A question that has been popping up more often as of late is “What is the shelf life of natural herbs?”. The answer might not be what you think.
Understanding how natural herbs are processed and stored before consumption is important. When farm fresh, quality natural herbs leaves are harvested, they will have a very low moisture content and a high alkaloid content.
The plants are then dried by one of two methods – either sun-dried or oven-dried. Sun drying requires very little care or maintenance, whereas oven drying requires a bit more attentive care but also gives the leaves an extra boost in alkaloid content and improves their overall smell and taste.
In the West, natural herbs shelf life is a complicated matter. This medicinal herb has been a staple in Southeast Asia for generations, but we have only recently begun investigating its benefits.
By purchasing in bulk, you confront a problem if you wish to be frugal. The ineffectiveness of buyers and sellers in maintaining their items’ freshness results in diminished efficacy and squandered potential. Find the best place to buy kratom online.
How Long Does Natural Herbs Stay Fresh?
Before going into the specifics and expert advice, let’s cover the fundamentals. What is natural herbs shelf life, can it go bad, and what happens once the expiration date has passed?
We must first explain some chemistry. Kratom includes around 20 identified alkaloids responsible for its beneficial effects on the body. The amounts of these compounds are always highest after the leaves of a kratom tree have been removed. Time then causes things to deteriorate.
Can natural herbs expire? Not really, and it remains harmless even when the compounds degrade. It merely loses effectiveness with time. When purchasing natural herbs from reputable vendors, the shelf life is typically up to three months after grinding the leaves.
After twelve weeks, the product’s efficacy begins to diminish. However, with proper storage, the shelf life of natural herbs can be extended to up to a year. Some of the best stores offer red vein kratom for sale.
Factors that can affect life of this natural herb
1) Ultraviolet light: UV light can cause oxidation, but airtight containers can help protect the product. Any natural herbs in your possession should be kept in a cool, dark place that minimizes exposure to UV rays.
2) Moisture: Excessive moisture is a problem when storing natural herbs powder because it causes the powder to clump together. This increases the risk of biological contamination in addition to humidity being absorbed by the powder itself, leading to quicker degradation of its alkaloids, including the active ones – mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.
3) Temperature: Heat harms natural herbs. The energetic alkaloids degrade quickly when exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.
4) Oxygen: Oxygen exposure causes natural herbs to turn dark and deteriorate. Incorporating an airtight container into your storage system and keeping the powder in a cool, dark place will eliminate the risk of oxygen exposure.
Wrapping Up!
Some may ask, “If natural herbs are so safe and this is the situation for its storage, why should you waste your time trying to extend its shelf life?” The answer is that natural herbs are a unique herb with incredible benefits in combating disease, improving overall health, and even treating cancer.
While its shelf life may be short initially, it can be significantly extended by its unique storage system. Following these tips will ensure you have a fresh supply of your favorite herb for up to a year!
