This episode covers the Chinese herb formula Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction). This is another formula that does two almost opposite things: helps exterior cold while clearing interior heat. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb in this formula. And, as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…we are g...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 58
This episode covers the Chinese herb Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit). This is a relatively commonly used Chinese herb. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode: we will be looking at another classic of Chinese literature: the Bing Fa or The Art of War. Please join us as we learn about the importa...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
This episode covers the herb Sumac. This is a delicious middle eastern and African spice, but does it have medicinal properties? Spoiler alert: it does have medicinal properties and we are going to explore them with our usual thoroughness. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode: the foundati...
Nov 08, 2023•57 min•Ep. 56
This episode covers one of the traditional categories of formulas, Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Cold. These formulas are incredibly important for treating specific types the everyday cold and flu. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including the formulas in the category, and common functions, we will explore the science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of this category of formulas. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode: we...
Oct 11, 2023•57 min•Ep. 55
This episode covers the Chinese formula Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthis Fruit Powder). This formula transforms phlegm by treating qi and helping the organs to do their proper jobs, while also moistening. As usual, we will go into depth about the formula. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a...
Sep 27, 2023•57 min•Ep. 54
Today, we are going to be looking at another Chinese herb: Lian Qiao, Forsythia Fruit. This is a very commonly used Chinese herbs especially for treating colds. Or at least certain types of colds, which we are going to discuss in the episode. And as always, we will look at something a little different…Today we are looking at one of my "soapbox topics:" the concept of whole foods vs. refined substances. Please join us as we go in depth to learn about Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit).
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 53
This episode covers the herb Curry Tree or Murraya koenigii. We will be discussing the medicinal as well as the culinary uses of this Ayurvedic herb. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. We cover the basics of herbology, and explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode discusses the wonderful culinary dish...
Aug 16, 2023•46 min•Ep. 52
Today, we are going to be looking at another Chinese herb: cang er cao, xanthium or cockleburr. If this sounds familiar, we have discussed cang er zi or xanthium fruit when we discussed the formula cang er zi san or xanthium powder. That formula used the fruit of this plant, in this episode we will discuss the whole plant. Is there a difference in functions? Toxicity? Why would we use one instead of the other? Let’s find out the answers to these questions. And as always, we will look at somethin...
Aug 02, 2023•52 min•Ep. 51
This episode is quite a special one: it is our 50th episode! We will be covering a very interesting, and one of my favorite, formulas: xue fu zhu yu tang or drive out stasis from the mansion of blood decoction. This is a great formula for pain in the chest and I frequently use a modification for treating low back pain in many of my patients. We will, as usual, cover the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, and explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidenc...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 50
This episode covers the Chinese herb Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean). This is not only a relatively common herb, it is also a very common food. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode we dive into one of the absolutely fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 49
This episode covers the common herb Valerian. This is common and ancient herb with a good amount of scientific evidence. As usual, we will cover the basics of Valerian including its category, functions, history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode is really cutting edge as we examine the question, can artificial intelligence help us understand herbs? Please join us as we learn ...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 48
This episode covers the Chinese herb Yin Yang Huo (Epimedi). This is one of my favorite Chinese herbs: yín yáng huò or epimedium. The origin story for this herb gives the fifth grader in me giggles. Despite that, this is a very interesting, powerful, and useful herb. And as always, we will look at something a little different…today, we will look at the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan dynasties. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides coveri...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 47
This episode covers the Chinese formula Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia Powder that Sagely Unblocks). This is an interesting formula that both releases the exterior and purges the interior. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 46
This episode covers a historically, if not currently, important herb with ramifications in alchemy and the basis of chemistry: Zhu Sha (Cinnabar). Each episode covers another traditional herb from somewhere in the world and goes into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of the herb including its traditional use and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little...
Apr 26, 2023•59 min•Ep. 45
This episode covers the very popular and very different Ayurvedic "herb" Shilajit. Each episode covers another traditional herb from somewhere in the world and goes into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of the herb including its traditional use and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode continues our discussion ...
Apr 13, 2023•55 min•Ep. 44
This episode covers the pretty obscure Chinese herb Zao Xin Tu (Furnace Soil). Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode discusses a recently discovered prescriptions from a prominent Buddhist physician, Jianzhen, who helped establish kampo Japanese herbal medicine. P...
