Sperb's Herbs Podcast

This episode will be looking at another traditional herb of the world: Boswellia serrata or Indian frankincense, an important Ayurvedic herb for treating inflammation and other conditions. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb and look at its traditional uses, does it have any Chinese medical functions, and its preparation, interactions, and cautions. And, as usual, we will be adding...

In this episode, we will be exploring an interesting Chinese herb gōu téng, Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, or uncaria. This herb is a relatively commonly used herb in the Chinese medical category of substances that extinguish wind and stop tremors and can be used in a wide variety of conditions including spasms and convulsions, headache, irritability, and even hypertension. And as usual, we will be e...

This episode covers the covers an interesting Chinese herbal formula, huang lian e jiao tang (coptis and ass-hide gelatin decoction). This is, relatively, not so commonly used, at least in my experience, formula for treating irritability, insomnia, and palpitations with a sensation of heat in the chest. Could this formula be of help in anxiety conditions? Join us as we find out! And, as usual, we...

This episode covers the Chinese "herb" chi shi zhi, Halloysitum rubrum, or red halloysite or kaolin. This mineral is in the Chinese medical category of herbs that stabilize and bind and can be used in a wide variety of conditions including chronic diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and chronic sores. And, as usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category...

This episode covers an herb of the world: horseradish or Armoracia rusticana, which is, of course an herb and a food. It has been used for over 2,000 years for respiratory and urinary issues as well as for culinary purposes. We are going to explore all of these aspects. And, as usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. Each episode of the po...

This episode covers  covers the Chinese herb Ba Ji Tian or Morinda root, Morindae officinalis Radix. This is a yang tonifying herb which can also strengthen the sinews, and expel wind-dampness. As usual, we will explore all the intracacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering th...

This episode covers an interesting Chinese herbal formula, Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin or Universal Benefit Drink to Eliminate Toxin. This is a not so commonly used, at least in my experience, formula for treating illnesses and epidemics, especially something called “acute, massive febrile disorder of the head.” Could this formula be of help in COVID? Or maybe some other infections? Each episode of the podc...

This episode covers the useful Chinese herb Tao Ren or Persicae Semen. This herb is used in Chinese medicine to regulate or “move” the blood which can be used in a wide variety of conditions including menstrual disorders, traumatic injuries, and different types of pain. –Plus, as a seed, it can moisten the intestines and unblock the bowels Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about...

This episode covers the herb Chamomile or Matricaria chamomilla, a very commonly used herb for relaxation and to help sleep. But are there any concerns or other uses for this herb? We are going to find out! Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, qua...

This episode covers the herb Ju Hong, red tangerine peel or Citri reticulatae Exocarpium rubrum, a qi regulating herb who’s strength actually lies in its ability to treat phelgm damp coughs and vomiting and belching Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the his...

This episode covers the  Chinese formula Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, or Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium. This is a really interesting and relatively commonly used formula in one of the most important Chinese formula categories: formulas that harmonize.  Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including cate...

This episode covers the herb Fu ling, Poria cocos, or simply poria. This herb is one of the most commonly used Chinese herbs, though for most people outside of Chinese medicine, it is virtually unknown. It promotes urination and drains dampness…basically it is often considered an herbal diuretic. Plus, it also helps digestion and quiets the heart and calms the spirit. Each episode of the podcast w...

This episode covers the herb Apple of Sodom or Calotropis procera. This herb is very interesting in that it has potentially biblical origins, is thought to be quite toxic, and yet has some interesting medicinal properties. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore...

This episode will cover another Chinese herb Mi Meng Hua (Buddleia flower bud). 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 episode we will start our conversation abou...

This episode will cover one of the traditional categories of formulas, Supporting and Releasing 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. I...

This episode covers the Chinese herb Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia or Siler Root), used to treat bones and sinews as well as yang vacuity. 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 episod...

This episode covers the Australian herb Eremophila longifolia commonly known as berrigan. This Aboriginal herb is something I know very little about and am super excited for you to join me on a journey to learn about it. As usual, we will go into great depth about it covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evi...

This episode covers the Chinese herb Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria Rhizome), used to treat bones and sinews as well as yang vacuity. 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 epi...

This episode covers the Chinese herb Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction). This is another formula that does two almost opposite things: helps exterior cold while clearing interior heat. 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 her...

This episode covers the Chinese herb Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit). This is a relatively commonly used 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. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode: we will be looking at another classi...

This episode covers the herb Sumac. This is a delicious middle eastern and African spice, but does it have medicinal properties? Spoiler alert: it does have medicinal properties and we are going to explore them with our usual thoroughness. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any poten...

This episode covers one of the traditional categories of formulas, Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Cold. These formulas are incredibly important for treating specific types the everyday cold and flu. 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 o...

This episode covers the Chinese formula Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthis Fruit Powder). This formula transforms phlegm by treating qi and helping the organs to do their proper jobs, while also moistening. As usual, we will go into depth about the formula. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, science, pharm...

Today, we are going to be looking at another Chinese herb:  Lian Qiao, Forsythia Fruit. This is a very commonly used Chinese herbs especially for treating colds. Or at least certain types of colds, which we are going to discuss in the episode. And as always, we will look at something a little different…Today we are looking at one of my "soapbox topics:" the concept of whole foods vs. refined subst...

This episode covers the herb Curry Tree or Murraya koenigii. We will be discussing the medicinal as well as the culinary uses of this Ayurvedic herb. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. We cover the basics of herbology, and explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is a...