I bought Danshen powder last year but didn't finish it. This year, it seems to have expired. Can I still eat expired Danshen powder?
Can I Eat Expired Danshen Powder?
It is not recommended to eat expired Danshen powder.
Whether it is food or medicinal herbs, it is not recommended to consume them once they have expired. The same goes for Danshen powder. Expired Danshen powder may contain mold or other harmful bacteria due to being stored for a long time. Consuming expired Danshen powder not only fails to produce its intended medicinal effects, but it may also cause gastrointestinal reactions such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
What to Do If You Have Eaten Expired Danshen Powder
1. Stop taking it
If you have only consumed a small amount of expired Danshen powder, you may not experience any discomfort. Simply stop consuming the expired Danshen powder.
2. Drink plenty of water
If you experience abdominal discomfort, pain, or diarrhea after consuming expired Danshen powder, try to drink plenty of warm water or pure milk. This can help dilute the Danshen powder in the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, it can promote the elimination of the remaining Danshen powder from the digestive system to prevent further worsening of the symptoms.
3. Seek medical attention
If the abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other discomfort becomes severe or if other symptoms arise, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention to avoid delaying the optimal treatment time.
How to Determine If Danshen Powder Has Expired
1. Color
Normal Danshen powder is light reddish-brown or coffee-colored. Expired Danshen powder may clump together or contain mold spots.
2. Odor
Fresh Danshen powder has a slight odor, usually with no distinct smell. Expired Danshen powder may have a musty or other unpleasant odor.
What Is the Shelf Life of Danshen Powder?
The shelf life is 1-2 years.
Danshen powder is made from dried roots and stems of the Danshen plant. The commonly available packaged Danshen powder has a shelf life of 1-2 years. If you purchase Danshen and grind it into powder yourself, the shelf life depends on the residual moisture content in the Danshen. The more moisture it retains, the shorter the shelf life, and the less moisture it contains, the longer the shelf life. Proper storage can prolong its shelf life.
How to Store Danshen Powder
The principle of storing Danshen powder is to keep it dry and prevent it from getting damp or moldy.
1. Store in a cool and dry place. Seal the Danshen powder in a bag and place it in a cool, well-ventilated, and dry area, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
2. Store in the refrigerator. After sealing the Danshen powder in a plastic bag, place it in a plastic bottle or glass jar, tightly close the lid to prevent moisture from entering, and store it in the refrigerator's freshness compartment.
