TK and TC discuss the historical, textual, and clinical uses of flavor in herbs. For folks who really want to get a better understanding of how herbs work, this discussion gets the heart of all Chinese herbal methodology.
TK asks TC about some of his constipation cases and how he decided which herbs to use and why.
TC and TK talk about the various ways that constipation presents in patients and the various formulas you can use to treat the condition
TK and TC talk about the various types and categories of topical herbs that can be useful in the clinic and how to decide what kind of topical to use when.
TC and TK talk about a simplified differential for treating pain with herbs. Consider all the ways you could get better results for your patients by combining a handful of common formulas with your acupuncture to resolve pain problems in a fraction of the time.
TC and TK talk about the core diagnostic tools of Pulse, Tongue, and Abdomen. They discuss differences between the tools and what things they show better than other things as well as some ideas on how to train your diagnostic skills and why its worth taking the time to do it in the first place.
TK asks TC about different headache cases he has treated so that listeners can have an idea of how diagnosis and treatment playes out with real patients.
TK asks TC about his diagnostic tools for understanding the causes of headaches and which formulas he employs to resolve this common problem.
TC and TK talk about making herbs an integral part of your treatment strategy. They provide insights into talking to patients about their herbs, choosing the right form of herbs, and organizing the treatment plan for maximum results.
TC and TK get into some specific examples of treating covid and long covid. Listen in for some treatment specific details!
TK and TC discuss the change in COVID-19 presentations from the pre-vaccine days to the endemic status of the disease now and particularly discuss the complications and symptoms that are put under the umbrella term "Long COVID"
TK and TC talk about the things to consider when setting up your own herbal medicinary, particularly which herbs and formulas they would recommend for folks who are just starting out. Check out TC's 12 starting formulas list here https://www.rootandbranchpharmacy.com/s3ep5shownotes
TK asks TC about another insomnia case study that required some pivot and change to get lasting results. This type of insomnia was rooted in a weakness of digestion and middle jiao function.
TK interviews TC about an insomnia case study with a female patient dealing with Yang Deficient pattern insomnia with concurrent qi stagnation. Listen in to learn about diagnostic methods and the progression of formulas to reach resolution of the condition.
TK and TC talk about the major pathologies underlying difficulties with sleeping as well as some of the lifestyle and hygiene factors that can shape positive or negative sleep outcomes.
There may be no more important aspect to successful herbal prescription that dosage. What each herb is dosed at relative to the others creates the heartbeat of herbal alchemy. And then, how much herb your patient takes how often will determine the ability of your alchemy to make meaningful and lasting change. TK and TC talk about the various aspects of dosing granules and bulk herbs and provide some strategies for thinking about your own dosing techniques.
TC and TK talk about strategic thinking for complex cases - how to scaffold treatment as the disease pattern changes, how to pick which part of a complex picture to start with, and how to adapt when your herbs and acupuncture don't achieve what you are looking for.
TK and TC talk about using herbs and diet to manage diabetes. A bit of diabetic biomedicine, common advice, and thinking about this condition from a CM point of view.
TK and TC talk about getting into, or back into, herbs and some of the base formulas you might want to brush up on as you wade into prescribing more herbs.
Tk and TC discuss the difference between prescribing using Chinese herbs and diagnostic methods compared with the traditions and practices of Western herbalism. They talk about domestic herb production, manufacture and pao zhi, as well as what its like to run and herbal pharmacy.
TC and TK do a deep dive into understanding the pathomechanism that leads to allergies of all types, but particularly seasonal allergies and then discuss formulas that effectively resolve those allergic patterns.
TC and TK talk about strategies for understanding how Cold and Flu manifests in patients and what the best methods are for effectively treating diverse presentations of cold and flu symptoms.
Tk and TC discuss dealing with problems of the upper segment of the digestive system: acid reflux, nausea and vomitting, indigestion
A discussion about interviewing and talking about digestive problems with patients, an exploration of dividing digestive problems into upper and lower groups, and deep dive into formulas used to help with loose stool and diarrhea presentations.
TC and TK discuss two of the sub-groups within the Chai Hu family of formulas. They talk about key signs and symptoms for using Xiao Chai Hu Tang, and its status as a foundational formula for treating Shao Yao Syndrome. Also, they talk about the foundational formulas that make-up Si Ni San and how to know when to implement that formula for a variety of common clinical symptoms.
