The Reality of Herbal Therapy

Spring Reset: Wake Up Your Body with Herbal Spring-Cleaning

Join host Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast as he walks listeners through the seasonal shift into spring and how to prepare your body naturally. This episode explores how the body’s rhythms change as days lengthen—less sleep, increased liver and lymph activity, shifting digestion—and why paying attention to those signals makes the transition smoother and healthier.

Jim discusses practical dietary guidance—eat fruits and vegetables in season (strawberries for warmer weather; apples for cold), favor lighter soups and fresh leafy greens as spring arrives, and prioritize local seasonal foods that match your body’s needs. He also explains why eating what’s growing near you often supports local immune adaptation.

Allergy season and local pollen (like juniper in Albuquerque) are covered in detail: how pollen can dehydrate you and increase mucus production, and simple hydration strategies—drink more water, add a pinch of baking soda or a squeeze of lemon, or use herbal teas—to improve absorption and reduce allergy strain.

Movement and lifestyle tips include getting outside for short walks to wake the body, stimulate liver function, and pump the lymphatics after a more sedentary winter. Jim explains how changing light affects sleep needs and why a gentle shift in habits helps your circadian rhythm adjust.

The episode outlines several cleansing options for a spring “body cleaning”: a simple 15-day full-body capsule cleanse (easy first step), a deeper liver flush (requires planning and a day or two of rest), and a lymphatic cleanse (often paired with citrus rehydration). Jim also mentions a heavy-metal protocol (Detoxalation, 10 capsules in the evening for ~10–12 days) for those seeking a targeted detox. He emphasizes choosing one appropriate cleanse and allowing time to rest during the process.

Jim recommends supportive herbal formulas to accompany the seasonal shift and cleanses: Fection to clear lymphatics, Monia for lung support, Bladney for kidneys and bladder, and Blood Wash to keep circulation moving—especially useful alongside a lymphatic cleanse. He shares practical reminders: increase hydration, favor seasonal produce, move your body, and consider a gentle cleanse to feel lighter and ready for spring.

Whether you’re coping with allergies, changing your sleep pattern, or considering a cleanse, this episode offers actionable steps and herbal tools to help your body wake up with the season and prepare for longer, healthier days ahead.

Win the Allergy Super Bowl: Herbal MVPs to Prepare Your Body

Join host Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast as he uses a Super Bowl analogy to walk listeners through practical herbal strategies to prepare for allergy season. Drawing on personal stories from New Mexico—where juniper pollen can be brutally dominant—Jim explains why early preparation matters and how a consistent plan can prevent being overwhelmed by pollen, mucus, and respiratory distress.

The episode covers what to expect as temperatures rise and plants begin to pollinate, including the particular challenges of juniper and windy conditions. Jim recounts a customer anecdote to illustrate common mistakes (waiting until symptoms are severe or taking large short-term doses) and relays Dr. James’s long-term approach: maintaining 1–2 doses of Hay Asz daily year-round to keep the immune response regulated when allergy season hits.

Listeners will get a clear rundown of the “MVP” herbal lineup and how each supports the respiratory system: Hay Asz as the quarterback for upper-respiratory relief (itchy eyes, sore throat, congestion); Fection as support to prevent secondary infections; Monia to protect the lungs and prevent allergy-driven asthma and complications; and Flem Up to mobilize and clear mucus. Practical topical and home remedies are included too—swabbing the nostrils with a comfrey-goldenseal salve, using a small saline+baking soda nasal spray or a neti pot to balance sinus pH, sage tea and honey for throat comfort, steam inhalation, increased hydration, and replenishing minerals to counter allergy-driven depletion and sugar cravings.

Key takeaways: prepare before peak pollen, keep your herbal “starting lineup” on hand, listen to early body signals, prioritize daily maintenance (especially with Hay Asz), stay hydrated, and reduce white sugars and refined carbs during seasons of high allergic stress. 

Inversion, Infection, or Snow Mold? Herbal Answers for Respiratory Irritation

Join Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy as he turns a simple Facebook post—"Is it the flu or is it the inversion?"—into a deep dive on three different triggers of respiratory irritation: winter inversions and smog, the seasonal flu, and snow mold spores. Using on-location observations from Utah Valley and a tip from Lynn about snow mold, Jim compares how physical, biological, and fungal irritants all produce very similar symptoms and inflammatory responses in the sinuses, throat, and lungs.

