Herbs ... where to start?
Every time I look up herbal options (by Buhner, Cowden, Byron White, Beyond Balance) it leaves me wanting to research EVERY single herb. Who has time to do this? Nobody ... so, I made it my J-O-B, when I am not doing graphic design. I am pretty fascinated by it all.
What is this stuff? ... plants, roots, bark... nature knows how to defend itself and ward off enemies naturally, so these things have been extracted for our use.
Check out herbal options below:
Go directly to Buhner below or see my "Bites" link if you just got bit.
All dosing here is for general comparison. You should be seen by a doctor and referencing all of herbal specialist websites and books for their exact instructions. This is an exercise to see similarities and differences. Almost every bit of the copy in this section is credited to each herbal specialist respectively.
Note: dosing, pricing, choice of herbs may all change.
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Cowden herbs: Herbal Tinctures
My brother took Cowden herbs about 5 months, after a new bite (along with antibiotics) and he felt like he was back to himself... cured or reached remission. He did some essential oils as well. You take the tinctures (fancy word for herbs floating in alcohol) 4x's daily.
Where to get it: https://www.nutramedix.com/products/cowden-support-program
Hear about it from Dr. Cowden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9t43NbIR2A
Dr. Cowden sells his program directly in monthly sets through Nutramedix or through your LLMD (they may discount it for you). At his site you will find many herb tinctures sold separately for @ $39 per bottle, or you spend a few hundred and buy the set.
Here’s a quick review I found, this lady did good research:
https://jarla.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/dissecting-the-cowden-protocol/
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Cowden sells this as a monthly set, by month two he has you increase microbial herbs, and after two months he adds in additional microbial herbs. Month four has herbs for co-infection Bartonella.
Here is his list of herbs and uses:
(I highlight herbs that I find in multiple treatment plans, or similarly used in Buhner's recommendations; or simply found in combination herbs like Bull's Eye Capsules you'd find at a local health store, etc.)
https://www.nutramedix.com/shop/microbial-defense
BANDEROL – BARK — Broad spectrum antibacterial.
(wild harvested South American bark, and may offer microbial defense properties)
BURBUR – PLANT/FLOWER — gentle detoxifier; may be useful during herxes.
(South American plant typically found in Peru, pretty bright pink flowers.)
– PINELLA – PLANT/FLOWER — Pimpinella anisum... when I look this up it is ANISE!
Brain/Nerve, spine & nervous system cleanse; for use w/ herxes.
(Cowden combines Burbur & Pinella to now encourage these taken together.)
CUMANDA – TREE — anti fungal microbial defense (extract from a Peruvian tree)
ENULA – ROOTS — Parasitic microbial defense (from Elecampane and Jalap roots)
HOUTTUYNIA – PLANT — Microbial defence. (Specific for Bartonella). Buhner*.
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MAGNESlUM MALATE – Essential Trace mineral required by every cell in the body.
MORA – PLANT/FLOWER — Microbial defence; (Blackberry, Capirona, & Yarrow)
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PARSLEY– Detoxifier
SAMENTO (Cat’s Claw) – Microbial Defense Buhner* as well recommended.
SEALANTRO – Metal Detox (if you have fillings, only every 3 days);
(contains extracts of Algae, Cilantro, and Pacific Cold Water Red Seaweed)
SERRAPEPTASE – Proteolytic enzyme use to break down dead tissue and bio-films (protective layer that germs hide in).
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SPARGA – Sulphur Detox, asparagus herbal tincture;
(extract is from asparagus stems and leaves, and may support sulfur cleansing)
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STEVIA – Sweet Herb, replace sugar, lyme can't feed on it, may kill it. Not sure why... something in how they make it (entire plant extract; stevia packets do not work like Nutramedix Stevia
TAKUNA – Microbial Defense, Viruses; (extract from the Cecropia strigosa tree)
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ZEOLITE – clay to bind and detox; remove toxins
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Example month 1 & 2 of Cowden:
When my brother got the program it came with a large chart that seemed to go on forever, so I reviewed it for a pattern:
- Banderol 2oz - Microbial (1)
* Month 2: you get 2 (he increased dosage).
Burbur-Pinella - Detox (1)
Magnesium Malate (1)
Parsley - Detox (1)
- Samento 2oz – Microbial (1)
* Month 2: you get 2.
Sealantro - Metal Detox (1)
Serrapeptase (1)
Sparga - Sulphur Detox (1)
Stevia – Sweet Herb (2)
Takuna – Microbial (2)
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Example month 3: same as month 1 plus:
- Cumanda - Microbial (2)
* New in month 3.
- Mora - Microbial Defense (2)
* New in month 3.
- Samento 1oz - Microbial (1)
* Month 3: you get 2 of these.
