Sperb's Herbs Podcast

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 and helps the eyes among other functions for this relatively commonly used herb. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…we are going to be discussing science and why it is important in today’s society. 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 stay tuned for another interesting episode!

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 countries. As always, we will do our deep dive into this herb of the world and look at its traditional uses, its preparation, interactions, and cautions. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to discuss opioids and opioid receptors. 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 in another fascinating exploration into the exciting and potentially dangerous archeology of herbs…please don your cool hat, bring your whip, and join us in the herbal jungle!

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 attacks or colds, it can be helpful in treating pain and wind-dampness. As usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. And as always, we will look at something a little different…we are going to look at the microbiome and pre- and post- biotics. 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 in this exciting episode exploring  gǎo běn, Ligustici Rhizoma or Chinese lovage root!

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 underlying deficiency. We will doing our deep dive into this formula. And while we usually do a “little something different,” there is just so much to discuss about this important formula, there isn’t time to add anything else… 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 don our spacesuits, do a spacewalk, and enter the unexplored space of medicinal herbs in this exciting episode exploring Rén Shēn Bài Dú Sǎn or Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences!

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 heat while also generating yin and fluids to moisten dryness. 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. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…In this case, we will be discussing another Chinese herbal legend about our 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 for this journey to the center of herby goodness by exploring zhī mǔ, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma or Anemarrhena Rhizome!