Sperb's Herbs Podcast

Sumac (Rhus coriaria)

This episode covers the herb Sumac. This is a delicious middle eastern and African spice, but does it have medicinal properties? Spoiler alert: it does have medicinal properties and we are going to explore them with our usual thoroughness. 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: the foundational and very important Yi Jing or Book of Changes. Please join us as we learn about this herb/spice/medicine, Sumac!

Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Cold

This episode covers one of the traditional categories of formulas, Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Cold. These formulas are incredibly important for treating specific types the everyday cold and flu. 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 this category of formulas. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode: we are going to talk about one the greatest Chinese physicians, Zhāng Zhòng-Jǐng, and his famous and foundational book, Shang Han Za Bing Lun (On Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases). Please join us as we learn about this important category of formulas!

Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthis Fruit Powder)

This episode covers the Chinese formula Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthis Fruit Powder). This formula transforms phlegm by treating qi and helping the organs to do their proper jobs, while also moistening. As usual, we will go into depth about the formula. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode: we discuss the Chinese origin myth and Pan Gu. Please join us as we learn about Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthis Fruit Powder).

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 53 - Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit)

Today, we are going to be looking at another Chinese herb:  Lian Qiao, Forsythia Fruit. This is a very commonly used Chinese herbs especially for treating colds. Or at least certain types of colds, which we are going to discuss in the episode. And as always, we will look at something a little different…Today we are looking at one of my "soapbox topics:" the concept of whole foods vs. refined substances. Please join us as we go in depth to learn about Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit).

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 52 - Curry Tree (Murraya koenigii)

This episode covers the herb Curry Tree or Murraya koenigii. We will be discussing the medicinal as well as the culinary uses of this Ayurvedic herb. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. We cover the basics of herbology, and 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 the wonderful culinary dish curry, and explore its history. Please join us as we go in depth to learn about Curry Tree.

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 51 - Cang Er Cao (Xanthium Herb)

Today, we are going to be looking at another Chinese herb: cang er cao, xanthium or cockleburr. If this sounds familiar, we have discussed cang er zi or xanthium fruit when we discussed the formula cang er zi san or xanthium powder. That formula used the fruit of this plant, in this episode we will discuss the whole plant. Is there a difference in functions? Toxicity? Why would we use one instead of the other? Let’s find out the answers to these questions. And as always, we will look at something a little different…Today we are looking the only organ in Chinese medicine that is not in Western or biomedicine: the triple burner or san jiao. Please join us as we go in depth to learn about cang er cao (Xanthium Herb).

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 50 - Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from the Mansion of Blood Decoction).

This episode is quite a special one: it is our 50th episode! We will be covering a very interesting, and one of my favorite, formulas: xue fu zhu yu tang or drive out stasis from the mansion of blood decoction. This is a great formula for pain in the chest and I frequently use a modification for treating low back pain in many of my patients.  We will, as usual, cover the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, and 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: we are continuing of our discussion of famous doctors with a more modern Chinese physician, Wāng Qíng-Rèn. Please join us as we explore Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from the Mansion of Blood Decoction).

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 49 - Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean). This is not only a relatively common herb, it is also a very common food. 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 we dive into one of the absolutely fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine and Chinese thought: the Wǔ Xíng or Five Phases (also translated as the Five Elements). Please join us as we explore Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean).

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 48 - Valerian

This episode covers the common herb Valerian. This is common and ancient herb with a good amount of scientific evidence. As usual, we will cover the basics of Valerian including its category, functions, history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode is really cutting edge as we examine the question, can artificial intelligence help us understand herbs? Please join us as we learn about Valerian and AI!

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 47 - Yin Yang Huo (Epimedi)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Yin Yang Huo (Epimedi). This is one of my favorite Chinese herbs: yín yáng huò or epimedium. The origin story for this herb gives the fifth grader in me giggles. Despite that, this is a very interesting, powerful, and useful herb. And as always, we will look at something a little different…today, we will look at the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan dynasties.

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. 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. Please join us as we learn about Yin Yang Huo (Epimedi).