Sperb's Herbs

Investigating the Traditions and Science of Chinese Herbs

By Greg Sperber

Standard Certificate (18), IVAS (8), NCCAOM (18)
Access Period: Lifetime
Series Length: 18hrs

Series Overview

Sperb's Herbs is an exciting FREE video podcast series that investigates the traditions and science of Chinese Herbs. (CEUs are available as an add-on.)

Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. 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 episode's herb.

Sha Ren (Amomum)

Shā Rén, one of the cardamoms, is one of Dr. Greg Sperber's favorite herbs, for many reasons. Besides being one of the best tasting herbs, it’s actions help to treat dampness and strengthen the spleen.
Total CPDs: 1
IVAS (1), NCCAOM (1), Standard Certificate (1)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 1hrs
Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

Course Overview

Shā Rén, one of the cardamoms, is one of Dr. Greg Sperber's favorite herbs, for many reasons. Besides being one of the best tasting herbs, it’s actions help to treat dampness and strengthen the spleen. While not necessarily an “A” list herb, please join us as we explore it. This is another exciting episode of the Sperb's Herbs podcast. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. 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 episode's herb.

Course Objectives

  • Comprehend basic Chinese and bio- medical information about Shā Rén (Amomum)
  • Converse about the current scientific evidence about the uses, dangers, and effectiveness of Shā Rén (Amomum)
  • Understand the history of Shā Rén (Amomum), especially in the context of the Chinese classics
  • Understand and prevent any potential drug-herb interactions

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 min
Introduction
15 min - 45 min
Discussion of Shā Rén (Amomum)
45 min - 1 hrs
Summary

Ashwagandha

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.
Total CPDs: 1
NCCAOM (1), Standard Certificate (1), IVAS (1)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 1hrs
Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

Course Overview

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. Every other week an exciting new episode of the Sperb's Herbs podcast is recorded. Each episode covers another traditional herb from somewhere in the world and will go into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of the herb including its traditional use and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. 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 episode's herb.

Course Objectives

  • Comprehend basic, traditional, and bio- medical information about Ashwagandha.
  • Converse about the current scientific evidence about the uses, dangers, and effectiveness of Ashwagandha.
  • Understand the history of Ashwagandha, especially in the context of its tradition and its modern discovery.
  • Understand and prevent any potential drug-herb interactions.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 min
Introduction.
15 min - 45 min
Discussion of Ashwagandha.
45 min - 1 hrs
Summary.

Devil’s claw

Devil’s claw is our first herb from Africa. It is supposed to help aches and pains, joints, and digestive complaints among many other uses. We will be looking at the history of this herb, what it is supposed to treat, and the science behind it.
Total CPDs: 1
NCCAOM (1), Standard Certificate (1)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 1hrs
Course Notes: There are no notes provided with this course.

Course Overview

Devil’s claw is our first herb from Africa. It is supposed to help aches and pains, joints, and digestive complaints among many other uses. We will be looking at the history of this herb, what it is supposed to treat, and the science behind it. And for something a little different, we will be looking at sustainability of herbs in the world. I was actually quite surprised by this herb and it will probably change how I recommend herbs to many of my patients. Find out why… Every other week an exciting new episode of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast is recorded. Each episode covers another Chinese or world herb or formula and will go into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. 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 each episode’s herb.

Course Objectives

  • Comprehend basic, traditional, and bio- medical information about Devil’s Claw.
  • Converse about the current scientific evidence about the uses, dangers, and effectiveness of Devil’s Claw.
  • Understand the history of Devil’s Claw, especially in the context of its tradition and its modern discovery.
  • Understand and prevent any potential drug-herb interactions.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 min
Introduction.
15 min - 45 min
Discussion of Devil’s Claw.
45 min - 1 hrs
Summary.

Melaleuca Cajuputi

Melaleuca Cajuputi, commonly known as Paperbark, is an herb used by many Aboriginal people in Australia.
Total CPDs: 1
Standard Certificate (1), NCCAOM (1)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 1hrs
Course Notes: There are no notes provided with this course.

Course Overview

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… Every two weeks, an exciting new episode of the Sperb's Herbs podcast is recorded. Each episode covers another traditional herb from somewhere in the world and will go into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of the herb including its traditional use and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. 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 episode's herb.

