Sperb's Herbs Podcast
Sperb's Herbs Podcast
Dr. Greg Sperber
Investigating the Traditions and Science of Chinese Herbs
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
In this episode, we will be discussing a very popular Western herb: Echinacea purpurea or purple coneflower. This herb is commonly recommended for treating and preventing colds. Does it have other uses? Does it work? Is it safe? How does Chinese medicine interpret its actions? We will answer these questions and more! And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to look at AI again 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 exciting episode, so please join us as we explore Echinacea purpurea or purple coneflower!
Aug 12
53 min
Video
E Bu Shi Cao (Small Centipeda Herb)
In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: é bù shí cǎo, centipedae herba, or small centipeda herb. This herb is a relatively obscure herb in the Chinese medical subcategory of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior under the category of release the exterior herbs. Not a very commonly used herb – in fact, it isn’t even included in several of our usual textbooks – but it can be useful… And as always, we will look at something a little different…we are going to look at a biochemical and supplement, quercetin 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 episode…so please join us as we explore é bù shí cǎo, centipedae herba, or small centipeda herb!
Aug 4
45 min
Video
Nourish the Yin Formulas
In this episode, we are going to explore the whole category of nourish the yin Chinese formulas. “These formulas are used when the body fluids and essences are damaged such that yin becomes deficient and yang relatively excessive.” (Scheid, et al., 2008, p. 364) This can become more prevalent as we age and can affect women, especially menopausal women, more than men. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to, again, discuss yin and yin vacuity. 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 elevating discussion of herbs …so please join us as we explore nourish the yin formulas!
Jul 29
1 hr 5 min
Video
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root)
In 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!
Jun 30
49 min
Video
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
In 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!
Jun 16
1 hr 2 min
Video
Chái Hú (Bupleurum)
In 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!
Jun 2
52 min
Video
Jia Wei Xiang Su San (Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder)
In 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!
May 19
54 min
Video
Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf)
In 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!
May 5
50 min
Video
Desert Quandong (Santalum acuminatum)
In 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!
Apr 21
53 min
Video
Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower)
In 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!
Apr 7
52 min
Video
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