The episode walks through the typical symptoms you’ll see—cough, congestion, sore throat, watery or irritated eyes, and fatigue from restricted breathing—and explains the body’s shared defensive strategy: inflamed mucous membranes and increased mucus production as a way to trap and clear foreign particles, whether they’re pollutants, viruses, or spores.

Jim then shifts to practical, herb-centered care: how the herbal approach focuses on nourishing and supporting the body so it can clear irritants efficiently rather than just suppressing a single symptom. He outlines simple self-care basics—rest, increased fluids—and describes herbal strategies for upper-respiratory support (soothing demulcents and anti-inflammatory herbs for throat and sinuses) versus lung-focused expectorants and mucolytics to help move phlegm when an infection has descended into the chest.

Highlights include Jim’s Utah inversion anecdote, the snow mold discussion, and clear guidance on treating symptoms similarly regardless of their source—smog, flu, pollen, or spores—while choosing herbs appropriate to where the irritation sits (Hay Asz for throat/sinuses versus Monia for lungs). Whether you’re curious about natural respiratory care or want practical herbal tools for seasonal irritants, this episode gives approachable insight and actionable ideas from the Reality of Herbal Therapy.

Cayenne: The Hot Secret to Healing, Circulation & Metabolism

Join host Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast for a deep dive into cayenne — one of the 20 herbs Dr. James recommends every home should have. This episode traces cayenne’s journey from Central and South America to kitchens and medicine cabinets around the world, with a special New Mexico perspective on green and red chiles, ristras, and regional varieties like Big Jim and Anaheim.

Topics covered include cayenne botany and varieties (cayenne, Tabasco, African bird, jalapeño and others), how heat is measured on the Scoville scale, where capsaicin is concentrated in the pod, and tips for controlling spice in culinary use. Jim explains common culinary uses — sauces, salsas, marinades — and how drying and seed removal affect flavor and heat.

The episode also focuses on medicinal uses: cayenne as a circulatory stimulant and catalyst in herbal formulas, its role in boosting metabolism and digestion, breaking fevers, loosening lung congestion, aiding menstrual cramps and wound coagulation, and topical use in salves for localized pain. Jim describes practical preparations — dried powder, capsules, teas, poultices and topical salves — and highlights a favorite formula, “Travl” (cayenne + ginger), for increasing metabolic rate and energy.

Key takeaways:

• hotter varieties (like African bird) are often preferred for stronger circulatory action
• heat concentrates in the stem, veins and seeds
• a pinch of cayenne can speed up other herbal actions
• Tolerance matters — those with sensitive stomachs or ulcers should use caution and moderation.

The host references Dr. James’s guidelines throughout and offers hands-on tips for integrating cayenne safely into both culinary and medicinal routines.

Listeners can expect practical, down-to-earth guidance on choosing, preparing and using cayenne at home, plus real-world anecdotes from New Mexico about culture, climate and why this fiery pepper became a staple in both kitchens and herbal practice.

Slippery Elm — Nature’s Soothing Remedy

On this Reality of Herbal Therapy episode host Jim Applegate explores slippery elm — one of the essentials from Dr. James’s classic 20‑herb first‑aid kit. Jim explains what slippery elm is, where it grows, and why the inner bark’s mucilage makes it such a versatile, gentle remedy for the whole family.

You’ll learn the herb’s primary actions (mucilaginous coating and soothing of irritated membranes) and practical applications for sore throats, acid irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive complaints. Jim also explains why slippery elm pairs well with other herbs (for example in the Flem Up formula) and why it’s considered safe and calming for children through the elderly.

The episode covers how to choose good slippery elm — always the inner bark, typically in powdered form, dry and fluffy rather than clumpy, and with a sweet woody scent that signals freshness — plus storage tips to preserve potency.

Jim walks through common preparations: teas, capsules (with advice to drink water), and poultices for local drawing and soothing (abscesses, mastitis, bruises), including basic poultice technique and herb pairings like goldenseal or echinacea for infection‑drawing effects.

He shares a detailed, listener‑friendly recipe for the comforting “Slippery Elm Drink” used by Dr. James and his family: a milk or nut‑milk base blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, coconut oil and about one teaspoon of slippery elm powder, finished with a raw egg (or a flax/chia binder for a vegan version). Jim explains why this warm, mucilage‑rich drink helps stop vomiting, soothe digestion, and support bowel function.

