Traditional Chinese medicine is effective for treating illnesses, no doubt. However, many people today worry about purchasing counterfeit drugs. The TCM market is currently a mixed bag, especially for some precious herbs. After processing, they may be counterfeited in ways we cannot easily detect. So, what methods can we use to distinguish their authenticity? Below, we introduce a method using water to identify the authenticity of TCM herbs. We hope this will be helpful to you.
Water Soak Test for Authenticating Traditional Chinese Medicines
Saffron
When saffron is placed in water, the liquid turns yellow, not red, with no sediment. The stigma (located at the top of the pistil) expands into a trumpet shape, and no oily floating matter appears. If the water-soaked stigma appears stringy or thread-like, it may be made from daylily flowers;If adulterated with fine sand, starch, or vegetable oil, sediment and oily floats will appear.
Donkey-hide Gelatin
Place donkey-hide gelatin in boiling water to dissolve. The solution turns reddish-brown with no sediment at the bottom, remaining clear and not cloudy. Counterfeit gelatin may be made from mixed animal hides. Its water solution appears brownish-black, forming large flakes that sink, leaving dark residue.
Erythrina Seeds
When placed in hot water, genuine seeds expand sponge-like to 8 times their original volume. Counterfeit seeds expand slowly and only reach 2 times their original size.
Qinpi
When placed in a transparent glass cup filled with water, the water may exhibit a turquoise-blue fluorescence under sunlight. Counterfeit Qinpi, made from tree bark, produces no fluorescence in water.Counterfeits also produce a milky liquid when wet, but it emerges slowly and does not form a raised area.Counterfeit牛黄 is often made from powders of Coptis, rhubarb, turmeric, egg yolk, or potato mixed with plant dyes. When placed in water, it dissolves rapidly, breaks apart, stains the water, and causes cloudiness.
Soaking in water is one method to identify the authenticity of traditional Chinese medicine. We hope this guide proves helpful. Wishing you good health and smooth sailing this winter.