How long can medicinal wine be steeped at most?

The soaking time for medicinal wine should be determined according to the nature of the medicinal materials and the alcohol concentration. Generally, the soaking period ranges from approximately 15 days to 3 months. 1. Nature of Medicinal Materials: Plant-based materials usually require a shorter soaking time, about 15 days, as their components are more easily extracted. In contrast, animal-based materials or harder traditional Chinese medicines, such as shells, require longer soaking periods to release their active ingredients, typically ranging from 15 to 30 days. 2. Alcohol Concentration: Higher alcohol concentration accelerates the extraction of active ingredients from the medicinal materials, thus requiring a relatively shorter soaking time. It is generally recommended to use white spirits with an alcohol content of 30% ABV (alcohol by volume) or higher. 3. Soaking Precautions: Longer soaking is not necessarily better, as excessive soaking time may cause active ingredients to volatilize or oxidize, thereby reducing the efficacy of the medicine. Additionally, after opening, alcohol in the medicinal wine may evaporate, decreasing its antibacterial effect and increasing the risk of mold development in the herbs. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the medicinal wine within 1 to 2 months after preparation.