Sperb's Herbs Podcast

Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf)

In this episode, we are going to be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: fan xie ye, Sennae Folium, or senna leaf. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of purgatives under the category of downward draining herbs. It can be very helpful for constipation. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…We are going to look at science again as well as laxatives from both pharmaceutical and Chinese medical perspectives.

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. Please join us for this fascinating episode as we explore fan xie ye, Sennae Folium, or senna leaf!

Desert Quandong (Santalum acuminatum)

In this episode, we will explore another interesting herb of the world from Australia and Aboriginal medicine: Desert Quandong or Santalum acuminatum helpful for pain relief. We are going to do our usual deep dive into this herb and find out if there is any evidence or concerns. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…We will be discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists and how Chinese medicine may affect them.

 

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. Please join us on another trek into the continent of Australia as we explore Desert Quandong or Santalum acuminatum!

Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower)

In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: Xīn Yí, Magnoliae Flos, or Magnolia Flower. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior under the category of release the exterior herbs. It is helpful for certain types of colds and helps nasal conditions. And we are going to discuss, as our little something different, phantasia, aphantasia, and hyperphantasia.

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. Please join us for another interesting episode as we examine Xīn Yí, Magnoliae Flos, or Magnolia Flower!

Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction)

In this episode, we will explore another Chinese herbal formula: xiǎo qīng lóng tāng or Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction. This formula is in the sub-category of formulas that release exterior wind-cold and is especially good at treating copious mucus. We are going to do our usual deep dive into this formula and find out if there is any evidence or concerns. We have an extra long episode, so we are going to skip the something a little different...

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. It is going to be another scintillating discussion of herbs…please join us as we examine xiǎo qīng lóng tāng or Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction!

Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower)

In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: jú huā, Chrysanthemi Flos, or chrysanthemum flower. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of cool, acrid herbs that release the exterior under the category of release the exterior herbs. It is helpful for certain types of colds and helps the liver and the eyes. This episode is pretty jam packed, so we are going focus on our herb of the day and look at something a little different in our next episode...

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. Please join us as we examine jú huā, Chrysanthemi Flos, or chrysanthemum flower!

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)

In this episode, we will explore another interesting herb of the world: Stevia or Stevia rebaudiana, known for its sweetness, but are there other medicinal properties? We are going to find out as we do our usual deep dive into this herb and find out if there is any evidence or concerns. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to do a deep dive into carbohydrates and sugar, both from a biomedical/biochemical perspective and a Chinese medical perspective.

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. It is going to be another daunting trek into the unknown…well it is actually known, but we are still gonna trek and it is still daunting…please join us as we examine Stevia or Stevia rebaudiana!

Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit)

In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: Shān Zhā, Crataegi Fructus, or Hawthorn Fruit. This herb is in the Chinese medical category of herbs that relieve food stagnation. This is one of my favorite herbs used for reducing food stagnation, moving blood stasis and clumping, and stopping diarrhea, as well as potentially having a role to play in helping cardiovascular disease and lowering cholesterol. We will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…we will be looking at four worrisome Chinese herbs.

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. It is going to be another interesting episode…please join us as we examine Shān Zhā, Crataegi Fructus, or Hawthorn Fruit!

Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction)

In this episode, we will be exploring one of the most important Chinese herbal formulas: Liu Jun Zi Tang or Six-Gentlemen Decoction. This is a very common formula used to treat qi vacuity with dampness. We will be doing our deep dive into this formula and find out if there is any evidence for these effects. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to discuss evidence levels of clinical research.

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. It is going to be another fascinating expedition into the deep sea of herbs…please join us as we examine Liu Jun Zi Tang or Six-Gentlemen Decoction!

Bai Zhi (Angelica Root)

This episode, we will be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: baí zhǐ, Angelicae dahuricae Radix, or angelica root. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior under the category of release the exterior herbs. It is helpful for certain types of colds and helps unblock the nose and clear dampness. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…today we will be looking at maltodextrin, a food additive and carbohydrate supplement

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. It is going to be another fascinating exploration into world of herbs…please join us as we take a deep look at baí zhǐ, Angelicae dahuricae Radix, or angelica root!

Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)

This episode is our 100th episode! We will explore another interesting herb of the world: maca root or Lepidium meyenii. It is reported to be helpful for treating libido, fertility, and possibly menopause. We will doing our deep dive into this herb and find out if there is any evidence for these effects. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we will be looking at the future of medicine.

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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 or formula. It is going to be another fascinating exploration into world of herbs…please join us!