Podcast
Sperb's Herbs Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Greg Sperber · EN
Investigating the Traditions and Science of Chinese Herbs
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root)
2w ago00:49:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we will be exploring another quite important Chinese herb: huáng qín, Scutellariae Radix, or baical skullcap root. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of herbs that clear heat and dry dampness under the category of herbs that clear heat. As one of the “three yellows,” it is a commonly used and useful herb for clearing heat and draining damp in the upper burner as well as many uses in pregnancy including calming the fetus. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different… we are going to be discussing “butt breathing”…wwwhhaatt? 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. It is going to be another scintillating discussion of herbs…so please join us as we explore huáng qín, Scutellariae Radix, or baical skullcap root!
Transcribe →Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
4w ago01:02:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are exploring another herb of the world: Milk Thistle or Silybum marianum. This is a very common herb used to treat and “cleanse” the liver. But does it work? Is it safe? Who, if anybody, should take it? We will answer these questions and more! And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we will be discussing toxins and cleanses. 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. It is going to be another enlightening discussion of herbs…so please join us as we explore Milk Thistle or Silybum marianum!
Transcribe →Chái Hú (Bupleurum)
Jun 200:52:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we will explore another single Chinese herb: Chái Hú, Bupleuri Radix, or bupleurum. 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 an incredibly important and commonly used Chinese herb that belies its category as it is very useful for lots of conditions and not just for colds. And as always, we will look at something a little different…we have so much to cover today, so we are going to a Chinese Herbal Legend about today’s herb. 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. Please join us as we explore one of our medicine’s premiere herbs, Chái Hú, Bupleuri Radix, or bupleurum!
Transcribe →Jia Wei Xiang Su San (Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder)
May 1900:54:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we will explore another Chinese herbal formula: Jiā Wèi Xiāng Sū Sǎn or Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder. This formula is in the sub-category of formulas that release exterior wind-cold and is especially good at treating colds with interior qi depression. We are going to do our usual deep dive into this formula and find out if there is any evidence or concerns. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to continue our discussion of pharmacognosy and discuss terpenoids. 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. Please join us for another incandescent discussion of herbs as we explore Jiā Wèi Xiāng Sū Sǎn or Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder!
Transcribe →Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf)
May 500:50:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are going to be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: fan xie ye, Sennae Folium, or senna leaf. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of purgatives under the category of downward draining herbs. It can be very helpful for constipation. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…We are going to look at science again as well as laxatives from both pharmaceutical and Chinese medical perspectives. 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. Please join us for this fascinating episode as we explore fan xie ye, Sennae Folium, or senna leaf!
Transcribe →Desert Quandong (Santalum acuminatum)
Apr 2100:53:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we will explore another interesting herb of the world from Australia and Aboriginal medicine: Desert Quandong or Santalum acuminatum helpful for pain relief. We are going to do our usual deep dive into this herb and find out if there is any evidence or concerns. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…We will be discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists and how Chinese medicine may affect them. 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. Please join us on another trek into the continent of Australia as we explore Desert Quandong or Santalum acuminatum!
Transcribe →Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower)
Apr 700:52:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: Xīn Yí, Magnoliae Flos, or Magnolia Flower. 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 is helpful for certain types of colds and helps nasal conditions. And we are going to discuss, as our little something different, phantasia, aphantasia, and hyperphantasia. 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. Please join us for another interesting episode as we examine Xīn Yí, Magnoliae Flos, or Magnolia Flower!
Transcribe →Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction)
Mar 2401:02:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we will explore another Chinese herbal formula: xiǎo qīng lóng tāng or Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction. This formula is in the sub-category of formulas that release exterior wind-cold and is especially good at treating copious mucus. We are going to do our usual deep dive into this formula and find out if there is any evidence or concerns. We have an extra long episode, so we are going to skip the something a little different... 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. It is going to be another scintillating discussion of herbs…please join us as we examine xiǎo qīng lóng tāng or Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction!
Transcribe →Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower)
Mar 1000:47:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: jú huā, Chrysanthemi Flos, or chrysanthemum flower. 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 and helps the liver and the eyes. This episode is pretty jam packed, so we are going focus on our herb of the day and look at something a little different in our next episode... 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. Please join us as we examine jú huā, Chrysanthemi Flos, or chrysanthemum flower!
Transcribe →Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
Feb 2501:01:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we will explore another interesting herb of the world: Stevia or Stevia rebaudiana, known for its sweetness, but are there other medicinal properties? We are going to find out as we do our usual deep dive into this herb and find out if there is any evidence or concerns. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to do a deep dive into carbohydrates and sugar, both from a biomedical/biochemical perspective and a Chinese medical perspective. 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, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. It is going to be another daunting trek into the unknown…well it is actually known, but we are still gonna trek and it is still daunting…please join us as we examine Stevia or Stevia rebaudiana!
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