Sperb's Herbs Podcast

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).

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 46 - Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia Powder that Sagely Unblocks)

This episode covers the Chinese formula Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia Powder that Sagely Unblocks). This is an interesting formula that both releases the exterior and purges the interior. 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. In this episode we introduce one of the medical giants of  Renaissance, Andreas Vesalius. Please join us as we learn about Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia Powder that Sagely Unblocks).

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 45 - Zhu Sha (Cinnabar)

This episode covers a historically, if not currently, important herb with ramifications in alchemy and the basis of chemistry: Zhu Sha (Cinnabar). Each episode covers another traditional herb from somewhere in the world and goes into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of the herb including its traditional use 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 alchemy in China and explains nei dan (internal alchemy) and wai dan (external alchemy). Please join us for our latest herbal and historical exploration!

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 44 - Shilajit

This episode covers the very popular and very different Ayurvedic "herb" Shilajit. Each episode covers another traditional herb from somewhere in the world and goes into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of the herb including its traditional use 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 discussion of great physicians of the world by talking about one of, if no the, greatest Ayurvedic doctor in history: Sushruta. Please join us for our latest herbal exploration!

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 43 - Zao Xin Tu (Furnace Soil)

This episode covers the pretty obscure Chinese herb Zao Xin Tu (Furnace Soil). 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 discusses a recently discovered prescriptions from a prominent Buddhist physician, Jianzhen, who helped establish kampo Japanese herbal medicine. Please join us for this exciting episode!

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 42 - Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium Powder)

This episode covers the very useful Chinese formula Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium Powder). 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 episodes continues our exploration of the greatest doctors in the history of the world with one of the most important Chinese doctors of all time, Sun Si Miao. Please join us for this exciting episode!

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 41 - Yi Yi Ren (Chinese Pearl Barley)

This episode covers the very useful Chinese herb and food Yi Yi Ren or Chinese Pearl Barley or Job's Tears. 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 episodes continues our exploration of the greatest doctors in the history of the world with the amazing Arabic doctor, Ibn SIna also known as Avicenna in the West. Please join us for this exciting episode!

Sperb’s Herbs Ep 40 - Aloe Vera

This episode covers the herb Aloe Vera which is a Western, Ayurvedic, and 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 of each herb. There will always be something different to learn as we discuss someone who is considered one of, if not the, greatest doctor of all time, the GOAT: Galen of Pergamon. Join us to learn about Aloe Vera!

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 39 - Ren Shen (Ginseng)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Ren Shen (Ginseng). 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. There will always be something different to learn as we discuss the various ginseng forms and types. Join us to learn about Ren Shen (Ginseng).

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 38 -Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)

This episode covers the Chinese formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction).  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. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn as we conclude our introduction into pao zhi or preparation of herbs. Join us to learn about Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction).