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.

Endocrine Tune-Up: Herbs to Balance Hormones Naturally

Join host Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast as he explores the endocrine system — the body’s hormonal communication network — and how herbal traditions can restore balance. Drawing on teachings from Dr. James, Jim explains the major glands (pituitary, pineal, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes), what each gland does, and why a single gland out of balance can throw the whole body off like an untuned instrument in an orchestra.

Topics covered include common signs of endocrine imbalance (fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, sleep disturbances and poor stress tolerance), practical self-checks (sit-to-stand blood pressure testing and the BMR calculation), and lifestyle foundations that support hormones — consistent sleep, movement, and avoiding white sugar and processed flour.

Jim reviews specific herbal formulas and single herbs used in practice: Bladney and Low Sugar for adrenal and pancreatic support; Nemia and iodine for thyroid health; Dong Quai, Tonic F and Her Mone for female reproductive balance; Happy O, Bladney and Man Up for male hormone support; and Liv Clean for liver support in hormone processing. He emphasizes an herbal approach that supplies building blocks so the body can rebalance itself rather than forcing hormones one way or another.

Listeners will learn how herbs are used to nourish systems (not mask symptoms), when particular formulas are typically recommended, and how simple home tests and lifestyle changes can point to which glands need attention. For more information and resources mentioned in the episode, Jim points listeners to drugfreehelpstore.com and professionalherbalinstruction.com, where you can also find the free guide “The Healer in Every Home.”

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.

Bones, Joints & Herbs: Natural Strategies to Rebuild Your Skeletal System

In this episode from our series on the body’s systems, the host digs into the skeletal system—its structure, functions, and how to support it naturally. Guests and references include insights from Dr. Michael James and Lynn, who contribute clinical tips and personal stories. Topics covered include bone anatomy (bones, joints, cartilage, connective tissue), mineral storage, blood-cell production in marrow, and the skeletal system’s roles in mobility, posture, immunity, and digestion.

The conversation covers essential nutrients and lifestyle supports for strong bones: key minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium), vitamins D and K for calcium transport, proteins and amino acids, hydration, and the critical role of restorative sleep. Practical nutrition tips highlight dark leafy greens and the value of getting sunlight for vitamin D. Weight-bearing exercises, resistance bands, stretching, chiropractic care, manual therapy, and massage are recommended to maintain alignment, mobility, and joint health.

The hosts also outline common bone-damaging factors to avoid—soda, highly processed foods, excess sugar and white flour, smoking, and alcohol—and explain how these habits can leach minerals and weaken bone lattice structure, increasing fracture risk and bone spurs.

Herbal and supplemental supports featured in the episode include PM minerals and colloidal minerals for absorbable mineral stores, Arth Rite for joint lubrication and inflammation relief, and Tissue Mend for accelerated healing after fractures, sprains, or soft-tissue injuries. Real-life examples are shared: a markedly quicker wrist recovery on Tissue Mend and a dramatic improvement in mobility for an elderly man with a spinal fracture. The episode also highlights Nemia (a bone-marrow–support formula) to improve red and white blood cell production and immune function.

An unsung hero emphasized in this episode is Silica DE (including diatomaceous earth), described as the body’s “construction manager” that helps direct calcium and other minerals into bone and connective tissue, supports collagen production, smooths bone spurs, and improves skin, hair, and nail quality. The hosts explain how small amounts of silica make a big difference in building a resilient, flexible bone matrix.

Listeners can expect practical takeaways—dietary and lifestyle actions, herbal formulas to consider, and tips for supporting healing and long-term bone health—along with personal anecdotes that illustrate how these approaches can restore mobility and reduce pain. The episode closes by encouraging listeners to explore other episodes in the systems series for a holistic view of health.

