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.

Unveiling the Secrets of Hops: More Than Just a Beer Ingredient

Welcome to our latest episode, where we explore the fascinating world of hops, beyond its well-known role in brewing beer. We delve into Dr. James's essential 20 Herbs book, which includes these remarkable flowers, providing timeless remedies for a variety of health concerns. Hops have been used for centuries, renowned for their calming properties and health benefits.

This episode introduces listeners to the historical use of hops in medieval monasteries, where they were cultivated to aid in relaxation and sleep. Discover why hops are a staple in nerve tonics and sleep aids today, and how they can support digestive health by promoting bile production. We discuss the traditional and modern applications of hops, from therapeutic teas and tinctures to soothing pillow sachets.

Learn about the folklore surrounding hops, including their symbolic use in warding off negative energy and promoting peaceful sleep. Whether you're interested in herbal medicine or simply exploring natural remedies, this episode offers valuable insights into incorporating hops into your wellness routine. Join us as we uncover the multifaceted benefits of this ancient herb, often hidden in plain sight.

 

You can download the 20 Herbs booklet

Parsley Tea

In this episode I discuss with you how to make parsley tea and why you would want to drink it.

 

Parsley Tea:

FRESH

1/4 Cup Fresh parsley leaf

1 Cup of Boiling Water

(Optional) Honey or Lemon to taste

DRIED

2 Tablespoons dried parsley leaf

1 Cup of Boiling Water

(Optional) Honey or Lemon

Method

Put parsley into a cup or (a tea strainer if you have one) pour boiling water over leaves and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten if desired.

5 ways Parsley Tea is helpful to your body:

1. Kidney stones and Urinary Tract Infections (Supporting Formula Bladney)
2. 25% daily Vitamin C (Supporting Formula C Complex)
3. Menstruation (Supporting Formulas Tonic F, Her Mone)
4. Normalizes Blood Sugar (Supporting Formula Hy Sugar)
5. Breath (Supporting Formula Zime)

Sage and what it can do for you.

With cold and flu season going around I thought I would share with you a simple remedy for a sore throat. Sage Tea.

 

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To make sage tea:

1 Tablespoon sage leaf (dry or fresh is fine)

1 cup Boiling water

Honey and Lemon to taste

Put sage tea in cup add boiling water and let steep for 3-5 minutes.

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I also spoke about Fection, Hay Asz and Monia in the podcast.

 

Flush Your Liver

In this episode I share with you my experience with doing the Liver Flush many times.

 

You can find the directions for the Liver Flush here:

 

http://www.drugfreehelp.com/blog/diet/liver-cleanse/

 

In this episode I talk about Liv Clean and the Full Body Cleanse