Sperb's Herbs Podcast

Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense)

This episode will be looking at another traditional herb of the world: Boswellia serrata or Indian frankincense, an important Ayurvedic herb for treating inflammation and other conditions. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb and look at its traditional uses, does it have any Chinese medical functions, and its preparation, interactions, and cautions. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…well actually maybe a lot different…as herbalists (and practitioners in general), we run businesses and writing a business plan is the most important thing to do to ensure or continue success...So we are going to look at business planning excuses.

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 look at Boswellia serrata or Indian Frankincense. It is going to be another interesting sojourn into the depths of herbdom…please keep listening!

Gou Teng (Uncaria)

In this episode, we will be exploring an interesting Chinese herb gōu téng, Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, or uncaria. This herb is a relatively commonly used herb in the Chinese medical category of substances that extinguish wind and stop tremors and can be used in a wide variety of conditions including spasms and convulsions, headache, irritability, and even hypertension. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…we are going to continue our discussion about macrominerals by looking at sodium, chloride, and magnesium.

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 stay tuned for this intriguing episode, as we explore gōu téng, Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, or uncaria!

Huang Lian E Jiao Tang (Coptis and Ass-Hide Gelatin Decoction)

This episode covers the covers an interesting Chinese herbal formula, huang lian e jiao tang (coptis and ass-hide gelatin decoction). This is, relatively, not so commonly used, at least in my experience, formula for treating irritability, insomnia, and palpitations with a sensation of heat in the chest. Could this formula be of help in anxiety conditions? Join us as we find out! And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to discuss calcium, its physiological role as well as its Chinese medical role and its supplementation.

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 find out more about this fascinating Chinese formula, huang lian e jiao tang (coptis and ass-hide gelatin decoction)!

Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysite or Kaolin)

This episode covers the Chinese "herb" chi shi zhi, Halloysitum rubrum, or red halloysite or kaolin. This mineral is in the Chinese medical category of herbs that stabilize and bind and can be used in a wide variety of conditions including chronic diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and chronic sores. 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 proper charting including both the why and how of it. Please join us as we find out more about this fascinating Chinese "herb" chi shi zhi or red halloysite or kaolin!

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.