Practical notes include when to reach for slippery elm, how to store it (cool, dark cupboard), and why keeping a jar on hand is useful during stomach bugs or sudden sore throats. Jim also references personal anecdotes involving Dr. James, Veronica, and his wife Lynn to illustrate everyday uses and successes.

Listen for clear, actionable tips on selection, preparation, and real‑world uses so you can add slippery elm to your herbal first‑aid toolkit with confidence.

From Mail Truck to Formulas: The Origins of Dr. James’ Herbal Formulas

In this episode of the Reality of Herbal Therapy with Jim Applegate, Jim traces the origin stories behind the clinic’s most trusted herbal formulas, centered on the life and work of his father-in-law, Dr. James.

Listeners will hear how an 18-year-old’s near-fatal ulcer and later debilitating allergies in Oregon led Dr. James to study at Dominion Herbal College under Ella Berznik, start making house calls from an old delivery truck, and develop patient-tested blends like Hay Asz (for upper respiratory/allergies) and Flem Up (a dramatic remedy for severe asthma and lodged lung toxins).

The episode covers: the hands-on process of evolving formulas through real patient use; why Dr. James chose capsules over teas or tinctures for portability and preserving plant integrity; the critical importance of herb quality and freshness; the herbalist’s system-based approach to healing (treating root systems such as kidneys, blood, or the respiratory tract rather than only symptoms); and touching anecdotes about specific formulas and the people behind them.

Expect practical examples, clear explanations of how herbal formulas are created and tested, and guidance on when and why to use specific blends. Jim also explains how to choose a formula, offers examples of how formulas addressed severe conditions, and invites listeners to contact the clinic with questions.

This episode is for anyone curious about traditional herbal practice, the stories behind trusted remedies, and how individualized, system-focused herbal therapy can restore quality of life.

Beat Nighttime Cramps: The Mineral Fix for Growing Pains & Restless Legs

In this episode I share a practical, down-to-earth look at muscle cramps and how mineral balance can prevent and relieve them. Drawing on years of clinical use and collaboration with Dr. James on the PM Minerals formula, the episode explains why cramps commonly appear during seasonal change, illness, dehydration, or long periods of static posture. Listeners will hear about the most affected muscles (calves, hamstrings, back and long muscle groups), and common triggers such as poor hydration, certain foods (including sodas and high red-meat diets), and stress.

Key topics include the three essential minerals for muscle health—calcium, potassium and magnesium—their roles (calcium for contraction/relaxation, potassium for fluid balance and nerve signaling, magnesium for muscle relaxation and calming nerve impulses), and the specific 3:1:2 ratio used in PM Minerals. The episode also covers the benefits of colloidal, plant-derived minerals (fossilized plant beds) for bioavailability and why dark leafy greens are a great dietary source.

Practical guidance is provided: typical dosing recommendations (one to two PM Minerals capsules at night; three to four for acute severe cramps), the importance of staying hydrated so minerals can circulate, and how consistent use can rapidly ease conditions like growing pains and restless leg syndrome—often within hours to a couple of nights depending on severity. The host shares personal anecdotes and client stories illustrating fast symptom relief and long-term prevention.

The episode also touches on other cramp types (including menstrual cramps) and notes that while minerals are highly effective for many muscle-related issues, different problems may need additional approaches discussed in future episodes. Overall, listeners can expect a clear, actionable primer on recognizing mineral-related cramps and simple strategies—dietary and supplemental—to prevent and treat them.

Skin Deep: Herbal Secrets for Radiant Skin & Rapid Repair

Join host Jim Appelbaum on this episode of Reality of Herbal Therapy as he explores the integumentary system—our skin, hair, nails and associated glands—and explains how this fastest‑renewing organ protects, senses, thermoregulates and even produces vitamin D. Jim walks listeners through the three skin layers (epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue) and highlights common skin clues to internal health like liver spots, jaundice, dehydration (the skin “pinch” test) and nail changes.

Topics covered include: the skin’s key roles (protection, sensation, temperature and fluid regulation), why good fats and hydration matter, and how sleep supports skin repair. Jim reviews important nutrients—silica for elasticity, zinc and vitamin C for tissue repair, and vitamin D from sunlight—and practical everyday tips such as choosing natural soaps and avoiding harsh fragrances and processed oils.

