Sperb's Herbs Podcast

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).

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).