
Observing the cross-sectional characteristics is another reliable method, especially for roots, rhizomes, and stems. When properly dried, the cross-section should be uniform in color, with no clear boundary between the outer and inner parts. If the cross-section appears uneven or retains the color of fresh herbs, it indicates incomplete drying and requires further treatment.
Lastly, the texture judgment method involves assessing the firmness of the dried material. Properly dried herbs are typically hard and brittle, making them difficult to bite or fold. Soft or pliable textures suggest high moisture levels and unsafe storage conditions, requiring additional drying before storage.
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