Sperb's Herbs Podcast

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 intere...

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. Wheth...

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...

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 po...

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 w...

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...

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...

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 conc...

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. 

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 o...

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...

This episode, we are exploring another important category of herbs: the Nourish the Yin Herbs. These are incredibly useful especially in women’s medicine. However, they are widely used in many, many common formulas for everyone. Join us as we look at this category and learn about their functions, their usefulness, and their dangers…

This episode covers the Chinese herb Wu Gong (Centipede). 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....

This episode is a little different in that we will explore how to prepare, dose, and administer herbal formulas to maximize patient compliance and medical effectiveness. Looking at traditional methods of preparation, we will discuss why one would choose one method over another.  It is a must listen to podcast for any herbal practitioner.

This episode covers the Chinese herb Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb). 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...

This episode covers the three herb Triphala. Each episode covers another traditional herb from somewhere in the world and will go 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 littl...

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 ep...

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 alway...

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....

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...

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!

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

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 bu...

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...

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...