The Reality of Herbal Therapy

Preparing your body for Winter: Herbs and habits for the cold season

Join Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy as he walks listeners through preparing the body for the seasonal shift from summer to winter. Using local color — from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta to the end of green chili season — Jim explains how shorter days and colder temperatures invite rest, rejuvenation, and a shift in how we care for our bodies.

This episode covers the physiological changes of autumn and winter: why we need more sleep, how indoor heating and cold weather dry the body, and why hydration and gentle movement are essential. Jim highlights the rebounder as a simple, low-impact way to keep lymphatics and muscles moving through darker months.

Learn how seasonal foods support your body’s needs — strawberries thin the blood for spring/summer, apples thicken blood for fall/winter, and citrus supplies vitamin C when it’s most useful. Jim emphasizes eating with the season as a way to align nutrition with physiology.

Jim reviews key herbal formulas to have on hand for winter: Fection as a go-to immune support for enclosed-air seasons; Hay Asz for upper respiratory support; Monia and Flem Up for lung and lower-respiratory drainage; Blood Wash to move lymph and optimize blood flow; Tissue Mend and Minerals for rebuild and rejuvenation; and Travl (aka Oh cramp) to boost metabolism and help the body adapt to rapid temperature changes.

From the 20-herb kit, Jim recommends single herbs for immediate, soothing relief: ginger (digestive and warming; great in lemon-ginger tea), elderberry/rose hips (vitamin C), peppermint and chamomile (calming teas), sage (emergency sore-throat support that opens and soothes the throat), and slippery elm (coats and soothes throat and stomach; Jim mentions a comforting slippery elm drink found here).

Practical daily tips include a warm lemon-ginger tea in the morning to stimulate digestion and liver/gallbladder flow, taking Tissue Mend and Minerals at night to support repair during sleep, staying well-hydrated, keeping movement in your routine, and listening to your body’s cravings as signals of possible nutrient needs (for example, chocolate cravings often point to mineral deficits like magnesium). Jim also explains how targeted herbs can reduce sugar cravings and support allergy and respiratory patterns.

Expect actionable advice on preventing winter stagnation, reducing the impact of colds and respiratory issues, and enjoying the season by supporting natural cycles of rest and repair. For more information and resources mentioned in the episode, Jim points listeners to drugfreehelpstore.com and the Healer in Every Home guidebook.

The Lymphatic River: Keep Your Body’s Cleansing System Flowing

Episode 107 of the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast with host Jim Applegate dives into the lymphatic system — the body’s drainage and defense network. Jim explains what lymph is, why the lymphatic system matters for detoxification and immunity, and how it acts like a river that must keep flowing to maintain health.

The episode covers how lymph moves (it has no pump), common signs of lymphatic stagnation such as swelling/edema, puffy glands, chronic fatigue, brain fog, skin breakouts, frequent colds and slow healing, and why hydration and movement are essential to keep lymph fluid thin and mobile.

Jim shares practical strategies listeners can use every day: short walks or desk “five-minute” walks, gentle exercise and rebounding, deep breathing, lymphatic massage (using gland oil blended with a carrier oil), hot/cold contrast (sauna or warm-to-cold showers), and a daily routine of water and movement. He also mentions a dedicated lymphatic cleanse episode with guest Jessica for listeners who want a guided protocol.

The podcast highlights specific herbal formulas and topical supports discussed in this episode — Fection (a cleansing lymphatic formula), Blood Wash (promotes drainage and purification), Bladney (supports lymph flow and elimination), and gland oil for targeted massage. Jim explains how these remedies can help clear lymphatic “gunk,” support immune function, improve skin clarity, reduce swelling and restore energy.

Key takeaways: treat your lymph like a river — keep it well-hydrated and moving, use movement and simple therapies to stimulate flow, and consider targeted herbal supports when needed. Expect clearer skin, improved energy, fewer infections, less stiffness and faster healing when your lymphatic system is well cared for. For more resources, subscribe to the podcast and visit DrugFreeHelpStore.com to download the free "Healer in Every Home guidebook" and explore the formulas mentioned.

Unlocking the Secrets of Your Lymphatic System

Episode Overview: Dive into the fascinating world of the lymphatic system with our special guests, Lynn and Jessica, daughters of Dr. James, as they join us for an insightful discussion. Jessica, who has worked extensively with Dr. James in clinical settings, shares her expertise on the lymphatic system and the benefits of a lymph cleanse. Lynn, Dr. James's oldest daughter, also contributes valuable insights throughout the episode.

The Lymphatic System: Discover the intricacies of the lymphatic system, often referred to as a secondary circulatory system, as it plays a crucial role in immunity. The episode highlights how the lymphatic system works to eliminate waste and toxins, the role of bones in blood production, and the journey of white blood cells becoming T-cells to bolster our immune defense.

Lymph Cleanse Essentials: Learn about the importance of performing a lymph cleanse and how it aids in maintaining overall health. We discuss various symptoms of lymphatic congestion and the steps involved in carrying out an effective lymph cleanse. From the initial preparation to the process of drinking diluted citrus juices, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Guest Expertise and Practical Tips: Jessica, with her extensive knowledge, shares practical tips on performing a lymph cleanse safely. We also delve into adjustments for different age groups, from children to the elderly, ensuring that everyone can benefit from this revitalizing process.

Enhancing the Lymphatic System: The episode concludes with insightful advice on boosting lymphatic health beyond cleansing. Discover the benefits of rebounding, dry brushing, saunas, and more. Plus, learn how to integrate healthy practices into your daily routine to keep that lymphatic system flowing smoothly.

Get Your Lymphs Moving

This summer we drover over 4000 miles in two weeks. It caused some problems in our bodies from all that sitting and being in the car. In this episode Lynn and I talk about what we did to overcome the effect all that driving had on us.

 

Formulas we talked about in this episode:

• Blood Wash