Example month 4: same as month 1 plus:
Enula - Microbial Defense (2)
* New in month 4.
Houttuynia - Microbial Defense (2)
* New in month 4.
(Takuna is removed)
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and so on... Cowden has kits that last 9 months.
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Bruhner: Master Herbalist
http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/
https://woodlandessence.com/collections/simple-extracts/Simple-Extracts
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From Bruhner in regards to mixing protocols:
"Here is what is true: ... nearly EVERY lyme person, comes up with their own treatment blend over time to fit their exact situation. There is nothing wrong in blending protocols. Most people do it one way or another. As I say over and over again, there is NO one way to health with lyme, use what works and discard the rest..." ~ Bruhner (see his website for more of his Q&A)
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Prevention: Astragalus for prevention, new tick bites, not chronic lyme;
(Buhner mentioned almost anyone can try astragalus, as it is challenging to say when someone may be "chronic", and may be good for children, especially if exposed and with no symptoms yet.) Not to be used if a fever is present, as it may increase the fever.
I gave astragalus to my son after a tick bite, and continue to give very low doses...and he is doing great.
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1,000 mg daily (lyme endemic area). Keeps immune markers high to prevent infection or, if you are infected, to keep the disease symptoms lower.
For new tick bites, astragalus – 3,000 mg daily for 30 days, 1,000 mg daily thereafter, indefinitely.
Astragalus capsule: 150 lb adult: 1,000 mg daily; 100 lb adult: 1,000 mg daily
60 lb child: 1,000 mg daily; 30 lb child: 1,000 mg daily
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Astragalus tincture: 150 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily; 100 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily
60 lb child: 1/2 teaspoon 3x daily; 30 lb child: 1/3 teaspoon 3x daily
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Found sold as a tincture: (Green Dragon Botanicals: found Bottle Size: 2 OZ, Price: $24.00) and at (Woodland Essence, 2 OZ, $18.00)
I purchased mine at my local health food store.
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Buhner: Healing Lyme, 2nd Edition, 2015 >
Buhner: "... use of Astragalus all the time if you live in an endemic area, as a regular part of the diet.
They do this in various parts of Asia, the herb is a good grade herb and they often use it as a base for soups. So, yes it is very safe and usable all the time.
The core protocol for an active infection is based on the use of three herbs: Japanese knotweed root (which shuts down most of the inflammation processes the bacteria generate in the body);
cat’s claw (which is a fairly specific immune booster for Lyme); and andrographis (which is antibacterial)."
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"There are occasional side effects: Japanese knotweed root can cause loss of taste in about 1 in 1000 people & andrographis can cause an allergic reaction in about 1% of people who use it. The most common allergic response is hives that takes a few weeks to resolve. Not for use when pregnant. Other than that, the protocol is very safe for the majority of people."
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1. Japanese Knotweed root (Polygonum cuspidatum)
or called Resveratrol (not grape version)
• Powder: 1 tsp – 1 TBS of the root powder 3x daily. Start at lower dose & work up, OR . . .
• Tincture: ¼ – 1 tsp 3-6x daily, OR . . .
• Tablets (Green Dragon Botanicals): (found 500 MG. Price: $25.00)
These are normally labeled as resveratrol on the bottle. They are in fact knotweed root standardized for resveratrol content. (Note: Don’t use grape resveratrol; it won’t work very well.) Dosage:
Japanese Knotweed capsules
(Source Naturals Resveratrol with 500mg Polygonum cuspidatum per tablet)
150 lb adult: 1-4 tablets 3-4x daily; 100 lb adult: 10 tablets total daily split into three doses
60 lb child: 5 tablets daily split into three doses, tincture is probably better here
30 lb child: 3 tablets daily split into three doses, but would prefer tincture for child this small
Japanese Knotweed tincture
150 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily; 100 lb adult: 2/3 teaspoon 3x daily
60 lb child: 1/3 teaspoon 3x daily; 30 lb child: 1/5 teaspoon 3x daily
found Bottle Size: 2 OZ, Price: $24.00 at Woodland Essence)
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A note from Buhner RE: treating a child:
"If you are not noticing symptoms in the 5 year old, you can use astragalus tincture, 5-10 drops 3x daily in any liquid the 5 year old drinks. It is used as a tea and soup base in China indefinitely for many people; a very benign herb. ...
I think the most important herb for lyme is Japanese knotweed (Resverstrol). It is specific for the inflammation the bacteria cause throughout the body. ... Dosages do vary considerably for nearly everyone. Unfortunately, most people with lyme have to spend the time figuring out the right dosage for their own particular infection dynamics."
