Sperb's Herbs Podcast

This episode will be looking at another herb of the world: saw palmetto or Serenoa repens. This is a well known herb used for over 2,000 years and has a modern reputation for treating prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb and look at its traditional uses, and its preparation, interactions, and cautions and see if the science supports its use...

This episode we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: shí gāo, Gypsum fibrosum, or just gypsum. This herb is in the Chinese medical sub-category of herbs that drain fire and is among the coldest herbs in the pharmacopeia. It is useful both internally to cool various heat conditions as well as topically in many dermatological conditions. As usual, we will explore all the intricaci...

This episode will be looking at another Chinese herbal formula: Gé Gēn Tāng or Kudzu Decoction. This is from the formulas that release exterior wind-cold subcategory of the formulas that release the exterior category. It is a useful formula for treating colds with a stiff neck and upper back. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb and look at its traditional uses, and its preparation,...

This episode will be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: niú bàng zǐ, Arctii Fructus, or great burdock fruit. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of cool, acrid herbs that release the exterior under the category of release the exterior herbs. It is helpful for certain types of colds, sore throats, and, as a seed, can help constipation. And as always, we will look at something a...

This episode will be looking at another interesting traditional herb of the world: lemon balm or Melissa officinalis. This is a relatively well known medicinal and culinary herb with some very interesting traditional uses. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb and look at its traditional uses, and its preparation, interactions, and cautions. And, as usual, we will be adding something...

This episode we will be looking at another Chinese herb: zǐ sū yè, Perillae Folium, or simply perilla leaf. This is another herb in the Chinese medical sub-category of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior and can be used to calm a fetus and help seafood poisoning. In fact, you are probably aware of this herb even you have never heard of it before, especially if you eat sushi. As usual, we w...

This episode we will be looking at another Chinese herbal formula, in fact we are going to look at probably the first formula most of us learn in school: Cōng Chǐ Tāng or Scallion and Prepared Soybean Decoction. This is a mild formula for releasing the exterior and may be easily created in most kitchens without any major herbal inventory. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb formula...

This episode we will be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: xì xīn, Asari Herba, or asarum or Chinese wild ginger. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior under the category of release the exterior herbs. It can be an important herb in certain circumstances, especially as a potential substitute for some of the functions of the banned m...

This episode will be looking at another interesting traditional herb of the world: Plantago ovata (Blond Psyllium), a great source of fiber, but can it help diabetes and cholesterol? We are going to find out! As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb and look at its traditional uses, and its preparation, interactions, and cautions. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little diffe...

This episode will be exploring another single Chinese herb: jīng jiè, Schizonepetae Herba, or schizonepeta. This herb is a relatively commonly used herb in the Chinese medical sub-category of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior and can be used in colds, rashes, and even to help stop bleeding. As usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its catego...

This episode will be looking at another traditional Chinese formula: Gān Cǎo Gān Jiāng Fú Líng Bái Zhú Tāng or Licorice, Ginger, Poria, and White Atractylodes Decoction. This is a formula that warms the spleen and overcomes dampness and is in the sub-category of formulas that warm and transform water and dampness under the category of formulas that expel dampness. As always, we will do our deep di...

This episode will be looking at another important and interesting traditional Chinese herb: dà huáng, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, or rhubarb root or rhizome. This herb is a relatively commonly used herb in the Chinese medical subcategory of purgatives under the category of downward draining herbs and can be used in a wide variety of conditions. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little diff...

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 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 intricacies 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 the basics...

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...