Using traditional Chinese medicine cabinets in humid regions of the south
In humid areas of the south, how to deal with the problem that medicinal materials get damp and moldy when stored in traditional medicine cabinets?
A complete solution for moisture prevention and mold control in humid areas of the south
I. Select the right cabinet material (reduce moisture absorption at the source)
Preferred cabinet configuration
Outer layer: multi-layer solid wood board / elm wood (not prone to absorbing moisture and deforming), add a whole piece of camphor wood lining inside the drawers; camphor wood contains camphor components, which can both repel insects and slightly absorb moisture and inhibit bacteria.
It is not recommended to use pure pine wood for the entire cabinet; pine wood has large pores, and during the rainy season, it is very likely to absorb moisture and get moldy.
Moisture prevention design of cabinet structure must be selected
The cabinet bottom should be raised by more than 10 cm above the ground, to isolate the moisture from the ground and prevent the cabinet bottom from getting wet and re-moisturizing;
The upper layer should be equipped with a ventilated cabinet door with slats, to increase air circulation and reduce the dampness in the cabinet;
The drawers should be equipped with sealing rubber strips to prevent outdoor moisture from entering the compartments.
II. Practical methods for dehumidification and mold prevention inside the cabinet
Place natural dehumidifying materials in different areas (without contaminating the medicinal herbs)
Place camphor wood blocks, dried dried tangerine peel, and calcined cinnabar ore at the bottom of each medicinal cabinet and in the unused compartments. These natural materials can absorb moisture and inhibit bacteria, without chemical odors;
Valuable medicinal herbs in the drawers can be placed in independent breathable cloth bags filled with quicklime / silica gel drying agents, and the drying agents should be replaced monthly;
Do not mix drying agents and medicinal herbs directly, to avoid powder leakage and contamination of the herbs.
Auxiliary moisture prevention for medicinal herbs
For root and stem herbs, flowers, and herbs containing sugar that are prone to moisture, first use kraft paper or cotton cloth bags to separate and then place them in the compartments to isolate the cabinet moisture.
III. Controlling humidity in the store environment (core long-term measure)
Regularly turn on dehumidification equipment
During the rainy season and when the weather is humid, turn on industrial dehumidifiers throughout the day to stabilize the indoor humidity at 45%–60%; when there is no dehumidifier, place multiple high-power exhaust fans.
Control ventilation and moisture prevention time
Only open windows for ventilation during sunny noon and afternoon dry periods; close the doors and windows in the morning, rainy days, and during the humid and rainy season to prevent outdoor moisture from entering the indoor and adhering to the herbs.
Moisture prevention treatment of the floor
Place moisture-proof mats and waterproof membranes under the cabinet, and for the first floor store, you can also match moisture-proof carpets to block the moisture from rising from the ground.
IV. Daily maintenance and care to prevent mold growth
Regularly clean the cabinet
Use dry cotton cloth to wipe the interior of the cabinet and the bottom of the drawers every week, and open all drawers to ventilate and dry for 2 hours (avoid direct sunlight during midday to prevent cracking of the wood); do not use wet rags to directly clean the interior of the cabinet.
Early detection of mold
Check the bottom and wall compartments of the bottom layer of medicinal herbs weekly; the bottom layer has the heaviest moisture; if you find a slight mold spot, immediately remove the herbs for drying, and clean the drawers and replace with new camphor wood for dehumidification.
Protect and reinforce the paint surface
Check the cabinet paint surface before summer every year, repair and repaint the areas with peeling paint or exposed wood with closed primer, seal the wood pores to reduce moisture absorption.