The episode also presents herbal and topical protocols for common skin issues. Core internal formulas discussed are Blood Wash (general skin detox and gland support), Liv Clean (to support liver‑related discoloration), Tissue Mend (for slow‑healing wounds), and mineral support including Silica DE. Hormone‑related acne recommendations include adding Tonic F for women and Happy O for men alongside Blood Wash. Topical options and wound care covered include Eraser Oil for hard or crusty scars, Comfrey Gold Salve for knitting and infection control, and practical application tips (e.g., applying salves under a bandage).

Jim also suggests simple kitchen and kit remedies: chamomile and lavender compresses for irritated rashes, red raspberry leaf spray for fungal or toxic rashes, and tea‑honey for quick rehydration. Listeners will come away with a balanced approach combining hydration, nourishing fats, sleep, nutrient support and targeted herbal formulas and salves to support healthier, more resilient skin.

Gratitude Medicine: How Thankfulness Heals Body and Mind

Join host Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast as he explores how gratitude — especially with Thanksgiving on the horizon — is more than an emotion: it’s a practice that affects your physical health as well as your mental well-being. In this episode Jim explains what gratitude really is, why it’s a skill to build, and how it interacts with healing traditions and herbal medicine (including insights from Dr. James and personal stories from Jim and his wife, Lynn).

Jim breaks down the science and mechanisms behind gratitude: how it activates the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” nervous system, sparks feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, improves sleep quality, supports digestion, lowers blood pressure for a healthier heart, and even boosts immune function by counteracting the harmful effects of anger and chronic stress.

The episode includes practical, easy-to-adopt techniques to strengthen your gratitude muscle: nightly gratitude journaling with specific details, short gratitude pauses during the day, gratitude walks (counting 10–15 things you appreciate), writing gratitude letters or texts to others, and pairing gratitude with existing routines like mealtime prayer. Jim shares a touching anecdote about a simple compliment changing someone’s day and Lynn’s experience using gratitude journaling through cloudy months in Oregon.

Listeners will learn how gratitude complements herbal and lifestyle approaches — often improving how remedies work — and how cultivating gratitude can increase emotional resilience during long-term illness or life setbacks. Jim encourages trying one gratitude practice for a week and paying attention to changes in sleep, digestion, mood, and overall vitality.

This episode is a gentle, practical guide to bringing ancient wisdom into modern life: small daily habits that lift your outlook, deepen relationships, and support your body’s natural healing. Happy Thanksgiving to listeners in the U.S., and a warm invitation to anyone anywhere to experiment with gratitude and notice the difference it makes.

Your Heart: Herbal Support & Everyday Habits

Join host Jim Applegate on Reality of Herbal Therapy as he dedicates this episode to the heart — the body’s nonstop electric pump. Jim explains heart anatomy and function (cardiac muscle, chambers, arteries, veins, capillaries), how the heart’s electrical rhythm works, and why good circulation matters for energy, clear thinking, and warm extremities.

This episode covers common stresses that strain the heart — physical inactivity, excess weight, emotional stress, processed foods, caffeine, smoking, and late-night eating — and highlights the importance of minerals (especially potassium), hydration, rest, and daily movement like walking or using a rebounder.

Jim introduces key herbal supports developed and recommended by Dr. James: the Hrt formula for rhythm and muscle support; Blood Wash to improve circulation and reduce vascular “gunk”; Nemia to normalize blood consistency (often used with Hrt when thyroid or blood health is involved); and Tissue Mend for rebuilding and recovery. He describes when to use each formula, how some can be combined, and real-life examples of fast relief from irregular heart sensations.

The episode closes with practical, actionable tips: establish simple AM/PM routines (prayer, meditation, gratitude, time with a core book), prioritize movement, hydration, and sleep, and avoid high-stress environments, excess caffeine, and smoking. Jim also reviews warning signs that require immediate medical attention — severe chest pressure, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, numbness or weakness in extremities — and reminds listeners how small daily changes can significantly reduce heart stress.

Find the herbal formulas and the Healer in Every Home guidebook at drugfreehelpstore.com. Expect an informative, practical hour that blends herbal remedies, physiology, and lifestyle guidance to help listeners support and protect their heart health naturally.