I was given dried chinese herbs to boil a few months ago, does anyone know how long they last?

Answer 1

I agree with "Lump58". If you didn't cook them, they'll last about a year; but that depends on the ingredients. If any of them are fresh berries, like "Gou Qi Zi" (wolfberries) or if they are aromatic (oily) then when they dry out they won't be as potent. The more they dry the less effective. If it was a powder or granules, they'll last longer. If they still have a strong odor, then they should still be ok.

If you did boil them, they won't last over a week and can start to grow fungus - trash it if you boiled it and fridged it for more than a week.

Answer 2

If you kept them in the freezer, they are probably fine. If not, check them for mold and if they look fine, go ahead and use them. After boiling, the liquid will keep overnight in the fridge ok, but any longer than that? Don't know, have no experience with that. I've personally had very good success with dried Chinese herbs for endometriosis symptoms. They were prescribed by a doctor from China who studied medicine in China extensively.

Answer 3

They keep if there were kept in a sealed container or bag away from light and heat. Once boiled use what you can then trash the remaining. Herbs once boiled - don't keep. Not even in the frig. You can keep using the dry herbs just as long as they are kept fresh, as stated.

Now if there are approaching a year - then I would get a new batch.

Answer 4

Generally, chinese herbs can keep for a long time, about a
year or too, provided you store it well in a clean and sealed container. If the herbs turn mouldy, then they are taken out
for sun-drying, but you may lose some of its good properties.
Once, they are boiled and used, they are discarded and can-
not be reused.
So, please check your existing herbs whether it is in good
condition or not.