Trying herbs? stomach issues

Hi all,

It's been awhile since I posted (probably around a year). After ~4 years of intense abx treatment, I seemed to be doing quite well. I was off abx for nearly a year (without any major issues) but started having some growing problems during the spring. I have been back on abx for the last 6 months. Unfortunately, my stomach no longer wants to tolerate most abx. As such, I have been considering herbal approaches. Does anyone know if theses are easier on the gut? Also, has it been established if these herbs are safe? After years of therapy, I've become more concerned about long-term effects of medicines/supplements. I have an appointment with my LLMD next week but wanted to get some input and do some research before I meet with her.

Currently my symptoms aren't too severe, but they are significant enough that I feel it is important to continue with treatment. I have improved significantly over the years. Life was once unbearable. For those of you that are struggling, hang it there. You can get better. It just takes time (unfortunately).

Much thanks to all....

Thanks for the input, Chloe!

I was REALLY sick. It was a long, slow process. During a majority of of the year I was off all medications, I felt nearly 100%. However, I slowly noticed symptoms returning and decided to start a light regimen of antibiotics. Overall, I still feel pretty good (I work full-time and have a 2.5 hour a day commute) but I don't feel like I should. I have some relatively minor, but pesky symptoms that seem to come and go. Given my stomach issues, herbs seem to be a good alternative.

Most herbs I've found to be pretty gentle on the stomach. Some of the stronger ones like oregano gave me some GI issues but I'm only on monolaurin now and it hits the Lyme very hard without any stomach issues at least for me. Give it a shot. I think it's the strongest natural out there that wouldn't hurt the stomach.

Thanks, ToddPaul. I'm not too familiar with herbal approaches (including monolaurin). I need to research this more and talk to my LLMD. I have heard/read herbs work best for individuals that are in decent shape (not those they are very sick). Do you think this is true?

I was too sick to tolerate abx, yet I healed using herbs only. I got reinfected this summer, so I'm back on treatments. My doc suggested IV abx, and I turned them down as I know that these herbs can whip these infections just fine and my body tolerates them much, much better.

So anyone that says that the herbs are not strong enough for those that are really sick are misguided. After being infected for 40+ years, they were the only thing that would work for me.

And yes, they are much more gentle on the digestive system too!

Many have found great improvements and healing with Buhner's herbal protocol: buhnerhealinglyme.com/ It's well aid out and easy enough to follow (not complicated), and many here are using it so you have a good support system.

I used something different, but that was because I started on mine before Buhner's become widely known about. Buhner's covers all of the more common tick-borne infections and on his site there are many references to help you find you way. So I would suggest you look that over and see if it fits.

I herxed on herbal tinctures & this was months after abx tx started.
I herxed while starting all of the antibacterial herbs.
You want to start one at a time, slow & easy.
My herxes would begin between day 1 & day 3.
Herbs are great, especially tinctures, b/c you can add more or reduce your dose very easily.
You don't have to call your doctor, etc, you can change your dosing as needed yourself.
I started them on my own, but by month 3 or 4, I contacted a lyme herbalist to help me decide how to continue forward.

I also make some of my tinctures myself. It's cheaper & you learn how to make medicine- very valuable indeed.

Lymebarthiker- how sick are you? Can you still work?
I have been on herbal tinctures & abx for just under 1 year now.
I have always had to deal with thrush - can't stand it, but dealing with it. The diet has to be tight, as you must know. Diet is key.
I know b/c I've fallen away from the diet a few times & I pay for it dearly EVERY time. You are not alone:)

Post Edited (Usedtogarden) : 11/13/2014 4:34:53 PM (GMT-7)