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Comprehensive herbal antimicrobial protocol for Lyme and coinfections using Buhner's core herbs. Alternative to or adjunct with antibiotics. Addresses Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella with targeted herbs.
Understand approach: Buhner protocol uses herbs with multiple mechanisms - antimicrobial, immune support, anti-inflammatory, symptom relief. Different than single-herb antimicrobial. Targets both Lyme and coinfections
Lyme core protocol: Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) 1-4 tsp 3x/day (resveratrol source, crosses blood-brain barrier, anti-inflammatory, modulates cytokines, protective for joints/brain/heart), Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) 1-4 tsp 3x/day (immune modulating, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective), Andrographis 1-4 tsp 3x/day (immune support, anti-spirochete, crosses BBB, cardioprotective)
Dosing: Start low (¼-½ tsp each herb), increase gradually every 3-5 days to full dose as tolerated. Herx reactions common - go slow
Babesia coinfection: If present (air hunger, night sweats, drenching sweats, anxiety) add: Cryptolepis 1 tsp 3x/day (most potent anti-Babesia herb, also anti-Bartonella and Lyme), Artemisia (Artemisia annua/sweet wormwood) 1 tsp 3x/day (antimalarial, Babesia is protozoan like malaria), Sida acuta ½-1 tsp 3x/day
Bartonella coinfection: If present (neuropsychiatric symptoms, foot pain, stretch marks, subcutaneous nodules) add: Japanese knotweed (already in core - increase dose), Houttuynia 1 tsp 3x/day (anti-Bartonella, also immune modulating), EGCG (green tea extract) 400mg 2x/day
Mycoplasma/Chlamydia coinfection: If suspected add: Isatis 1 tsp 3x/day, Houttuynia 1 tsp 3x/day
Symptomatic support: Brain fog/cognitive: Ginkgo biloba 120-240mg, Bacopa, Lion's mane
Joint pain: Stephania root 1-3 tsp, turmeric
Neuropathy: Lion's mane, acetyl-L-carnitine
Fatigue: Rhodiola, Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng), Cordyceps
Heart: Hawthorn 1 tsp 3x/day (if Lyme carditis)
Herxheimer management: Essential - die-off causes symptom flare. Binders (activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella) 2 hours away from herbs, increase water intake, Epsom salt baths, rest, liver support, coffee enemas if tolerated, reduce herb dose if severe
Duration: 8-12 months minimum for chronic Lyme, often need 12-24 months, continue 2-3 months after symptom resolution
Pulsing: Some pulse herbs (4 days on, 3 off or 2 weeks on, 1 week off) to hit different Borrelia life stages and reduce resistance
Immune support throughout: Astragalus (but avoid if active Lyme - some say stimulates Lyme, use only in recovery), Eleutherococcus, medicinal mushrooms (reishi, cordyceps), vitamin D, probiotics
Combine with: Can combine with antibiotics (herbs + doxycycline or other), or use alone. Many use Buhner after antibiotic failure or to avoid long-term antibiotics
Monitor: Symptoms (keep journal), energy, cognitive function, adjust doses based on response and Herx
Quality matters: Reputable brands (Woodland Essence, Green Dragon Botanicals, Herb Pharm) - tinctures preferred for absorption and dosing flexibility
Buhner protocol is most popular herbal approach for Lyme in natural medicine community. Developed by herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner based on traditional uses, in vitro studies, and clinical observation (not RCTs). Core philosophy: Herbs have multiple mechanisms beyond simple "kill bug" - immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, organ protection, symptom relief. Addresses complexity of Lyme. Japanese knotweed (Hu Zhang): Resveratrol source, crosses BBB, modulates cytokines (reduces IL-6, TNF-alpha), protects Lyme-targeted tissues (joints, heart, brain), mild antimicrobial. Foundation herb. Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa): TOA-free form (removes tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids that counteract pentacyclic - look for AC-11 or Samento brands). Immune modulating (enhances CD57, NK cells often low in Lyme), neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory. Andrographis (Kalmegh): Broad immune support, crosses BBB, spirochetocidal properties in vitro, cardioprotective (Lyme carditis), also effective for Babesia and Bartonella. Coinfections critical: 50%+ of Lyme patients have coinfections (Babesia, Bartonella, Mycoplasma). Treating Lyme alone without addressing coinfections explains many treatment failures. Cryptolepis: Most potent herb for Babesia (more effective than prescription antimalarials per some practitioners - no RCT data). Also covers Bartonella and Lyme. Relatively new addition (not in Buhner's first book, added later). Houttuynia: Specifically for Bartonella (hardest coinfection to treat - causes neuropsychiatric symptoms, PANS/PANDAS in children, vascular issues). Also immune modulating. Herxheimer reactions: Common and can be intense with herbs (die-off releases endotoxins). Start low (¼ dose), increase slowly, use binders, hydrate, rest. Worse Herx doesn't mean more effective (just more die-off than body can clear - slow down). Symptomatic support important: Lyme damages multiple systems. Japanese knotweed protects joints/brain/heart. Stephania for joint pain. Ginkgo for brain fog. Hawthorn for heart (Lyme carditis in 5% - heart block, palpitations). Duration: Chronic Lyme takes long time to treat (whether antibiotics or herbs) - 8-24 months typical, some need longer. Continue 2-3 months after symptom resolution (Borrelia can persist). Combine or standalone: Many use herbs after antibiotic failure, or want to avoid long-term antibiotics. Can combine (herbs + antibiotics - synergistic per some). Quality: Tinctures preferred (alcohol extracts, good absorption, flexible dosing). Reputable brands crucial (organic, tested). Woodland Essence and Green Dragon popular in Lyme community. Buhner protocol has large following, many success stories, but lacks rigorous studies. Individual herbs have in vitro antimicrobial activity. Comprehensive approach addresses immune dysregulation and inflammation (not just infection). Many Lyme-literate NDs and herbalists use Buhner protocols.
This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 77 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.
Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.
The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.