Can Shengmai Drink be consumed one month after expiration?

Under normal circumstances, Shengmai Yin (a traditional Chinese medicine) should not be consumed if it has expired by one month, as it may easily cause physical discomfort. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Shengmai Yin is a traditional Chinese medicine composed of red ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), and Schisandra chinensis (Wuweizi). It functions to replenish qi, nourish yin, and promote body fluid production, primarily used for symptoms such as deficiency of both qi and yin, palpitations, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating. These ingredients can maintain their stability and efficacy within the drug's expiration period. However, once the medication expires, its active components may gradually degrade or lose potency, leading to reduced effectiveness or complete ineffectiveness. Moreover, expired Shengmai Yin may undergo deterioration and become contaminated with harmful substances such as bacteria or mold. These contaminants may harm human health and trigger adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal disturbances or allergic responses. Therefore, if Shengmai Yin has been expired for one month, it should not be taken, as it cannot guarantee therapeutic effects and may instead endanger health.

In daily life, attention should be paid to the proper storage conditions of Shengmai Yin, avoiding unfavorable factors such as direct sunlight, high temperature, and humidity that could lead to drug deterioration. When using this medicine, always follow medical advice to ensure both efficacy and safety.