Hand, Foot & Mouth Relief: Herbal Hacks to Soothe Sores Fast

In this solo episode I walk listeners through what hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is, how it spreads, and how to comfort affected children (and adults). You’ll hear clear explanations of common symptoms — fever, sore throat, and painful sores on the hands, feet, buttocks and in the mouth — why the illness typically lasts 7–10 days, and how it differs from similar-looking conditions such as impetigo.

The episode covers contagiousness and transmission (sores, respiratory secretions and fecal matter, diaper exposure), basic safety and hygiene to limit spread, and red flags that require medical attention (very high fever, poor drinking, signs of complications).

Practical remedies and comfort measures are a major focus: soothing mouth treatments (slippery elm, chamomile, and a red raspberry leaf tea mist to spray gently inside the mouth), topical care for rashes (comfrey-based salves used carefully with single-use applicators), and fever relief (cool compresses made from elderflower and yarrow). The host also recommends pain-relief tea blends, hydration strategies (the episode’s “tea honey” concentrate mixed with water plus vitamin C powder and iodine), and kid-friendly cooling options like herbal ice pops and gentle baths with Epsom salt, baking soda, calendula or oatmeal.

Listeners get practical safety tips — never double-dip salves, avoid undiluted essential oils on open sores, wash hands frequently after diaper changes — along with recovery basics: rest, quiet, and letting the child’s body heal. The episode closes with a concise recap of the most important steps to keep kids comfortable while their immune system clears the virus.

Catnip, More Than Just for Cats

In this episode we take a deep dive into catnip, one of the common herbs from a 20-herb kit, exploring its botany, traditional uses and practical home remedies. We learn how catnip fits into the mint family, which plant parts are used (primarily the leaf), what the plant looks like and where it grows around the world.

The episode covers the main therapeutic uses of catnip: a gentle relaxant for anxiety and insomnia, a digestive aid for gas, bloating and colic, a fever-breaking/sweat-promoting herb, and a topical drawing agent when used in poultices. We share a step-by-step poultice recipe (two parts slippery elm to one part catnip, mixed with warm water to peanut-butter consistency) and clear brewing instructions for tea (about 1 tablespoon of catnip steeped 3–5 minutes; tips for combining with fennel so seeds are simmered first).

Preparation methods discussed include teas, tinctures, capsules and essential oil use. Practical tips highlight combining catnip with other mint-family herbs for digestion or sleep, simmering seeds or woody parts before adding delicate leaves, and using catnip oil or blends as a natural mosquito repellent (the host cites research showing catnip can outperform DEET in effectiveness, though oils need reapplication).

The host also shares a personal anecdote about a cat’s intense reaction to a freshly mixed catnip and fennel tincture, illustrating the herb’s well-known effect on felines versus its calming effect in humans. Key takeaways include catnip’s versatility as a calming and digestive herb, simple home remedies to try (tea, poultice, tincture), and the advice to test herbs on yourself to learn your individual response (catnip can cause drowsiness in larger amounts).

Juniper Berries: Ancient Spice, Modern Remedy

In this episode we explore one of Dr. James’s 20 essential household herbs: the juniper berry. Lets walk listeners through the plant’s identity, history, traditional uses and practical ways to prepare and apply it at home. Expect a mix of historical context, herbal science and hands-on recipes you can try yourself.

Topics covered include juniper’s botanical background (a small evergreen that produces berry-like pine cones), its widespread use across the Mediterranean and Asia, and cultural lore — from Roman and Greek culinary uses to Viking purification rituals and even its place in plague-era herbal mixtures.

The episode details juniper’s primary medicinal actions and what it is commonly used for today: supporting digestion (appetite, gas and bloating), urinary and kidney health (mildly diuretic, bladder and prostate support), joint and muscle cleansing, antimicrobial properties, and help for lower-back pain and sciatica. The host also explains how juniper can help build tolerance to local pollens (the connection to hay fever) and why it appears in allergy formulas like Hay Asz.

