Guest guest Posted July 9, 2002 Report Share Posted July 9, 2002 from subhuti dharmananda: Sulfur It was reported, by Frontier Herbs Company, that several Chinese herbs have relatively high levels of sulfur. This is the result of a processing method whereby herbs are spread on screens, underneath which is some heated sulfur. The sulfur fumes waft through the herb material and leave some residue (which is intentional). These sulfur residues are sometimes referred to as sulfites, bringing images of sulfiting agents sprinkled on restaurant lettuce or added to finished wines. However, the sulfur compounds resulting from this method of preserving the herb quality are not known to cause reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals (sulfur is one of the most prevalent elements in the human body, and is essential to all life). Treatment with sulfur is mostly carried out on those herbs that are moist (e.g., ophiopogon) or those that discolor significantly over time (e.g., atractylodes). Some importers specifically obtain herbs that have not been sulfur treated and will mention that in their literature. There may not be any health problems that can associated with the sulfur processing as carried out in China, but those who are concerned now have a choice, at least for crude herb materials. Chinese Herbs " Great spirits have always been violently opposed by mediocre minds " -- Albert Einstein Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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