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 knowledge and who gets paid for it. We will explore these claims and look at the science as well as the safety, history, and traditions of this herb. And, as usual, we will be adding something a little different…we are going to look at biopiracy, benefit sharing, and the Nagoya Protocol.

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 white hot and honest discussion of herbs…so please join us as we examine Kalahari Cactus or Hoodia gordonii!

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 commonly used herb in Chinese herbology, it is definitely in the top three or five. And as always, we will look at something a little different…we are going to look at how nausea and vomiting works and the drugs that target it.

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 most important herbs: shēng jiāng, Zingiberis Rhizoma recens, or fresh ginger rhizome!

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 brightness (yangming) channel heat. We will do our usual deep dive: its ingredients, its history and commentary, the science, and our cautions and concerns. Well, just like our last episode, there is so much to cover we just don’t have time to discuss something a little different.

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 blazing hot discussion of herbs…so please join us as we explore Bái Hǔ Tāng, or White Tiger Decoction!