What role can sulfur powder play in the production process of Chinese herbal medicines? Is it legal and compliant to use sulfur product powder as an additive in the production of traditional Chinese medicine?
First of all, the use of sulfur powder in the Chinese herbal medicine industry has a certain significance, because sulfur dioxide will be generated after combustion, and this gas has obvious inhibitory effects on killing pests, as well as bacteria and mold. In addition, it can also combine with the water in the medicinal materials to form sulfurous acid, and then form sulfites, and its antioxidant effect can further prolong the shelf life of the traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In this regard, the use of sulfur powder in the processing of Chinese medicinal materials has positive significance.
However, since the addition of sulfur powder in the processing of Chinese herbal medicines is conducive to the storage of Chinese herbal medicines, and makes its surface fresher and brighter, why are there certain restrictions on its use?
The reason is very simple. After the sulfur dioxide generated by combustion is inhaled into the human body, it is easily absorbed by the moist mucosal surface to generate sulfurous acid, which has a strong stimulating effect on the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to low-concentration sulfur dioxide gas may cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, etc. Systemic symptoms and chronic rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, decreased sense of smell and taste, etc.
Secondly, some merchants do not use the required sulfur powder, but industrial sulfur powder. In this way, the traditional Chinese medicinal materials processed by this sulfur powder will cause heavy metal elements to enter the human body, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, and long-term use. Damage to human organs . Therefore, certain restrictions are imposed on the use of sulfur powder in Chinese herbal medicines, as well as in food processing.