PODCAST · health
Sperb's Herbs Podcast
by Dr. Greg Sperber
Sperb’s Herbs is all about helping people be healthier through integrative medicine. Every other week, we will have podcasts directed to integrative medical professionals and anyone who wants to learn about various herbs. Looking at Chinese herbs, formulas and herbs from around the world, we will explore the stories, history, and culture as well as the health effects of each herb.
Episodes
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Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark)
Today, we will be exploring another very important Chinese herb: ròu guì, Cinnamomi Cortex, or cinnamon bark. This herb is in the Chinese medical category of herbs that warm the interior and expel cold. It is one of the most important warming herbs in our pharmacopeia as well as a very tasty one....
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Kalahari Cactus (Hoodia gordonii)
Today, we are exploring another herb of the world, Kalahari Cactus or Hoodia gordonii, reported to be useful in losing weight and lowering blood pressure. This is the plant behind one of the biggest weight-loss supplement crazes of the 2000s…and one of the most famous fights ever over indigenous...
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Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome)
Today, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: shēng jiāng, Zingiberis Rhizoma recens, or fresh ginger rhizome. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior under the category of release the exterior herbs. If it is not the most...
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Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction)
Today, we will be exploring another Chinese herbal formula: Bái Hǔ Tāng, or White Tiger Decoction. This formula is in the sub-category of formulas that clear qi-level heat, under the category of formulas that clear heat. It is the classic formula for the raging, “four greats” fever of yang...
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Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)
Today, we will be exploring another “A list” and very important Chinese herb: huáng qí, Astragali Radix, or Astragalus root. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of herbs that tonify the qi under the category of tonifying herbs. It is one of the most important herbs in our...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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,”...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction)
In 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...
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Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower)
In 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…
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Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
In 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...
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Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit)
In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: Shān Zhā, Crataegi Fructus, or Hawthorn Fruit. This herb is in the Chinese medical category of herbs that relieve food stagnation. This is one of my favorite herbs used for reducing food stagnation, moving blood stasis…
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Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction)
In this episode, we will be exploring one of the most important Chinese herbal formulas: Liu Jun Zi Tang or Six-Gentlemen Decoction. This is a very common formula used to treat qi vacuity with dampness. We will be doing our deep dive into this formula and find out if there is any evidence for…
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Bai Zhi (Angelica Root)
This episode, we will be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: baí zhǐ, Angelicae dahuricae Radix, or angelica root. 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…
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Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)
This episode is our 100th episode! We will explore another interesting herb of the world: maca root or Lepidium meyenii. It is reported to be helpful for treating libido, fertility, and possibly menopause. We will doing our deep dive into this herb and find out if there is any evidence for these...
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Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit)
In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: Zhī Zǐ, Gardeniae Fructus, or Gardenia Fruit. This herb is in the Chinese medical sub-category of drain fire herbs under clear heat herbs. It is an important herb for draining heat, cooling blood, and resolving dampness.…
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Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang (Nine-Herb Decoction with Notopterygium)
This episode will be exploring another Chinese herbal formula, Jiǔ Wèi Qiāng Huó Tāng or Nine-Herb Decoction with Notopterygium. It is under the subcategory of formulas that release exterior wind-cold disorders and is useful for treating external attacks (colds) with dampness and internal heat.…
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Sang Ye (White Mulberry Leaf)
This episode will be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: Sāng Yè, Mori Folium, or White Mulberry Leaf. 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...
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Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
This episode is going to be more interesting than many of the herbs we have looked at. We will be looking at probably one of the most controversial herbs today: kratom or Mitragyna speciosa. It is supposed to have pain relieving properties and is banned or almost banned in many developed…
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Gao Ben (Chinese Lovage Root)
In this episode, we are going to be donning our high pressure suit and diving into another single Chinese herb: gǎo běn, Ligustici Rhizoma or Chinese lovage root. This herb is in the Chinese medical sub-category of warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior. In addition to helping treat external...
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Ren Shen Bai Du San (Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences)
In this episode, we will be looking at another Chinese herbal formula, Rén Shēn Bài Dú Sǎn or Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences. It is under the subcategory of formulas that release exterior disorders with interior deficiency and is useful for treating external attacks (colds) with...
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Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome)
In this episode, we will be exploring another interesting and common Chinese herb: zhī mǔ, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma or Anemarrhena Rhizome. This herb is in the Chinese medical subcategory of herbs that drain fire under the category of herbs that clear heat. This is a commonly used herb for cooling…
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Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda)
This episode will be looking at another herb of the world: Vasaka, Justicia adhatoda, or malabar nut. This is a relatively well known Ayurvedic herb used for over 2,000 years and is used primarily for respiratory complaints, though different preparations are used for other applications. As…
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Chan Tui (Cicada Molting)
This episode will be looking at another single Chinese “herb:” chán tuì, Cicadae Periostracum, or cicada molting. This substance is in the Chinese medical sub-category of cool, acrid herbs that release the exterior. It has several interesting functions such as venting rashes, clearing the eyes…
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Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink)
This episode will be looking at another Chinese herbal formula: Sāng Jú Yǐn or Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink. This is from the formulas that release exterior wind-heat subcategory. It is a useful formula for treating early stage colds with a cough. As always, we will do our deep dive into...
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Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root)
This episode will be exploring another interesting Chinese herb: qiāng huó, Notopterygii Rhizoma seu Radix, or notopterygium root. 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...
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Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
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...
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Shi Gao (Gypsum)
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...
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Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Decoction)
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...
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Niu Bang Zi (Great Burdock Fruit)
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...
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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
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...
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Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf)
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...
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Cong Chi Tang (Scallion and Prepared Soybean Decoction)
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...
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Xi Xin (Asarum)
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…
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Blond Psyllium (Plantago ovata)
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...
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Jing Jie (Schizonepeta)
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...
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Gan Cao Gan Jiang Fu Ling Bai Zhu Tang (Licorice, Ginger, Poria, and White Atractylodes Decoction)
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...
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Da Huang (Rhubarb Root)
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...
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Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense)
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…
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Gou Teng (Uncaria)
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...
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Huang Lian E Jiao Tang (Coptis and Ass-Hide Gelatin Decoction)
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...
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Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysite or Kaolin)
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.…
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Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sperb’s Herbs is all about helping people be healthier through integrative medicine. Every other week, we will have podcasts directed to integrative medical professionals and anyone who wants to learn about various herbs. Looking at Chinese herbs, formulas and herbs from around the world, we will explore the stories, history, and culture as well as the health effects of each herb.
HOSTED BY
Dr. Greg Sperber
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Sperb's Herbs Podcast have?
Sperb's Herbs Podcast currently has 120 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Sperb's Herbs Podcast about?
Sperb’s Herbs is all about helping people be healthier through integrative medicine. Every other week, we will have podcasts directed to integrative medical professionals and anyone who wants to learn about various herbs. Looking at Chinese herbs, formulas and herbs from around the world, we will...
How often does Sperb's Herbs Podcast release new episodes?
Sperb's Herbs Podcast publishes regularly with 120 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Sperb's Herbs Podcast?
You can listen to Sperb's Herbs Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sperb's Herbs Podcast?
Sperb's Herbs Podcast is created and hosted by Dr. Greg Sperber.
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