Sperb's Herbs Podcast

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 buckle up and join us for a unique episode… Picture Credit: Ming herbal (painting): Chinese pulsatilla [root]. Credit: Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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 fascinating episode! Picture Credit: Picture credit: Jaroslaw B., CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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 one of the most interesting episodes yet of Sperb’s Herbs. Don’t miss it! Picture from: chinese medicine png from pngtree.com

This  episode looks at an interesting formula in the nourish and tonify the yin category: yi guan jian or linking decoction. Widely used to help treat lots of different presentations, especially those associated with menopause or menses. We will be looking at the traditional uses and what the science says about them. As for something a little different, we will be exploring Confucianism, as the name of this formula is thought to be Confucian in origin. This episode should be a real corker…don’t miss it!

Melaleuca Cajuputi, commonly known as Paperbark, is an herb used by many Aboriginal people in Australia. Generally used for pain and congestion in respiratory infections, we will be looking at the traditional uses and modern science of this interesting herb as well as something fascinating about the cultures that use it. Dr. Sperber lived in Australia for four years and lived and worked with the Aboriginal peoples. He brings personal stories and insights into this culture. So join us for this fascinating journey to the herbs of Down Under… The picture used is not copyrighted as it s over 100 years old. It is available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Melaleuca_cajuputi00.jpg.

Devil's Claw, an African herb, is purported to help pain and inflammation. Does the science support these claims? Let's find out!

This episode covers a Chinese herb and one of the most widely used culinary powerhouses: da suan or garlic. We will be exploring the healing properties as well as some of the cautions of the "stinky rose." There may be a mention of vampires, though we will be spending some time on how to make garlic even tastier and healthier. Join us as we explore one of the best tasting herbs in the world!

This episode of Sperb’s Herbs looks at a very special herb: ai ye or mugwort. On the surface, this herb does not appear to be super useful or used in a lot of formulas. However, it is beyond a doubt the most important herb for acupuncture. This is because it is the primary herb used in moxibustion. We will explore the properties of ai ye and the importance and use of moxa in this super interesting episode.

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine. Sometimes referred to as "Indian ginseng" in the West, it is often referred to as an adaptogen, just like its Asian and American ginseng counterparts. In simple terms, this means it is used as a general tonic and the body "adapts" it to what it needs. While used for many conditions, the science seems a little iffy on its effectiveness. Let's figure out if this is the case, or does there need to be more research or maybe more acceptance of its traditional uses.

This is not only Sperb’s Herbs first discussion of a category of herbs, it also happens to be the first category of herbs learned by most practitioners. Join us as we explore how external conditions occur and how they are treated using Warm and Release the Exterior Herbs. As usual, we will look at traditional sources as well as some of the science surrounding these herbs. Join us for this fascinating journey! Every two weeks an exciting new episode of the Sperb's Herbs podcast is recorded. This episode will cover one of the traditional categories of herbs. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including the herbs in the category, and common functions, we will explore the science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of the category of herbs. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn about.

Xiāo Yáo San, translated as "Rambling Powder," is one of the most widely used formulas in Chinese medicine. It gently harmonizes the Spleen and Liver and treats a wide variety of modern conditions.

Finally, an “A” lister: Dang Gui is definitely one of the all-stars of Chinese herbology. As a cornerstone of many formulas to help build the blood and affect the menses, it is one of the most important herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Join us as we explore this herb in its traditional context, in current western herbology, and the science behind it.

Kava-Kava, also known as just Kava, has very interesting herbal properties, but is also culturally very important as a medicine, an intoxicant,  and for religious, political, and social purposes. It’s pharmacology has been well studied. And it has been shown to have liver toxicities. Is this herb useful medicinally? Does its benefits outweigh its risks? Let’s find out…

Shā Rén, one of the cardamoms, is one of my favorite herbs, for many reasons. Besides being one of the best tasting herbs, it’s actions speak to me by helping to treat dampness and strengthen the spleen. While not necessarily an “A” list herb, please join us as we explore it. Approved for both California Acupuncture Board CEUs and NCCAOM PDAs!

This one is personal: this is the formula I have been on for quite a while now. It lives up to its translation of “All Inclusive Great Tonifying Decoction.” It is kind of an all-purpose formula in that it tonifies all four of the basic substances: qi, blood, yin, and yang.