Most of us with Lyme Disease will end up with several other co-infections. I myself had several parasites, Bartonella, EBV, Babesiosis and Candidiasis. Babesia are malaria-like microscopic protozoans that parasitize and reproduce in the red blood cells. Babesia microti is transmitted in nature by the Ixodes scapularis ticks (also called black-legged ticks or deer ticks). Babesia microti—which usually infects white-footed mice and other small mammals—is the main species of Lyme co-infection found among Lyme sufferers in the United States and Canada. (1)
Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, the well-known Lyme Disease physician stated that he and his colleagues have found that all chronic illness is the result of chronic infections:
“Other than the co-infections, there is what I call the ‘opportunistic infections.’ The combined effect of the initial infection is an immune suppressive effect, and then the patient becomes vulnerable to all sorts of other things. The most common things people contract early on in the course of the illness are different forms of parasites, such as protozoa; Babesia itself being one of them.”(2)
Most Common Babesia Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Anaemia
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Air Hunger – the feeling of not getting enough oxygen
I had every single one of the above symptoms plus low blood pressure, liver pain and enlargement, along with pain and infection of the kidneys. Until recently, I had been suffering from anaemia for 30 years. I was constantly fatigued, with frequent severe headaches, migraines and weakness, often accompanied by chills alternating with sweats. I also developed a chronic cough at least once per year that would last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Nothing would stop the coughing, and I am told that this is also a babesia symptom. Medical doctors all blamed the anaemia on my menses. Through my own search for answers, I learned that babesia can produce hemolytic anaemia (from the destruction of red blood cells). If you go to this post you will see how yellow I looked (due to the effects of Babesia and other co-infections on my liver) when I was sick.
Babesia was the last infection that I had to conquer on my journey to wellness. I began treating myself with a herbal bowel-liver cleanse, followed by intensive parasite cleansing, and then Stephen Buhner’s Herbal Protocol for Lyme Disease. You can read about the order of cleansing that I did in this post. Once I arrived at the 6th month of my protocol, I began with Stephen Buhner’s recommended babesia herbs.
BABESIA HERBS
Sida Acuta– 1/4 tspn (40 drops) 3 x per day
Cryptolepis– 1/4 tspn (40 drops) 3 x per day
I began with one dose of each per day. After a couple of days, I increased to twice per day. After 7 days, I was taking both herbs at the above daily dosage. I took these for 5 weeks straight. Since I cannot have alcohol I simply put the drops in warm water and let it sit for an hour to let the alcohol evaporate. I never had any issues doing it this way.
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. I am now in complete remission from Lyme Disease and all co-infections since November 2014.
I did it all without any antibiotics or drugs. I must add that I have been on the Wahl’s Paleo Diet since August 2012. This diet has helped to restore many of the nutrient deficiencies that I had while sick. The body has incredible self-healing abilities if it is given the proper nutrients and care.
If you are interested in booking a consult, please go to this page for nutritional therapy and hair analysis.
Blessings and Best of Health!
Brenda
References
1.http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/babesiosis/gen_info/faqs.html
2. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/05/dr-dietrich-klinghardt-on-lyme-disease.aspx
3. http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/the-protocols/#BABS
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Thank you very much for your encouragement and for sharing what you did to overcome Lyme, EBV, Babesia and Bartonella. Did you have Candida? I do and I’m a bit confused about what foods to stay away from to ensure the Candida actually dies off and stays gone.
Faith – Yes I had a very bad Candida overgrowth. This was a consequence of not having enough essential gut microbes. The overgrowth was taken care of once I started on the Wahls Paleo Diet. The Candida just came into balance and I never had to take anything for it. Lots of bone broth and fermented foods helped to heal my gut and maintain healthy gut flora.
That’s really impressive and good to know… I thought I’d have to be on expensive herbs for a loong time to get rid of my Candida. Thank you very much for answering my question! Off to make fermented cabbage 🙂
Sauerkraut and beet kvass are amazing fermented foods for great gut health!
All the best!
Hi Brenda … I’m starting the wahls protocol as well. I was curious if you are doing the highest level WP plus? Which “level” do you do? Thanks so much!
Hi Snowgirl – I am on The second level which is Wahls Paleo. I tried the Paleo Plus but did not do well with all of the extra fat. I usually only eat twice per day. I find I feel the best when I eat this way.
Hi Brenda,
I am looking at using cryptolepis, sida acuta, and alchornea tinctures myself, what tincture ratio strength did you use?
You mentioned that you struggled with the tinctures effecting gut flora and causing yeast issues, I’ve heard this from others to.
If someone needed to use the tinctures, What’s the shortest/longest time frame window you’d recommend taking them for so there effective, but don’t decimate your gut flora in your experience?
Klebsiellia is an issue i have as well, Did you ever struggle with klebsiellia yourself or have any knowledge of treating it?
Thank you for the great site
Hi GR – I used a combo of cryptolepis and sida acuta. I got them from Woodland Essence. You can check with them about tincture strength. I used these for 5 weeks straight. I really don’t know what the shortest/longest time frames are effective. I was told at the time that people were treating for several months for babesia. I just couldn’t handle how I felt after the 5 weeks. I could tell how the absence of good flora affected me.
I wasn’t diagnosed with klebsiellia but I see Buhner has a protocol for this. I trust his protocols. Maybe something to try.
http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/co-infections/klebsiella-pneumoniae-with-lyme/
Blessings!
Hello 🙂
I would like to know if you have an advice about where (online) I could buy the herbal protocols (for parasite and the Buhner Lyme p. too).
I’m French 🙂
I have a Lyme since 20 years and because of my leaky gut the doctor won’t give (and I agreed with him) me any antibiotics. So I am very happy that I stumble on your website. Until recently I managed to live with the Lyme, with a very strict AIP paleo diet and yoga and such but I guess it was not enough. Thank you for your help and my best wishes for you.
Hi Beedoo- Best to google your area and see if you can find any local herbalists. They often carry or have access to all kinds of herbs. If you have been sick for a long time it would be good to supplement your diet with lots of whole food supplementation. Long term illness drains mineral stores and then illness can set in.
Hope you are restored to vibrant health very soon!
Hi Beedoo – Google your area and herbs that you want. Also check with local herbalists as many have access to herbs that are not available online. Just keep searching. I healed my gut and now I am in remission. You are fortunate to have a doctor that understands this.
Best of Health!
Thank you very much for your answer 🙂 and the sharing of your great journey !
*:ﾟ*｡⋆ฺ(*´◡`)
You are very welcome!
Hi Brenda!
I wondered if you could expand on what you did to work on your thyroid? I read that you incorporated kelp tablets … could you recommend a brand? (I’m also following the Wahls Protocol and have her book. I struggle with the seaweed part!!)
Was your fatigue level at a point where it was basically CFS and you were unable to operate for more than a few hours? I’m currently working on adrenals with glandulars and thyroid with a glandular from Standard Process. Can’t get a handle on the energy depletion and when I add anti-microbials I feel like I am being pressed into my bed each morning. Like my body is lead.
THANK YOU for your help SO much!!
PS … made your beet kvass twice now and it is awesome.
Snowgirl – I answered the kelp question. Yes I was housebound many, many times and bedbound as well. Severe CFS. I often did not have the strength to sit upright in a chair. Eliminate the infections, lots of detox, increase mineral levels and work on lifestyle. The die-off from lyme and parasites was brutal. Increase detox strategies. Incorporate a daily green smoothie for breakfast.
The kvass is great stuff!
Just keep going and keep your eye on remission! It will come if you give your body everything it needs!