Houpo is a type of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically referring to the dried bark, root bark, and branch bark of the Houpo tree. The bark of the Houpo tree can only be peeled off after the tree has grown for more than 20 years, and the best time to do so is during the vigorous growth period from April to August. As a type of traditional Chinese medicine, the quality of Houpo can be judged based on its shape, smell, color, and other factors. After judging the quality, it needs to be classified, packaged, and stored in a cool and dry place.
1. Judgment of Houpo Quality
(1) Houpo should be rolled into a cylindrical shape, with 2-3 rolls of main bark and root bark. Each roll should be 40-90 cm long, thick, and have a thickness of 0.8-2 cm. The outer surface should be free of rough skin and cracks, and should be grayish-brown in color. The inner surface should be purplish-brown. When testing the quality by hand, it should feel heavy and solid. Scratching the surface with fingernails should leave visible marks and reveal an oily texture. When tasted, it should have a strong ginger-spicy flavor and should not leave fibrous residue after chewing.
(2) Houpo is a mountainous plant with strong resistance to diseases and pests. Trees that are over 10 years old are generally not prone to diseases and pests and require minimal use of pesticides. The medicinal bark of the tree usually does not contain pesticide residue, making it relatively environmentally friendly. However, due to differences in planting locations, there may be varying levels and types of heavy metal elements in the soil and water. These substances may be absorbed and stored in the plant during the growth process. Therefore, as a medicinal material, testing for heavy metal content and pesticide residue is necessary and should be conducted according to relevant national standards.
2. Packaging and Storage of Houpo
(1) Packaging
The packaging specifications generally follow traditional practices, with each package weighing between 25-50 kg. The packaging materials should be sturdy, clean, dry, without damage, holes, or contamination. Packaging materials can include cardboard boxes, woven bags, or jute bags, and should have a moisture-proof layer. The package should also be clearly labeled with the product name, origin, specifications, grade, and production date.
(2) Storage and Transportation
If not stored properly, the quality of Houpo can be affected, resulting in losses. It should be stored in a dedicated warehouse or room that is sheltered from wind, dry, cool, clean, hygienic, and safe. The temperature should be maintained between 10-18°C, and the safe moisture content for Houpo is between 9-14%. The distance between the shelves and walls should not be less than 1 meter, and the height of the shelves from the ground should be 30-50 cm. Houpo with a moisture content exceeding 15% should not be stored in the warehouse and should undergo appropriate drying treatment.
The warehouse or storage room should be managed by dedicated personnel and regularly checked to prevent moisture, mold, high temperatures, rodents, and insect infestation. Measures should also be taken to prevent theft and fire. Before the high-temperature and high-humidity season, the storage should be sealed. During transportation, attention should be paid to the cleanliness and ventilation of the transport containers, and mixing with toxic, harmful, flammable, or odor-absorbing substances should be strictly prohibited.
