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Episodes
Investigating the Traditions and Science of Chinese Herbs
Episodes

Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
47 min
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!

Feb 25, 2026
Feb 25, 2026
1hr 1 min
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!

Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
52 min
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!

Feb 11, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
1hr 1 min
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!

Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026
57 min
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!

Dec 16, 2025
Dec 16, 2025
57 min
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!

Dec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025
56 min
In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: Zhī Zǐ, Gardeniae Fructus, or Gardenia Fruit. This herb is in the Chinese medical sub-category of drain fire herbs under clear heat herbs. It is an important herb for draining heat, cooling blood, and resolving dampness. As usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. And as always, we will look at something a little different…we will start the difficult conversation about an economic downturn and how acupuncturists and other integrative practitioners can deal with it.
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 exploration into world of herbs…please join us!

Nov 18, 2025
Nov 18, 2025
56 min
This episode will be exploring another Chinese herbal formula, Jiǔ Wèi Qiāng Huó Tāng or Nine-Herb Decoction with Notopterygium. It is under the subcategory of formulas that release exterior wind-cold disorders and is useful for treating external attacks (colds) with dampness and internal heat. We will doing our deep dive into this formula. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…We are going to briefly introduce postbiotic supplements.
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 the exciting quantum world of herbs…please power up your mind’s tokamak and join us!

Nov 4, 2025
Nov 4, 2025
54 min
This episode will be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: Sāng Yè, Mori Folium, or White Mulberry Leaf. 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 eyes among other functions for this relatively commonly used herb. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…we are going to be discussing science and why it is important in today’s society.
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 another interesting episode!

Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
59 min
This episode is going to be more interesting than many of the herbs we have looked at. We will be looking at probably one of the most controversial herbs today: kratom or Mitragyna speciosa. It is supposed to have pain relieving properties and is banned or almost banned in many developed countries. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb of the world and look at its traditional uses, its preparation, interactions, and cautions. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to discuss opioids and opioid receptors.
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 in another fascinating exploration into the exciting and potentially dangerous archeology of herbs…please don your cool hat, bring your whip, and join us in the herbal jungle!