Practical preparation tips are emphasized: use whole crushed berries for teas (avoid powders for tea), crush only the amount you’ll use to preserve volatile oils, and try combinations like juniper + parsley for flushing the bladder and kidneys or juniper + peppermint for digestion. The episode explains infused oils and essential oil use for topical massage on sore muscles, alcohol tinctures and more concentrated simmered decoctions (plus preservation options such as honey, vinegar or glycerin and refrigeration for shelf life).

The host describes formula uses — juniper appears in Bladney (for urinary and kidney cleansing) and in blends aimed at joint and rheumatic complaints (e.g., Arth Rite). You’ll hear how juniper helps clear uric-acid buildup that can crystallize in muscles and contribute to chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Practical sourcing and safety notes include wildcrafting advice (avoid roads and polluted areas), storage recommendations (keep whole berries until ready to crush), and reminders about choosing the right preparation for your needs (tea, infusion, tincture, or topical oil).

Listeners are invited to check the show notes for a link to Dr. James’s 20-herb booklet for recipes and suggested uses, and to reach out with questions or requests for future herb spotlights.

Spring Clean Your Body: Full-Body Cleanse vs. Deep Targeted Cleanses

In this episode we compare two broad approaches to cleansing: a gentle, once- or twice-yearly full body cleanse and more intense, targeted deep cleanses for the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, heavy metals, parasites and more. Hosts explain what is in a typical 15-day Full Body Cleanse (15 bags, 8 capsules each) and how it gently supports kidneys, blood, lymphatics, lungs, colon and liver with ingredients like Bladney, Blood Wash, Monia, Kolonic Kaps, Liv Clean and Col Cer. The episode covers when to choose a full body cleanse (maintenance, prevention, beginners), how to take it (evening before bed, split dosing if needed), and diet and hydration tips to get the most benefit.

We then contrast that with brisk, deep cleanses: liver flushes (preparation, two-day intensity and follow-up), kidney cleanses (including a simple watermelon flush and parsley tea for stones), gallbladder cleanses (apple juice and lemon/olive oil/garlic fast), and heavy metal detox protocols (daily detoxification capsules and precautions). The hosts discuss expected effects, precautions, who should seek professional guidance, and the importance of preparation and follow-up—especially ensuring regular bowel and urinary elimination to avoid reabsorption of toxins.

Key takeaways include hydration checks (thumb test), eating light, vegetable-rich meals during cleanses, matching the cleanse intensity to your health needs, and combining maintenance and targeted cleanses when appropriate. The episode emphasizes safety: rest, professional supervision for deep cleanses, and using supportive products like Liv Clean and Kolonic Kaps before and after intensive protocols. Tune in for practical tips, step-by-step protocols, and guidance to choose the right cleanse for your health journey.

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

Burdock: From Herbal Kits to Healing Strategies

In this episode of "Herbal Insights," join host Jim Applegate as he delves into the fascinating world of the 20 Herbs book, emphasizing the foundational role it plays in holistic health. Jim introduces us to Dr. James, a pioneer in herbal medicine, who crafted a definitive guide to essential herbs that form the backbone of herbal health remedies.

The episode focuses on one particular herb – burdock. Jim takes listeners on a journey, revealing the rich history of burdock, from its roots in Eastern Europe and Asia to its widespread use today. The episode goes beyond history to discuss the practical applications of burdock, exploring its powerful cleansing properties for kidneys, lymphatics, and the digestive system. Burdock is a key ingredient in healing formulas such as Blood Wash, aimed at purifying the blood and skin, and providing relief for arthritis by cleansing joint fluids.

Listeners will discover the multifaceted uses of burdock, including how it aids in the treatment of rashes, liver support, and rheumatism, along with tips for identifying and harvesting burdock safely. Jim shares practical advice on preparing burdock in various forms – from teas and tinctures to culinary uses in Japanese cuisine.

This episode is a must-listen for herbal enthusiasts and those interested in natural healing methods, offering a wealth of knowledge on incorporating burdock into everyday health practices.