The Reality of Herbal Therapy

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join host Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast as he dives into the muscular system — what muscles do, the three basic types (skeletal, smooth and cardiac), and why muscle health is essential for posture, mobility, metabolism and overall wellbeing. Jim explains how muscles work together with tendons, ligaments and the circulatory system (including the so-called “second heart” in the legs) and why poor posture, dehydration and mineral deficiencies can lead to fatigue, cramps, stiffness and chronic pain. This episode covers practical lifestyle steps—hydration, adequate protein and sleep, movement (including the benefits of the rebounder), and targeted self-care like Epsom salt baths and PM minerals for growing pains and nighttime cramps. Jim also details key herbal and nutritional formulas used to support the muscular system: Tissue Mend for fiber repair and elasticity; Throb Eaz for pain relief and muscle relaxation; Vari Cose to support circulation and vein health; Arth Rite for joint and ligament nourishment; Bladney for breaking down uric acid crystals (helpful in fibromyalgia-type pain); Silica/diatomaceous earth for elasticity and connective tissue support; Herbal MSM for sulfur and nutrient permeability; and Infection for inflammation control. Listeners will learn how minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium), silica and sulfur support contraction, relaxation and elasticity, why restful sleep is when muscles rebuild, and simple routines to protect and restore muscular health. Jim shares personal stories—like resolving growing pains with PM minerals—and practical dos-and-don’ts listeners can apply immediately. Find the herbal formulas mentioned and further resources at drugfreehelpstore.com, and pick up a copy of The Healer in Every Home for more guidance on herbal support at home. Tune in for an approachable, actionable episode that blends anatomy, natural remedies and everyday habits to keep you moving pain-free.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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