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2. Cat’s Claw bark (Uncaria tomentosa) - Cowden calls this SAMENTO
• Powder: 1 tsp 3x daily, OR . . .
• Tincture: ¼ – ½ tsp 3x daily (found 2 oz for $24 at Green Dragon) OR . . .
• Tablets/capsules (Green Dragon Botanicals): 1–4 500 mg tablets/capsules 3x day.
Cat’s Claw capsule (Raintree brand)
150 lb adult: 1-4 tablets 3-4x daily; 100 lb adult: 10 tablets total daily split into three doses
60 lb child: 5 tablets daily split into three doses, tincture is probably better here
30 lb child: 3 tablets daily split into three doses, but would prefer tincture for child this small
Cat’s Claw tincture
150 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily; 100 lb adult: 2/3 teaspoon 3x daily
60 lb child: 1/3 teaspoon 3x daily; 30 lb child: 1/5 teaspoon 3x daily
found Bottle Size: 2 OZ, Price: $18.00 at Woodland Essence)
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3. Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
• Tincture: put directly on new bites with band-aid; then mix with clay pack
• Capsules: Begin with a small dose and work up. I would recommend 600 mg (1 capsule) 3x daily to begin with, for one week. Then, if there are no side effects, increase the dose to 2 capsules 3x daily. Please check the side effects on this herb: Unpleasant allergic reactions can occur.
(found at Green Dragon, Capsule Size: 375 MG, Price: $14.00)
I did not see tincture dose, but found:
found Bottle Size: 2 OZ, Price: $18.00 at Woodland Essence)
So the main 3 herbs could be purchased @ $63 at Green Dragon. plus Astragalus $24.
Also sold as a combo tincture together, 4 oz. $42.
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So the main 3 herbs could be purchased @ $60 at Woodland Essence. plus Astragalus $18. They even sell smaller 1 ounce bottles I did not list.
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If you have neuroborrelliosis, add: (Dose: depending on severity of brain infection)
Gou-Teng (Uncaria rhynchophylla); Tincture: ½ – 1 tsp 3–6x daily.
Collagen support protocols (see book) are often essential, as well.
Real Food Rebel:
Buhner’s Core Original Protocol — This lady recovered and blogged a great deal re:
http://realfoodrebel.com/success-with-buhners-protocol-for-lyme/
Her dosing, for her weight:
— Japanese Knotweed
– 7000mg per day = 10 capsules
— Cat’s Claw
– 7000 mg per day = 10 capsules
— Eleutherococcus Siberian ginseng; (from Buhner's older protocol)
– 4200 mg per day = 6 capsules, (2 week break every 60 days)
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She says: "I slowly worked my way up to the full dosing of the 3 main herbs. I purchased the herbs in bulk form and made 00 capsules. I stayed at the dosage for 8 full months. A few months into the protocol, I found it much easier to just stir the powdered herbs into some water. I emptied out 3 capsules into a spoon to get a feel for the dosing. "
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Co-Infection Bartonella:
(Buhner recommends all for 30 days; anything beyond this please see his book or website)
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Houttuynia - (also within the Cowden herbal option)
Buhner: 1 tbl daily (Yu Xing Cao – 1st Chinese Herbs, powder
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Sida Acuta tincture ¼ tsp 3x day for 30 days (Woodland Essence)
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Hawthorn tincture (from Woodland Essence) ¼ tsp 3x day for 30 days
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Japanese Knotweed (tincture, same dose, from same sources as Sida acuta, above), or capsules from Green Dragon Botanicals 2 capsules 3x daily)
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* EGCG 400mg +- daily per Buhner.
This is EpiGalloCatechin gallate... the ester of epigallocatechin and gallic acid. EGCG, the most abundant catechin in tea, is a polyphenol ~ potential to affect human health and disease. Trace amounts found in: apple skin, plums, onions, hazelnuts, pecans, & carob powder.
* Drink Green Tea with Kombucha ... (I just got some from Target).
If you take doTERRA vitamins you get Green Tea extract in their daily vitamins.
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Milk Thistle seed, standardized, 1200 mg daily
If you take doTERRA vitamins you get some in their daily vitamins.
Helpful link for Bartonella:
http://www.nutritionalhealthnow.com/bartonella-a-stealth-infection/
A-BART - herbal from Byron White (Blend of 9 roots, seeds, buds, berries, etc.)
Gou Teng: (ALSO BUHNER*) used for centuries, lower the excitability of the central nervous system. Chinese medicine has used this herb for hypertension, convulsions, headache, dizziness, and apoplexy. It increases serotonin that can result in multiple mood and cognitive improvements, including OCD, IBS, fibromyalgia depression & anxiety.
