Can expired ginseng powder still be consumed?
Nov 01, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, expired ginseng powder should not be consumed. As a traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng has a specific shelf life. Once expired, the nutritional components in ginseng powder degrade and its medicinal efficacy diminishes, potentially rendering it ineffective. Moreover, it may deteriorate, and ingestion could adversely affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Generally, it is not recommended to consume expired ginseng powder. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Ginseng powder, made by grinding ginseng root, has various benefits such as nourishing blood and boosting qi, strengthening the spleen and lungs, and improving skin health. However, as a traditional Chinese medicinal product, ginseng powder has a specific shelf life. After expiration, its nutritional components degrade and its therapeutic effects diminish, potentially rendering it ineffective. Moreover, expired ginseng powder may spoil, and consumption could irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, expired ginseng powder should generally not be consumed.
When stored in a cool, dry environment, ginseng powder typically has a shelf life of about two years. However, if stored in a damp and hot environment, its shelf life may shorten to approximately one year. To extend the shelf life of ginseng powder, avoid storing it in areas exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
The recommended duration for taking ginseng powder is two months, followed by a one-week break. This is because ginseng powder strongly replenishes vital energy (qi), and prolonged or excessive use may lead to toxicity. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is an ideal season for tonification; therefore, taking ginseng powder during winter is considered most beneficial.
