Sperb's Herbs Podcast

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)!

Supporting and Releasing Formulas

This episode will cover one of the traditional categories of formulas, Supporting and Releasing 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. In this episode we talk about the Warring States Period in Chinese history and the foundational text of Chinese medicine, the Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon). Please join us as we learn about the Supporting and Releasing Formulas!

Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia or Siler Root)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia or Siler Root), used to treat bones and sinews as well as yang vacuity. 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, finally, we will be doing a pretty deep dive into Daoism, one of the the most important philosophies underpinning Chinese medicine . Please join us as we learn about Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia or Siler Root).

Eremophila longifolia

This episode covers the Australian herb Eremophila longifolia commonly known as berrigan. This Aboriginal herb is something I know very little about and am super excited for you to join me on a journey to learn about it. As usual, we will go into great depth about it 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. On this episode, we will discuss the pharmacological concept of bioavailability. Please join us as we take a journey down under to learn about Eremophila longifolia.

Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria Rhizome)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria Rhizome), used to treat bones and sinews as well as yang vacuity. 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 discusses epigenetics and its potential to explain some mechanisms of action for acupuncture and herbal interventions. Please join us as we learn about Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria Rhizome).

Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction)

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 going to discuss, finally, one of the world’s great philosophies/religions and its influence on Chinese medicine: Buddhism.  And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Please join us as we go on a journey to learn about Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction).

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit)

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 important Chinese herb: Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit).