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Success with Buhner’s Protocol for Lyme Disease

10432481_10152744248244779_8806015642220989696_nIn May 2014 I picked out my coffin and was planning my funeral. I had been sick for almost 20 years and was now battling a serious kidney infection on top of the Lyme disease and co-infections. I was given a chronic fatigue/fibro diagnosis many years prior to this. After I was finally diagnosed with Lyme, Bartonella, babesia, Epstein-barr virus, parasites and a few other co-infections, I travelled to Mexico where I received intensive ozone treatments for a month at a local clinic. I felt better for a brief time but relapsed 2 months later. Since the Lyme was chronic, I decided to hold off on the antibiotics as I was concerned about my gut health. I could always try the antibiotics later on if I was not successful finding a solution. You can read more about why I chose herbs over antibiotics here for chronic Lyme.

I remember feeling very discouraged and said a prayer. I asked God to either take me or heal me. The next day I found out about Stephen Buhner, an herbalist from New Mexico who had developed a protocol for treating Lyme and co-infections. I immediately ordered the herbs.

What I did

1. Bowel/ Liver Cleanse– I began with a 30-day herbal bowel and liver cleanse. I mixed equal parts of turmeric, fennel, dandelion and milk thistle. I took a teaspoon mixed with water 3 times per day. I added in some Lugol’s iodine for the 30 days along with digestive enzymes with meals. This is a cleanse developed by Hulda Clark, which I modified. You can read it in more detail here.

2. Parasite Cleanse– I had been battling parasites for over 2 years before beginning Lyme treatment. My parasitic load had been mostly cleared by this time. I did an herbal parasite cleanse for 2 months just to be sure that I was cleared of the roundworms, flukes, tapeworm and ropeworms that had been a serious problem.  Here is an article regarding parasites and Lyme Disease. My opinion (also shared by some Lyme Literate Medical Doctors) is that anyone with Lyme also has parasites.  After the 2 months, I continued to take the antiparasitic herbs for 9 months. I took one dose before bed. Here is my herbal recipe.

3. Buhner’s Core Original Protocol– I slowly worked my way up to the full dosing of the 3 main herbs. I decided to purchase the herbs in bulk form and make my own capsules. The large 00 capsules hold about 700mg of herb, and that is how I calculated my dosing. I stayed at the dosage below for 8 full months. A few months into the protocol, I got tired of making the capsules and 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.  I didn’t worry about being a little over or under in my daily measurements.

Protocols and dosing information can be found on Stephen Buhner’s Protocols Page.

My daily dose

Japanese Knotweed– 7000mg per day =  10  capsules

Cat’s Claw                 – 7000 mg per day =   10 capsules

Eleutherococcus     -4200 mg per day =  6 capsules
Note- I took a 2 week break every 60 days

I began with one herb at a time. Once I got to the full dosage for my weight I started the next herb. By taking them one at a time it is easy to tell if there is any adverse reaction to any of the herbs. It took me about 6 weeks to get up to the full dose of each of the core herbs.

Feeling worse before feeling better

I suffered immensely during the first months of treatment. My body was fighting an active infection while dealing with the heavy burden of toxins released by pathogens as they were dying off. This is not an easy thing to go through. This is known as a Jarisch–Herxheimer Reaction.  Commonly referred to as a “herx”.  It is the body’s  reaction to endotoxins that are released during the death of harmful microorganisms. Also known as a die-off reaction, it can be very intense. It can produce fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, intestinal upset, dizziness, sore throat, ear pain, tooth pain, sweating, emotional upset and many other adverse symptoms. It is short-lasting and resolves once the toxins have been cleared from the body. You can read about my strategies for dealing with die-off here.

 Started feeling better at the 5-month mark

I started to improve around the 5-month mark as the pathogenic load decreased. This improvement was the encouragement to keep me moving forward.  I was also on the Wahl’s Paleo Diet (see post, Wahls Paleo Diet for Lyme Disease) at this time. I noticed a marked improvement in all symptoms from the first day I started having my Super Healthy Green Smoothies. I will say it again! This was the game changer for me.

Babesia treatment at the 6-month mark

Babesia are malaria-like protozoans that parasitize and reproduce in the red blood cells. Chronic symptoms that I had included air hunger (never feeling I was getting enough air), persistent cough, fatigue, fevers, headache, imbalance, chills, sweats and anaemia. I decided to try Buhner’s recommended herbs for babesia. I had been coughing for 4 months straight.  I would develop this cough almost every year, and it would last for months on end.  I knew it was time to treat the babs.

Babesia Herbs

Sida Acuta– 1/4 tspn (40 drops)  3  x per day

Cryptolepis– 1/4 tspn (40 drops)  3 x per day

I took these for 5 weeks straight. I decided to stop, as I was developing a yeast problem and my stools had become very small and infrequent. I felt that my gut flora had been adversely affected. After researching, I discovered that the cryptolepis can upset the ecological balance in the gut. I stopped the treatment, and babesia symptoms have not returned.

Bartonella

The Bartonella cleared after doing the above herbal treatments. I never had to do anything else.  I did use a fair amount of milk thistle, Japanese knotweed and sida acuta  throughout my treatment.  Possibly this was enough to eliminate the Bartonella for good. This is Stephen Buhner’s Bartonella Protocol.

Additional Supplements – Fish oil, kelp, desiccated liver pills, whole food multivitamin/mineral, adrenal glandular, cordyceps and digestive enzymes with all meals. I also took copper and magnesium as suggested on my hair tissue mineral analysis.

Complete Lyme and co-infection remission since treatment.

Since completing the above protocol, November 2014, I have had a reduction of symptoms by about 95%.  Red blood count and ferritin levels are within the normal ranges. Anemia, after a lifetime battle, is much improved. The persistent coughing, feeling cold all the time, headaches, migraines, body aches, tooth pain, ear pain, chills, sweats, dizziness, weakness and extreme fatigue are mostly gone now. The only lingering issues are cognitive. These too are greatly improving as the months go by. I am in the rebuilding phase of bringing my nutrient levels up and into a normal range. I continue with a Paleo Diet and love this way of eating.

I highly recommend Buhner’s Protocol to anyone who has Lyme and its co-infections. It is a very inexpensive way to treat these debilitating conditions. There is a bit of a  learning curve, but it really isn’t that complicated once you get going. The key with herbs though is taking enough of a dosage for a sufficient period of time. I have always been drawn to plants, real food, nature, sunshine, fresh air and natural remedies, so for me, this was the easy choice.  At the time of this post, I have been in complete remission since November 2014. I am back to snorkelling, swimming, hiking and all of the things I love to do. It is a miracle to be well after so many years of sickness.

Comment from Stephen Buhner.

“HI Brenda,  I thought your article pretty much a perfect one for people with Lyme, etc. (So glad my work helped you). Nearly all people with the Lyme group of infections needs to moderate the protocol for their specific situation; you really took charge of your life and situation and empowered yourself to wellness. a wonderful, thoughtful story.  All the best, Stephen.”

Blessings and Best of Health!

Brenda♥

If you are interested in booking a consult, please go to this page for nutritional therapy and hair analysis.

Resources
Stephen Harrod Buhner, Healing Lyme. Natural Healing and Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis and its Coinfections. Raven Press, 2005. (Watch for the second edition in the coming months)
Stephen Harrod Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics. Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Storey Publishing, 1999.

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Comments

  3. Brenda where would you recommend getting Japanese Knotwood? Also how often would you recommend the Red Root Powder? I made the Kavass Beet Juice today, cant wait to taste it! Also started the Kelp tablets today, up to four daily. My herxing so far is not bad but having trouble sleeping still. Got a grounding sheet for the bed today. Do you think it might help to take the Charcoal? Maybe my brain is responding to my Dewormer? Where is a good place to get Charcoal? Thanks so much, loving this Blog and site. Check it everyday and recommend it to everyone I know who has Lyme !!

    Blessings, Renee Turula

    • Renee I was getting mine from 1stChineseherbs.com and ordering the organic Nuherb brand. I used the Red Root daily while going through the worst of the lyme treatment. I used it about 6 months straight. 4 – 6 caps per day. Yes when the die-off was intense I would take 3 charcoal before bed. I did this many nights. It helped a lot. You can buy charcoal at any health food store.
      I’m so happy you are enjoying the blog.
      Blessings to you too!

  4. Brenda starting the Protocol today. I see you used Cordyceps, what was that for and was it a tincture? I see it listed under the Sida Acuta where I am purchasing the tincture. Does the Sida Acuta come in powder form or did you take tincture also?
    Was wondering why you took fermented Fish Oil? Did you find this agreed with your stomach better? I take Carlsons small fish with high DHA and EPA amounts. I am also starting the grow and drink wheat grass, since this is high in Chlorophyl and chelates out heavy metals and plastics. Mainly though is the high minerals in a shot of 1oz.
    Thanks so much, still loving my Beet Kavos daily :))
    Also got things straightened out with Peter and found out why the Organic was not on the Package of Herbs. Its all good though so I am off and excited…until the herxing of course.

    • I used cordyceps to strengthen the immune system. I just bought it in capsule form from Swanson’s. I think the brand was Nature’s Way. The Sida Acuta only comes in a tincture. I just let it sit in water for a half hour or so to let the alcohol evaporate. I’m sure the Carlson’s fish oil is fine. The fermented fish oil was recommended on the Weston Price site. 1 tablspn per day. My skin is so much better. Good on you for doing the wheat grass. Yes very alkalizing and high in minerals. Maybe I will do some at a later time. I’m just not much of a juicer.
      Keep going Renee!

  5. Brenda, when did you start noticing a Herxing response to your Buhner Protocol? I am up to two doses, have not added in Babesia Tinctures but have not noticed any herxing yet. I just received my Mebendazole so will take this month over the full moon. You didn’t mention anything much about skin color change with parasites but I know you had a couple of huge Worms (Pictures). I believe I have some in me and is what is making me sick. My GI track is so clean hard to get them so hopefully this protocol will bring them out. I have noticed a lot less arthritic pain taking the JK. Just would like to know it is working somehow? Thanks, my skin is also so dry and wrinkled !

    • I didn’t do it all at once. I started with the parasite cleanse and then I added in Buhner’s. I never started treating the babs until the 5th month. I also didn’t feel any better until the 5th month. Are you up to the full dosing of Buhner’s Core herbs yet? Fish oil really helped my skin. I think it is far better to lubricate from the inside out. I take 2 tspns every morning with my green smoothie.

  6. Ok, I will up my fish oil see if that helps. My hands change so many colors through out the day. I believe it is the worms in me or the Bart in my ribs? I am just up to 3 doses 3xday. Im not sure though if I am taking the right amount? I am 135lbs and 5′ 8″. Lost about 30lbs from 2 years ago. I take 1tsp of JK, 1tsp of Cats Claw, and 1/2 tsp of the Eleuthero 2x day. I am also still taking the Parasite Cleanse dose at night (regardless of my Accupunturist wishes). My stool started to become firm and like polished rocks with no loose sticky biofilm residue so I said nope gotta keep these bowels moving with biofilms removing. I have studied Lyme, Health, Parasites for quite a while and I know you have too which is why as a nurse I respect your journey and information. I know you have tried and tested it with your life. Not all bodies are the same I know but you can always ajust some doses if needed. I will not start these tinctures then for awhile as I was feeling it was too much to do all at once. I have herxed so much through all this and lived in pain , maybe I just have developed a high threshold?
    Does this sound like the right dose for me? Sometimes my brain is not the sharpest :)) Thanks so much. Winter approaching here in Oregon, always seems like I get worse at this time. So when I know its working would be great to have it happen in winter!

    • Renee- I took 7000mg of JK. CC and about 4000 of eleuthero. I made large 00 caps which have about 7000mg per cap. I think using a measuring tspn this would equate to about 1 level tspn. I took 1 tspn of the jk and cc X 3 per day. 1 tspn of the eleuthero x 2 per day. I did this for 8 months straight. You will have to find the dosage that is right for you. If you have Buhners Book he talks about dosages in there. Also he has them listed on his website.

      The parasite die-off will upset the intestinal balance. Just make sure your bowels are moving well while cleansing.

  7. Hello Brenda,

    I am struggeling too and did antibiotics for a long time but didnt help that much, still have fatigue and constant twitching of muscles everywhere.. And also anxiety, feeling of being lost, sometimes i feel like i zm having seizures with very hard headache at the sides of my head.

    My question, u use lik 7 grams of catscaw and euletero and japanese knotweed. I find that so much, can that not be harmfull for the liver or damage nerve system? I dont know but on the capsuled cats claw bottles they say like 3 times 300 mg or so. Did u ever had bad reactions on such high amounts of herbs? And also do u put them in hot or boiling water and on empty stomach?

    Thanks for ur reply, i am struggling to survive here too and im on my own. I really sometimes think im at the end,but i want to live! It makes me so depressed and sad, u dont see znything on the outside and they dont find epilepsy but it feels like that, what is all this??

    Vincent

    • Hi Vincent- The dosages I used were outlined by herbalist Stephen Buhner http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/. You will have to find the right dosage based on your weight. I did feel terrible when I first started the herbs because the Lyme and other co-infections were dying off. It was a very difficult time. I dosed myself at 125lbs. The suggestions on all supplements are usually low but say take as per doctors recommendations. I just mixed the powder into some water and drank them down.

      This is a really difficult thing to go through. Those of us with these chronic infections understand how sick and weak Lyme makes us feel. but you can get over these and go on to lead a normal life. Eat the Wahls Paleo Diet or a diet as close to this that you can. The green smoothies helped me from the very first one I had.

      Hang in there!

  8. Just finished my first month of Buhner Protocol. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be but the parasites are still a factor for me. First things I noticed after 2 days was less arthritic pain from Chronic Neuro-Lyme. I have swelling in my legs where the parasites like to run to when my GI tract is full of these Herbs. I am still taking a dose of Parasite Cleanse Herbs at night. I also am seeing an Accupuncturist who has me on some Herbs called Pearls for the “GU” syndrome. Chinese medicine terms. It mostly deals with damp, cold, slow digestion, and dark environment with less light and warmth. Amazing how these herbs called, “Thunder” work to strengthen my body and get rid of this GU state. I know being here in Oregon makes it difficult to get strong when there is a cloud cover most days in the Winter.
    I have had more energy most days and am feeling stronger. Don’t get me wrong this is still not a cake walk, just slightly easier than what I have been through. Brenda how did your last parasite cleanse go? Did you use Mebendazole? I did finish my first round this month for 5 days and did have a slight load lift, but these Ropes are difficult and must be worn down.
    Still eating Paleo, juicing and drinking your smoothie everyday. Interesting though I have been told to not eat anything cold or cold foods like salads which at this state keeps my body more GU in the Winter with the sun gone. I find that very interesting but true. I try and detox everyday, footbath, Epsom salts, Sauna, Coffee enema…….If you have a genetic problem with detoxing makes everything hurt more and prolongs results. Did you ever do the 23 and me Genetic Testing Evaluation?
    Hanging in there even the tough days and staying positive toward the goal. REMISSION !!
    Blessings, Renee

    • Hi Renee, I’m happy to hear that you are feeling a little stronger with more energy. That cold state was caused by the chronic infections for me. Considering that winter is coming and the weather is turning I understand about avoiding cold foods. I avoid cold foods as much as possible. Even while I am here in Mexico I eat my share of hot soups and my main meal is always hot and cooked. The smoothie ingredients can be pulled out of the fridge the night before and used at room temperature. That is what I often did when I was very sick. Maybe not the lettuce but the other ingredients should be fine. I love Chinese medicine and you are fortunate to have his guidance.
      I just completed a maintenance cleanse and I just used herbs. I doubt that I will be using the mebendazole anymore. I have been cleared of the parasites for over a year now.
      I never did the 23 and Me Testing. I just figured that I had it and moved to mostly whole food supplements. I found the synthetics were problematic for me.
      You are doing so many good things to help your body heal itself. Just keep at it!

      Blessings to you always!

  9. Brenda, noticed my teeth have been starting to hurt and turning grey. Should I start using something else. I read that Bartonella can really hurt and bother the teeth. Also have burning on my forearms and aching in bones so I think it is the Bartonella. I am just finishing my 2nd month haven’t started Sida Acuta or Creptoleptis yet but see from Buhner that he suggest taking 1/2 tsp 3x a day with Creptoleptis. Any similarities with this, last thing I want to loose is more teeth or loose my smile with grey teeth.

    Thanks so much Renee. I did just get my tinctures from Woodland Essence

    • Hi Renee- I also experienced the tooth pain. This was a die-off reaction for me. The pain used to go from my teeth all the way up my face and sometimes into my ears. It always resolved once the toxins were removed. I also had the bone pain. I would often get this in my thigh bones. I waited until the 5th month before I started treating the babs.

      I never had any problems with my teeth turning gray. In fact my teeth got much whiter. I think from the green smoothies. I know someone that experienced the grey teeth from drinking a lot of acv in water. I have no idea why this would happen to you though. Maybe speak with a biological dentist.

      Have you had trouble with your teeth before you started treating the Lyme?

  10. Hi Brenda, thanks for the reply. No have not had problems with my teeth, except I did have my right front tooth pulled because I thought I had Cancer and had a root cannal placed prior to moving to Oregon. So, I do wear a flipper in my mouth but take it out at night. My tooth ache comes and goes but looks like some of my teeth might be reacting with the herbs Im taking. Also , taking some Chinese Pearl Herbs my Accupunturist is giving me so it might me them. Matter of fact it has just been recently like the last month Ive noticed the change in color. Will have to do some research for herbs with teeth color change. Yes, I do not wish to start Tinctures for Babs until all parasites and feeling better, this second month has been tough but the Mebendazole does take the load off around the full moon.

    Merry Christmas, Renee

    • Renee, I would suggest you see a dentist to rule out any other possible causes for your tooth pain and color change. Please let me know what you find out.

      Merry Christmas and many Blessings in the New Year!

  11. Hi Brenda, I’ve been trying to do coffee enemas since August ’15. Initially, I loved how much better I felt and how they were lessening my toxin load. Then I started getting UTIs after I did them and had to slow down how frequent (1x/month) I did them. I waited three weeks between uses this last time and sure enough, the UTI flaired up within just a couple hours afterwards. My LLMD and LLND are not able to offer much help with this. I’ve used Uva Ursi and it helps some, but not completely. Whenever the UTIs hit, I take 500mg Cipro for 1-5 days, depending on severity of symptoms. Of course, I’d prefer not to use the abx and do a natural approach, but not sure what to do. I am currently treating Candida with a liquid herbal tincture called BioCidin as my LLND figured it could be a yeast overgrowth. All that is to ask, have you experienced this or have any suggestions? Sorry for my lengthy questionn – just desparate to be off abx and free of UTIs!!!

    • Hi Faith – If it were me I would finish the ABX and then increase homemade probiotic foods. D Mannose worked a little for me but once the infection takes hold it was too late for me. Also daily unsweetened cranberry juice or even cranberry pills. The ABX kill the essential microbes in the gut and leave us without defense. Diet is key here. Lots of green smoothies. I had to change the terrain in my body completely so it could heal itself. Lots of water. That is what I had to do anyway.

      • Yes, I take D Mannose with Cranberry every day. I think you hit it on the head with the fermented foods and green smoothies – I will be doing those to help. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions!

  12. Hi Brenda,

    I just ordered the Mebendazole. Did you take it along with the anti-parasitic herbs?

    I have been doing regular consults with a renown herbalist. She likes your anti-parasite recipe and told me to take it for 3 weeks at a time with a one week break. She also advised starting the Buhner herbs along with the anti-parasite recipe.

    Do you recommend to start off with your first recipe or the second recipe?

    Thank you for a fantastic blog! It is very inspiring and really sets a clear path to follow.

    Karen

    • Hi Karen- I feel it is best to thoroughly treat the parasites first as these release their own bacteria and viruses when they die. I started with the bowel cleanse for 30 days and then the parasite herbs.

      I took the mebendazole for 6 days over the full moon while parasite cleansing. I only used it for about 6 cycles. It was not a major factor in eliminating the parasites but helped to put a little extra pressure on them.

      I’m happy you like the blog!

  13. Hola Brenda, I am assuming you’re still in Mexico, lucky girl!

    I am getting ready to add the Buhners protocol in a few days to my daily taking of your herbal parasitic cleanse. I came back to review this page as it had been two months since I last read it. I want to make sure I understand this correctly before I start, for I am feeling better and don’t want to upset the apple cart so to speak. Although, I realize I may experience herx once I add in the Buhners Lyme protocol.
    Presently, I am taking the parasite herbal twice a day. I take it first thing a.m. and last thing p.m. According to what I am reading above, it appears that you stopped taking it twice a day and went to once per day when you started the Lyme protocol…is this correct? I am doing as you suggested and starting out with one herb at a time to make sure I have no reaction to each herb. Did you stop the two doses of parasite herbal at this time… Or did you wait until you were taking all three of the core herbals to stop your morning dose?
    I will admit, I am a bit afraid of going to the one dose of the parasite herbal since I have made great headway since starting it. I guess like anything else that you know WORKS for you, it’s scary to let it go!

    Thank you so much for your help and feedback. I thank God at least weekly for leading me to your site. You’re my awesome earthly angel!

    Blessings,

    • Hi Ella – Once I was on the full core dosing of Buhner’s I cut back to one dose of the parasite herbs. I felt that I was cleared of the parasites at that time. You can always stay on the parasite herbs longer if you are still eliminating any parasites. Check your stool for any visible parasites. When I no longer saw any than I moved on to the Buhner’s core protocol. Everyone will be different and must find what works for them. Remember to work on your diet and lifestyle as well.

      I am so happy my blog is helping you. My hope is that everyone that is sick with Lyme Disease and other co-infections can regain their health.

      Blessings!

      • Thanks bunches Brenda. Very happy to know I can stay on the cleanse as needed and still do the Buhners. I do still see parasites, not as often as before, but occasionally…and I sometimes still feel them.

        As for the diet and lifestyle… I was diagnosed with Candida 15 to 18 years ago. Two years ago I was diagnosed with two different autoimmune diseases. Once I went natural, my naturalist said I had to clear up leaky gut before the Candida would disappear. She changed my diet to GF, DF and SF, which I’ve lived for two years. I started paleo, which was close to how I was eating anyway, about three months ago, I have cut all grain, sugar and dairy as well as no GMO or additives. I eat nothing artificial…meaning I eat lots of plant, but nothing made in a plant. I eat some organic meats, mostly free range chicken, turkey and wild caught fish, organic veggies and little fruit. Some nuts and nut butters. I still have Candida issues and adding much fruit into my smoothies brings back some of my issues. Therefore, I stick with blueberries and raspberries (sparingly)and green apples only. But you’ll be happy to know that I try getting all my greens and colors in with my smoothies and veggie choices. I can’t tell a big difference yet, but hopefully starting to clear out the Lyme will help. At some point I still have to work on Protozoans. I have at least three different ones. Two are the same ones you listed as having. I wanted to tackle those next, but decided to do just as you did and do the Lyme protocol before the Protozoans.

        I also am going on four months of weekly chelation IV’s due to off the chart lead levels found about five months ago. Blood testing showed I had legionnaires disease and Epstein Barr. I took natural tinctures to try to rid these viruses from system. I’ll probably get retested after I do this protocol to see what’s left in my system. I do infra red saunas two to three times per week to work on getting the toxins out. I sometimes do a detox bath, but have found that I get weak afterwards, so I’ve cut back on these. I am starting to walk some each week, I know this seems lame for exercise, but honestly I’ve had to work up to doing even this. Seven years ago, I was a 3.5 tennis player and a sometimes runner… believe it or not.

        Oh Brenda, I am praying for the success that you’ve had on this protocol. Once I’ve regained my health.. and I will regain it… I have promised to help others (just as you do) who suffer as we did. I am shocked at just how many of us are out there searching for answers!

        Thank you again and God bless!

        • Keep going Ella! Hope you are restored to vibrant health quickly.

          God Bless!

  14. Hi Brenda, I forgot to ask you when on Skype what your symptoms were when you started to get better? What were your decreasing symptoms and were you pain free at this point with energy increasing and no sign of parasites? When would you say you knew 8 months was going to be your max at taking the herbs? Did you ever get afraid to quit?

