About three years.
In terms of Chinese medicinal materials, general medicinal materials can be preserved for about 2 years; The shelf life of woody plants is about 4 years, and that of minerals is about 10 years. Cistanche deserticola is a parasitic plant, and its shelf life is related to the degree of dryness. If there is more water left in it, the shelf life will be shorter. General cistanche deserticola can be preserved for about 3 years or even longer if the dryness is good and the preservation method is proper.
There is no expired cistanche deserticola, and the smell is slight. If Cistanche deserticola smells musty, it proves that Cistanche deserticola has expired.
Moldy cistanche deserticola is not recommended.
For cistanche deserticola, shelf life means moldy or moth-eaten. Generally speaking, it is not recommended to continue to eat this kind of cistanche deserticola, because moldy food will produce various substances harmful to human body, which will not only fail to achieve the drug effect after taking it, but may also affect human health.
Cistanche deserticola is prone to mildew and moth-eaten, so it should be well protected against mildew and moth-eaten, and stored in a dry and ventilated place. The specific storage method is as follows:
1, stored in a ventilated place. Cistanche deserticola is sealed with plastic bags and placed in a dry and ventilated place to avoid humidity and direct sunlight.
2, the refrigerator is fresh. Steam cistanche deserticola in water, dry it, seal it with plastic bags to prevent water vapor from entering, then put it in a glass jar, cover it and put it in the refrigerator.