Do not store medicine for more than a month
In the hot and humid summer, it is common for medicinal herbs to become infested with insects or damp, which can greatly reduce their efficacy or render them completely unusable. This is especially true for precious medicinal herbs like ginseng and deer antler. Although the storage methods may vary for each herb, in general, they should be stored in a cool and well-ventilated place or in the refrigerator. Additionally, medicinal herbs should not be stored for more than one month during the summer.
Do not soak for more than half an hour
It is well known that soaking medicinal herbs before decoction can enhance the release of active ingredients and improve their efficacy. For flower and herb-based medicines like saffron and Houttuynia cordata, soaking for 15-20 minutes is sufficient. For root-based herbs like Zhebei mother, Chinese yam, and Pinellia ternata, which are rich in starch, a slightly longer soaking time is recommended. Animal-based herbs such as black snake and earthworm should be soaked for more than half an hour. However, in the high temperatures of summer, prolonged soaking can lead to spoilage, so the soaking time for medicinal herbs should be shorter during this season, preferably within 30 minutes.
Avoid conflicting with food
In summer, people enjoy consuming cold drinks, chilled fruits, and beverages. For those taking medication, it is important to avoid conflicts with the medicinal properties. For example, individuals with a cold constitution should avoid consuming cold drinks or cold foods when taking warm-tonifying medicines. Similarly, individuals with a hot constitution should avoid eating cold foods when taking heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines to prevent excessive cooling effects.
Store the liquid, not the residue
In general, medicinal herbs can be decocted twice. It is common practice to save the residue from the first decoction and use it for the second decoction in the afternoon or even in the evening. However, in summer, this should be avoided. The correct approach is to decoct the herbs twice continuously, mix the two liquid portions evenly, and divide them into two equal parts. The second portion should be refrigerated and heated when needed. However, for acute conditions such as colds or abdominal pain, in order to quickly achieve the desired effect, it is acceptable to drink the liquid from the first decoction, then decoct the residue and store the liquid from the second decoction.
Avoid using microwave to heat the liquid
When taking out the refrigerated liquid, it is important to thoroughly heat it before consumption to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. The liquid should be placed in a steamer or a rice cooker with water and steamed, rather than using a microwave oven for heating. If the medicine is prepared by a hospital, it can be heated in a bag submerged in hot water at a temperature of 70°C to 80°C.
