CRYOGENIC GRINDING TECHNOLOGY FOR TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

The fundamental principle of cryogenic grinding (cryo-grinding) for Chinese herbal medicine is similar to that of grinding methods for conventional materials, but the compositions are very complex, containing aromatics of high volatility, oils and fats, which are easily oxidized. Using liquid nitrogen or liquid air as the cryogen, all of these thermosensitive Chinese herbal medicines can be ground below their brittle temperature. The colour and other properties of the products of cryo-grinding will not be changed and the flavour and nutrition of the medicines will not be lost.