    Thanks so much, Renee Turula

    • Hi Renee – I started to feel better at the 5th month of Buhner’s. Symptoms just began to decrease and I started to have more energy. I was able to go grocery shopping again and do a few things around the house. Pain completely went away after several months on Wahls Paleo. I was pain free by the 6th month on Buhner’s.

      I was kind of afraid to quit the herbs at the 8th month but felt that I was recovered at that point. Buhner feels that 8-12 months is enough and because I did the parasite cleansing prior I felt this was enough.

      You will just have to see for yourself. Do what you feel is right for you.

      Blessings!

  15. Hi Brenda,

    During your parasite cleanse and lyme protocol did you do colon cleanses daily?

    Thanks again for your time and answering these questions. I just received Buhber’s book and look forward to having a session with you before I start the program.

    Warmly,
    Jodi Bergman

    • Hi Jodi- Yes I did enemas daily while cleansing. I stopped around the 8th month mark when I was at the beginning of remission/recovery. I haven’t done an enema in over a year now. The enemas helped a lot to release the toxic load quickly.

      Blessings,
      B

  16. Hi Brenda

    I just started the Buhner Protocol but can’t tolerate Japanese Knotweed – It gives me gas and bloating. I’m only taking 100 mg, 2 times a day, and still have these side effects.
    I know those side effects are minor but it still worries me because I guess it showes that my body doesn’t want this herb (according to my blood test I already Have a lot of anti oxydant running in my body so that could be the explanation?) . At the same time i know how important this herb is. So i’m kinda confused…

    Did you experience the same thing? Do you think I should lower the dosage or just cut it out ? Any tip you know?

    Thank you so much for this blog,

    Blessings,
    Tom

    • Hi Tom- Your dosage is so small that I wonder if something else is going on. I am 120lbs and took 7000mg per day for 8 months. Are you taking other things that might be causing this type of reaction?

      I felt much worse treating the infections before I started to feel better at the 5th month. In the beginning a person has to deal with active infection plus the die-off from pathogens.

      Buhner suggests that people increase their dosage rather than decrease it. Please refer to his book and website for a more thorough explanation.

      Brenda

      • Hi Brenda,

        Thank you for answering

        I’m taking everything that you recommend (the parasite recipe, Buhner protocol, Beet kvas, Green Smoothies , few supplements, bone broth etc) and other herbs to detox & support the organs damaged by the disease – I have introduced each herb one at a time so I know for sure those reactions are due to the Japanese Knootweed, even with a very low dosage – I have read elsewhere it’s not unusual (see http://itsnotjustlyme.com/10-great-antimicrobials-for-lyme/). Now I’ve completely cut it out and feel a lot better. I just guess I already have too much anitoxidant in my body… I might reintroduce it later if necessary. I hope the anti microbials will be enough though.

        Blessings

        • The JK is a very good anti-inflammatory herb. If you are eating a low inflammatory diet like Paleo this should be enough to keep inflammation in check. Thanks for the link and hope you recover quickly.

  17. Tom and Brenda. I have also had some interesting showings for Japaneese Knotweed lately and will be rechecking in June. My Naturopath checked it out through his special Kinesiology Machine from Germany against my body and he found that it significantly lowered my against my body. Now I have been taking it for 7 months, so might not need it much anymore. But he also said JK grows in the wild and likes damp watery soil. It grows like a weed in this environment. I have become very sensitive to mold which is the type of climate it likes. Also consider, where you purchase it, most likely it will have heavy metals in it also since grown outside . Most of my herbs the company checks for all these and gives a organic certification, JK though has not gone through the same process although at Monteagle Herbs he would not tell me his source where he purchases. This herb is becoming very popular and well known. If your body says it doesn’t like it then try another source like Resveratrol from a reputable source. You more than likely have a contaminated batch and your body is tell in you so.

  18. Than you SO much for a wonderful blog and all the info you give so freely – I would love to come to your guesthouse in Mexico one day!!

  19. I cried with hope when I finished this article. I am almost 71 years old and have recently been diagnosed with Q fever and Babesia. I do not want to be on these medicines, and my doctor this week advised me to go on Mepron. My mind and my spirit revolt. Maybe there is hope—even for a 70 year old. Thank you so.

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