Course Objectives

  • Comprehend basic, traditional, and bio- medical information about Melaleuca Cajuputi.
  • Converse about the current scientific evidence about the uses, dangers, and effectiveness of Melaleuca Cajuputi.
  • Understand the history of Melaleuca Cajuputi, especially in the context of its tradition and its modern discovery.
  • Understand and prevent any potential drug-herb interactions.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 min
Introduction
15 min - 45 min
Discussion of Melaleuca cajuputi.
45 min - 1 hrs
Summary

Yi Guan Jian

This week’s episode looks at an interesting formula in the nourish and tonify the yin category: yi guan jian or linking decoction.
Total CPDs: 1
Standard Certificate (1), NCCAOM (1)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 1hrs
Course Notes: There are no notes provided with this course.

Course Overview

This week’s 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! Every other week an exciting new episode of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast is recorded. Each episode covers another Chinese or world herb or formula and will go into great depth about it. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. 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 each episode’s herb.

Course Objectives

  • Comprehend basic Chinese and bio- medical information about Yi Guan Jian.
  • Converse about the current scientific evidence about the uses, dangers, and effectiveness of Yi Guan Jian.
  • Understand the history of Yi Guan Jian, especially in the context of the Chinese classics.
  • Understand and prevent any potential drug-herb interactions.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 min
Introduction.
15 min - 45 min
Discussion of Yi Guan Jian.
45 min - 1 hrs
Summary

Using Formulas

This episode is a little different in that we will explore how to prepare, dose, and administer herbal formulas to maximize patient compliance and medical effectiveness.
Total CPDs: 1
NCCAOM (1), Standard Certificate (1)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 1hrs
Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

Course Overview

Every other week an exciting new episode of the Sperb's Herbs podcast is recorded. This episode is a little different in that we will explore how to prepare, dose, and administer herbal formulas to maximize patient compliance and medical effectiveness. Looking at traditional methods of preparation, we will discuss why one would choose one method over another. We will explore steady state calculations (don’t worry, there won’t be any math) to figure how out the best frequency of dosing herbs. This episode will be an amazing combination of tradition and modern pharmacology with the end goal of figuring out how to best support our patients. It is a must listen to podcast for any herbal practitioner.

Course Objectives

  • Comprehend basic Chinese and bio- medical information about preparing Chinese herbal formulas
  • Apply dosing regimens that maximize patient compliance and steady state distribution of active ingredients
  • Compare and choose preparation methods that maximize medical affects in individual patients
  • Understand and cautions and precautions of various preparation methods and dosing

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 min
Introduction
15 min - 45 min
Discussion of Using Formulas
45 min - 1 hrs
Summary

Wu Gong (Centipede)

This episode covers the Chinese herb Wu Gong (Centipede). Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb.
Total CPDs: 1
NCCAOM (1), Standard Certificate (1)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 1hrs
Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

Course Overview

This is an exciting episode of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast. This episode covers the Chinese herb Wu Gong (Centipede). Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb. Besides covering the basics of Chinese herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. 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 episode’s herb.

Course Objectives

  • Comprehend basic Chinese and bio- medical information about Wu Gong (Centipede)
  • Converse about the current scientific evidence about the uses, dangers, and effectiveness of Wu Gong (Centipede)
  • Understand the history of Wu Gong (Centipede), especially in the context of the Chinese classics
  • Understand and prevent any potential drug-herb interactions

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 min
Introduction
15 min - 45 min
Discussion of Wu Gong (Centipede)
45 min - 1 hrs
Summary

Disclaimers:

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Unlimited Access and CEUs
You will have unlimited access to this series for as long as it is on Net of Knowledge, so that you can keep reviewing and learning from it over the years. CEU requirements must be completed within 1 year from the purchase. During this time, you must view the training and complete any required documents to get your certificate. You must also print and save your certificate for your own records. Each individual course has a separate certificate of completion. There is no certificate for the entire series.
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Note
These recordings are available in an online format only; you will not receive a DVD or physical copy of the recording – they are only available to watch on the internet through your online account.

Taught by Greg Sperber

Dr. Greg Sperber is an author and also holds a Masters and Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. He is a professor at PCOM and speaks internationally on TCM business and drug-herb interactions.
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