Sperb's Herbs Podcast

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 37 - Nourish the Blood and Qi Formulas

This episode covers one of the traditional categories of formulas, Nourish the Blood and Qi 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. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn about: we will continue our introduction into pao zhi or preparation of herbs. Join us to learn about this important category of Chinese herbal formulas.

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 36 - Calamus

This episode covers the herb calamus, Acori calami Rhizoma, or shui chang pu. This herb is used in the Western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic traditions of medicine. We will look at its various functions and how they may compare between traditions. And, as usual, we will be covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And as always, we will look at something a little different: we will continue our introduction into pao zhi or preparation of herbs. Join us to learn about calamus.

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 35 - Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia), one of the most important herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia. It is an incredibly important and commonly used herb in many tonic and gynecological formulas. As usual we will be covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And as always, we will look at something a little different: we will have a brief introduction into pao zhi or preparation of herbs. Join us to learn about Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia).

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 34 - Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal)

This episode covers the Chinese formula Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal). This formula is actually part of an important class of herbal formulas dating back to the second century ce. We will also be discussing these Bǎi Hé Bìng or Lily Bulb (or hundred-union) Diseases. As usual we will be covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb and the formula as a whole. Join us to learn about Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal).

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 33 - Hong Qu (Red Yeast Rice)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Hong Qu (Red Yeast Rice). This is an absolutely amazing herb which revolutionized drug care for cardiac patients. We will be taking a deep dive into cholesterol, what it is and how it is treated, as well as the discoverer of statin drugs. Which just happened to be discovered by researching this episode's herb. As usual we will be covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category and functions, the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. Please join us for a discussion of this super important and yet relatively obscure herb.

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 32 - Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged [Herb] Decoction)

Er Chen Tang is a foundational formula and is the mother of many famous and important formulas in Chinese herbology. It in the dry dampness and transform phlegm category of herbs, but its influence extends to much more. Historically, this formula has a long history and influence on the application of medicinals in China. And, of course, we will explore "something a little different": phlegm as an internal pathogen in Chinese medicine. Please join us for an amazing journey with an amazing formula.

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 31 - Tian Men Dong (Asparagus Tuber)

We continue our unintended exploration of delicious herbs to look at Tian Men Dong or Asparagus Tuber. This episode of Sperb’s Herbs will explore all of the uses, category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of this wonderful Chinese herb. And of course, we will look at something a little different: the philosophical concept of yin. Join us for an exploration of another great tasting herb in the pharmacopeia. 

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 30 - Blackberry

Another delicious herb, this episode is doing a deep dive into blackberry. We will discuss its traditional uses as well as the science behind it. And of course, we will be looking at something a little different: a landmark case for the sale and use of herbs in the United States: Fmali v. Heckler. 

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 29 - Bo He (Mint)

Mint is such a versatile herb: lots of various medical and culinary uses and it is super tasty. This episode of Sperb’s Herbs will explore all of these uses, category, and functions, as well as the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of mint. And of course, we will look at something a little different: menthol and its uses. Join us for an exploration of one of the best tasting herbs in the pharmacopeia. 

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 28 - Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)

This episode covers another amazing Chinese herbal formula and will go into great depth about it. This time it is Gui Zhi Tang’s (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) turn. Besides covering the basics of the formula including category, and functions of both the formula and the individual herbs in the formula, we will explore the history, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each formula. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. This episode will cover some important theory, specifically ying or nutritive and wei or defensive qi, necessary for understanding the functions of Gui Zhi Tang!