Sperb's Herbs Podcast

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 22 - Zi Su Geng (Perilla Stem)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Zi Su Geng (Perilla Stem). Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb. 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 podcast , we will be taking a deep look at Chinese terms for stagnation and stasis. Something a little different, but always fascinating...

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 21 - Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction)

This episode covers the Chinese formula Si Wu Tang. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single formula. 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 we will look at skepticism both as a philosophical construct but also specifically in regards to Chinese medicine. Readily heady stuff you won't want to miss...

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 20 - Huang LIan (Coptis)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Huang Lian (Coptis). Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb. 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 about Huang Lian (Coptis).

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 19 -Cleome Arabica

This episode covers the herb Cleome Arabica as well as some of the culture around this herb. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb. Besides covering the basics of herbology including its 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 about Cleomearabica.

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 18 - Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig). This is an extremely important and very commonly used herb in the Chinese materia medica. As for something a little different, we will be looking at the oaths medical practitioner's swear both in the West as well as the East. Please join us for this fascinating episode!

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 17 - Cool and Release the Exterior Herbs

This episode, we are exploring another important category of herbs: Herbs that Cool and Release the Exterior. These are incredibly useful especially treating colds, flus, and other “external attacks.” Join us as we look at this category and learn about their functions, their usefulness, and their dangers…

Picture Credit: Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 16 - Bai Tou Weng (Pulsatilla)

The Chinese herb Bai Tou Weng (Pulsatilla) is not an A-lister, but it is a useful herb. This episode will cover what it does, its history, and the science and pharmacology behind it. Plus, as something a little different, we are going to discuss “toxins,” both from a modern alternative medicine perspective (spoiler alert: not a fan), and a Chinese medical approach. Some controversy is ahead, so buckle up and join us for a unique episode…

Picture Credit: Ming herbal (painting): Chinese pulsatilla [root]. Credit: Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 15 - Hops

Hops is a traditional European herb with some interesting uses. And it is a major ingredient in beer. This episode looks at both of these in depth and the science behind them. As a relative non-drinker, I was still fascinated with this exploration of beer. And the herb may have some interesting application to my patients. What more can one ask for? So, get a frothy mug o’ beer and join us for this fascinating episode!

Picture Credit: Picture credit: Jaroslaw B., CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sperb‘s Herbs Ep. 14 - Ma Huang (Ephedra)

Ma Huang is one of the most useful and absolutely the most controversial herbs in the entire Chinese herbal pharmacopeia. Why is it so important and why has it been banned in most developed nations? We will be exploring these questions as well as looking at the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), which is the legal act allowing it to be banned in the United States. This is one of the most interesting episodes yet of Sperb’s Herbs. Don’t miss it!

Picture from: chinese medicine png from pngtree.com

Sperb's Herbs Ep. 13 - Yi Guan Jian (Linking Decoction)

This  episode looks at an interesting formula in the nourish and tonify the yin category: yi guan jian or linking decoction. Widely used to help treat lots of different presentations, especially those associated with menopause or menses. We will be looking at the traditional uses and what the science says about them. As for something a little different, we will be exploring Confucianism, as the name of this formula is thought to be Confucian in origin. This episode should be a real corker…don’t miss it!