Sperb's Herbs Podcast

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

This episode covers an herb of the world: horseradish or Armoracia rusticana, which is, of course an herb and a food. It has been used for over 2,000 years for respiratory and urinary issues as well as for culinary purposes. We are going to explore all of these aspects. And, as usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. 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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we are going to look at how Chinese medicine regards fats in our diet. Please join us as we find out more about this fascinating herb horseradish or Armoracia rusticana!

Ba Ji Tian (Morinda root)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Ba Ji Tian or Morinda root, Morindae officinalis Radix. This is a yang tonifying herb which can also strengthen the sinews, and expel wind-dampness. As usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. 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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we are going to look at why (not how) herbs work by examining coherent coupling and plant-human coalitions. Please join us as we find out more about this fascinating Chinese herb Ba Ji Tian or Morinda root!

Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Drink to Eliminate Toxin)

This episode covers an interesting Chinese herbal formula, Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin or Universal Benefit Drink to Eliminate Toxin. This is a not so commonly used, at least in my experience, formula for treating illnesses and epidemics, especially something called “acute, massive febrile disorder of the head.” Could this formula be of help in COVID? Or maybe some other infections? 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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we are going to do a dive into interpreting clinical research and put a Chinese medicine spin on it. Please join us as we find out more about this fascinating formula, Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin or Universal Benefit Drink to Eliminate Toxin!

Tao Ren (Persicae Semen)

This episode covers the useful Chinese herb Tao Ren or Persicae Semen. This herb is used in Chinese medicine to regulate or “move” the blood which can be used in a wide variety of conditions including menstrual disorders, traumatic injuries, and different types of pain. –Plus, as a seed, it can moisten the intestines and unblock the bowels

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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode continues our exploration of Chinese pulses with the very important wiry pulse. Please join us as we discover the known and hidden aspects of Tao Ren or Persicae Semen.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

This episode covers the herb Chamomile or Matricaria chamomilla, a very commonly used herb for relaxation and to help sleep. But are there any concerns or other uses for this herb? We are going to find out!

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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we are going to look at the important Chinese pulse known as slippery or rolling pulse . Please join us as we learn about  Chamomile or Matricaria chamomilla.

Ju Hong (Red Tangerine Peel)

This episode covers the herb Ju Hong, red tangerine peel or Citri reticulatae Exocarpium rubrum, a qi regulating herb who’s strength actually lies in its ability to treat phelgm damp coughs and vomiting and belching 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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we are going to look at the risk factors for drug-herb interactions. Please join us as we learn about Ju Hong, red tangerine peel or Citri reticulatae Exocarpium rubrum.

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium)

This episode covers the  Chinese formula Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, or Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium. This is a really interesting and relatively commonly used formula in one of the most important Chinese formula categories: formulas that harmonize.  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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we will be discussing one of the major Confucian texts: The Doctrine of the Mean. Please join us as we learn about Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, or Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium.

Fu lIng (Poria)

This episode covers the herb Fu ling, Poria cocos, or simply poria. This herb is one of the most commonly used Chinese herbs, though for most people outside of Chinese medicine, it is virtually unknown. It promotes urination and drains dampness…basically it is often considered an herbal diuretic. Plus, it also helps digestion and quiets the heart and calms the spirit. 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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we will be discussing some more of the basic Chinese medical pulses including the slippery and wiry pulses. Please join us as we learn about Fu ling or poria.

Apple of Sodom (Calotropis)

This episode covers the herb Apple of Sodom or Calotropis procera. This herb is very interesting in that it has potentially biblical origins, is thought to be quite toxic, and yet has some interesting medicinal properties. 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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. In this episode, we will be discussing some more of the basic Chinese medical pulses including the first six basic pulses: slow and fast, empty, full, floating, and deep. Please join us as we learn about Apple of Sodom or Calotropis procera.

Mi Meng Hua (Buddleia Flower Bud)

This episode will cover another Chinese herb Mi Meng Hua (Buddleia flower bud). 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. In this episode we will start our conversation about the Chinese medical pulse. Please join us as we learn about Mi Meng Hua (Buddleia flower bud)!