Mar 29, 2023•57 min•Ep. 43
This episode covers the very useful Chinese formula Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium Powder). Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episodes continues our exploration of the greatest doctors in the history of the world with one of the most important Chinese doctors of all time, S...
Mar 15, 2023•59 min•Ep. 42
This episode covers the very useful Chinese herb and food Yi Yi Ren or Chinese Pearl Barley or Job's Tears. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episodes continues our exploration of the greatest doctors in the history of the world with the amazing Arabic doctor, Ibn SIn...
Mar 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 41
This episode covers the herb Aloe Vera which is a Western, Ayurvedic, and Chinese herb. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. There will always be something different to learn as we discuss someone who is considered one of, if not the, greatest doctor of all time, the GOAT: Galen of Pergamon. Join us to learn about Aloe Vera!
Feb 15, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 40
This episode covers the Chinese herb Ren Shen (Ginseng). Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. There will always be something different to learn as we discuss the various ginseng forms and types. Join us to learn about Ren Shen (Ginseng).
Dec 05, 2022•55 min•Ep. 39
This episode covers the Chinese formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn as we conclude our introduction ...
Nov 22, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 38
This episode covers one of the traditional categories of formulas, Nourish the Blood and Qi formulas. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including the formulas in the category, and common functions, we will explore the science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of the category of formulas. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to...
Nov 08, 2022•57 min•Ep. 37
This episode covers the herb calamus, Acori calami Rhizoma, or shui chang pu. This herb is used in the Western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic traditions of medicine. We will look at its various functions and how they may compare between traditions. And, as usual, we will be covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And as always, we will look at something a little dif...
Oct 25, 2022•58 min•Ep. 36
This episode covers the Chinese herb Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia), one of the most important herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia. It is an incredibly important and commonly used herb in many tonic and gynecological formulas. As usual we will be covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And as always, we will look at something a little different: we w...
Oct 11, 2022•55 min•Ep. 35
This episode covers the Chinese formula Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal). This formula is actually part of an important class of herbal formulas dating back to the second century ce. We will also be discussing these Bǎi Hé Bìng or Lily Bulb (or hundred-union) Diseases. As usual we will be covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each...
Sep 28, 2022•57 min•Ep. 34
This episode covers the Chinese herb Hong Qu (Red Yeast Rice). This is an absolutely amazing herb which revolutionized drug care for cardiac patients. We will be taking a deep dive into cholesterol, what it is and how it is treated, as well as the discoverer of statin drugs. Which just happened to be discovered by researching this episode's herb. As usual we will be covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category and functions, the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, a...
Sep 13, 2022•51 min•Ep. 33
Er Chen Tang is a foundational formula and is the mother of many famous and important formulas in Chinese herbology. It in the dry dampness and transform phlegm category of herbs, but its influence extends to much more. Historically, this formula has a long history and influence on the application of medicinals in China. And, of course, we will explore "something a little different": phlegm as an internal pathogen in Chinese medicine. Please join us for an amazing journey with an amazing formula...
Aug 31, 2022•59 min•Ep. 32
We continue our unintended exploration of delicious herbs to look at Tian Men Dong or Asparagus Tuber. This episode of Sperb’s Herbs will explore all of the uses, category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of this wonderful Chinese herb. And of course, we will look at something a little different: the philosophical concept of yin. Join us for an exploration of another great tasting herb in the pharmacopeia.
Aug 17, 2022•51 min•Ep. 31
Another delicious herb, this episode is doing a deep dive into blackberry. We will discuss its traditional uses as well as the science behind it. And of course, we will be looking at something a little different: a landmark case for the sale and use of herbs in the United States: Fmali v. Heckler.
Aug 02, 2022•58 min•Ep. 30
Mint is such a versatile herb: lots of various medical and culinary uses and it is super tasty. This episode of Sperb’s Herbs will explore all of these uses, category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of mint. And of course, we will look at something a little different: menthol and its uses. Join us for an exploration of one of the best tasting herbs in the pharmacopeia.
Jul 18, 2022•56 min•Ep. 29
