Tianma is a precious medicinal herb with the effects of relieving wind and calming the liver. It can treat headaches, dizziness, and more. Can Tianma be consumed after its expiration date? How long is the shelf life of Tianma?
Can Tianma be consumed after its expiration date?
It depends on the situation.
Tianma can still be used if it has passed its expiration date but has not experienced any mold or insect infestation. If Tianma shows obvious signs of deterioration, such as a pungent moldy smell, surface damage from insects, or a sticky texture, it should not be consumed. It is recommended to discard or process it.
How long is the shelf life of Tianma?
Approximately 2-3 years.
There is no specific shelf life for Chinese herbal medicine. The texture, quality, and storage conditions of the herbal medicine all have certain effects on its shelf life. Under normal circumstances, Tianma can be stored for 2-3 years, and with proper storage conditions, its shelf life can be longer.
What to do if you have consumed expired Tianma?
1. Mild discomfort
If you experience mild discomfort such as diarrhea or nausea after consuming expired Tianma, you can drink plenty of warm water. Warm water can alleviate the symptoms of discomfort and dilute the harmful substances in the body. It is also important to rest appropriately, which helps the body recover on its own.
2. Severe discomfort
If you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, rapid breathing, or dizziness, it is important to first determine if they are caused by expired Tianma and then seek immediate medical examination.
What are the uses of expired Tianma?
Soaking feet
Tianma contains effective ingredients such as gastrodin and gastrodigenin. Although expired Tianma cannot be consumed, it still has certain medicinal value. You can clean Tianma thoroughly, grind it into powder, and use it to soak your feet. This can promote blood circulation, relieve fatigue, and improve sleep quality.
How to store Tianma properly?
1. Regular storage
Sun-dry Tianma, seal it in a plastic bag, and store it in a sealed container such as glass or ceramic.
2. Low-temperature storage
Seal the Tianma in a container and place it in the refrigerator, making sure it is tightly sealed to prevent cross-contamination with other foods or moisture ingress.
3. Desiccant drying method
This method is similar to regular storage. Seal the Tianma in a container and add desiccants such as quicklime to prevent moisture absorption.
