Sperb's Herbs Podcast

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!

Sperb's Herbs Ep. 12 - Melaleuca Cajuputi (Paperbark)

Melaleuca Cajuputi, commonly known as Paperbark, is an herb used by many Aboriginal people in Australia. Generally used for pain and congestion in respiratory infections, we will be looking at the traditional uses and modern science of this interesting herb as well as something fascinating about the cultures that use it. Dr. Sperber lived in Australia for four years and lived and worked with the Aboriginal peoples. He brings personal stories and insights into this culture. So join us for this fascinating journey to the herbs of Down Under…

The picture used is not copyrighted as it s over 100 years old. It is available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Melaleuca_cajuputi00.jpg.

Sperb's Herbs Ep. 11 - Devil's Claw

Devil's Claw, an African herb, is purported to help pain and inflammation. Does the science support these claims? Let's find out!

Sperb's Herbs Ep.10 - Da Suan (Garlic)

This episode covers a Chinese herb and one of the most widely used culinary powerhouses: da suan or garlic. We will be exploring the healing properties as well as some of the cautions of the "stinky rose." There may be a mention of vampires, though we will be spending some time on how to make garlic even tastier and healthier. Join us as we explore one of the best tasting herbs in the world!

Sperb's Herbs Ep. 9 - Ai Ye (Mugwort)

This episode of Sperb’s Herbs looks at a very special herb: ai ye or mugwort. On the surface, this herb does not appear to be super useful or used in a lot of formulas. However, it is beyond a doubt the most important herb for acupuncture. This is because it is the primary herb used in moxibustion. We will explore the properties of ai ye and the importance and use of moxa in this super interesting episode.