Neem: This herb’s anti-viral, anti bacterial & anti-fungal activities are well documented. Use in pneumonia, ulcers, gout, diabetes, hypertension skin infection and wound healing. The essential fatty acid content in Neem is high.
Grapefruit Seed: Grapefruit seed is considered therapeutic against hundreds of different bacteria, virus, parasitic and fungal strains. The extract form the seeds are used in the intestinal track to inhibit infection as well as balancing healthy bacteria. It is a strong antioxidant that has high nutrient values including biotin and Vit C. It is helpful with lymphatic drainage and the elimination of toxins.
Indian
Sarsaparilla: This herb has its action on circulation, autoimmunity, joint disease, digestive issues, and viral infections. It is potentially most important as a rich nutrient and alkaloid source. This is a rich source of saponin, panillin, cetyl-alcohol, cobolt, pollinstanol selenium, smilagenin, stigmasterol, zinc, Beta and Epsilon-sitosterol to name just a few.
Poke Root: Pokeroot helps to detox the Lymphatic System. It stimulates the production of B and T cells by the immune system. This herb is active as an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antibacterial. It is rich in alkaloids that have antihistamine effects. It increases the brains production of GABA.
Licorice: Licorice binds to many types of neurotoxins making it important as a detoxification agent. It is a mucogenic agents that sooth stomach and duodenal ulcers. It has been used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and thought to have antiviral effects.
Garlic: has been used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and metabolic agent. It has historically been used as an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-spirochete, anti-septic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and heavy metal chelator. It supports liver detox and decreases LDL cholesterol. It is a cardiovascular tonic, helps with the biosynthesis of fatty acids phospholipids and acts as an anti-clotting agent.
Clove: This herb acts as a tonic, febrifuge, antiseptic, anti fungal with anti parasitic activity.
Artemisia: This herb has wide recognition as an anti-malarial, anti-fungal, anti-caner, anti-spirochete and enhances natural killer cell response. It also counteracts hyper coagulation.
Usnea: This herb is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial affecting virus, protozoa, Candida, trichamonas, Chlamydia, etc. Also is an analgesic and cyst buster.
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Byron White: http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/
Herbal tinctures to boost your own immune system. They are taken in a glass of water. You start with one drop and work your way up to 20 drops.
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Co-Infection Babesia:
Many who have lyme have Babesia, Malaria type parasite. Many essential oils are anti-parasitic.
Helpful link: http://realfoodrebel.com/two-herbs-for-babesia-success/
A-BAB - Byron White
Artemesia
Black Walnut
Side Acuta - see real food rebel link (1/4 tsp (40 drops) 3 x per day)
Cryptolepis - see real food rebel link (1/4 tsp (40 drops) 3 x per day)
MC-BAB-2™ - Beyond Balance below
Beyond Balance: Herbal Tinctures
https://beyondbalanceinc.com/
I started incorporating these herbal tinctures after about 2 years of treating Lyme and Co-Infections mostly with essential oils. There are many options at their website link. It is important to have guidance when choosing what will work best for you. I use a few tinctures for Inflammation, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Babesia; these are rotated and used alongside my essential oil protocol.
I use: CYFLACALM II™ for inflammation and MC-CH™ and MC-BAB-2™ for immune support and guarding against microorganisms.*
Blends of about 9–12 roots, seeds, buds, berries, etc.; in each tincture. Dosing 2-3 times per day about 5 drops from 3 bottles. The herbs are strong so you start with 1 drop at a time for a few days before increasing. Just like the oils, you may feel symptoms and need to stop a day or so, back off and then restart.
CYFLACALM II™
Fresh Skullcap herb, Yucca Root, Wild Lettuce Leaf, Valerian Root, Indian Frankincense, Chickweed Herb, Catnip Herb, Ginger Root, Pipsissewa Herb, Bibhitak Fruit, Plantain Leaf, Grape Seed Extract, Fresh Marshmallow Root, Burdock Root
MC-CH™
Coptis Root, Paud'Arco inner bark, Catnip tops, Oregon Grape root, Burdock Root, Yerba Santa Leaf, Fennel Seed, Eucalyptus Leaf, Red Clover Blossom, Hawthorn Berry-Leaf-Flower, Ginger Root, Cayenne Fruit
MC-BAB-2™
Blessed Thistle, Plantain Leaf, Motherwort herb, Burdock Root, Stevia Leaf, Barberry Root, Damiana Leaf, Cat's Claw Bark, Wild Yam Root
Marked in red if it crosses over with other herbalists or essential oils.
Note:
I am not a doctor, do not take this post as medical advice. I am sharing for informational purposes. Please do your own research before trying any new supplement or herb  —  seek out the advice of a doctor. Nothing here is intended to replace the expertise and care of a qualified doctor.
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* “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”
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