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Antibiotics or natural route

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Posted 9/3/2015 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if anybody has had good luck on an all natural protocol with no past antibiotics or is antibiotics the best bet. I am still new to this but thinking of skipping antibiotics all together and instead doing the cowden protocol , but I am a little nervous. I don't want to delay my treatment anymore than I already have, so if I need the antibiotics I will take that route but would rather do this herbally. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted 9/3/2015 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
Some have had a lot of success using natural methods alone, yes. But, I wouldn't say that they make up the majority. To me, it seems that most have used, or are continuing to use, both antibiotics and herbals, either one at a time, or, sometimes, in combination - definitely want to make sure that none of the products interfere with one another though.

But, yeah, the natural stuff's worked (works) for some.

Really though, I'd say go with what works. Yes, give the natural route a shot, being that it's what you're wanting for yourself, the access is likely much easier, quicker, and less expensive. See how it goes.

If you get the results you're looking for, great. If not, try another one of the protocols. There are quite a few. (I'm sure some of the other members will be along eventually to fill you in on them, the specifics of each.)

Still aren't getting the desired effects? Well, could be due to coinfections, thyroid/adrenal issues, something like that. Could also be due to the herbals not being a good suit for you, at least not at this particular moment.

I don't know. Don't take my word for anything of value. XD

Hope you get where you need to be, somehow, Angie.
Posted 9/3/2015 10:21 AM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to say YES!, the herbal/natural way is very effective for many. Many people use only herbal antimicrobials to heal and in fact studies have shown herbal therapies to be more effective than pharmaceutical ones in chronic infection, as herbal therapies are less likely to develop bacterial resistance.


http://www.townsendletter.com/July2010/sapi0710.html[url]


Proudestmommy, I have just started working from the Cowden protocol doing a modified protocol with my LLND, 3 1/2 weeks ago. This is my first time ever treatment for my Chronic Lyme Disease besides the 3 weeks of Doxy from my family doctor in May.
Posted 9/3/2015 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
I've heard of great things happening with neem, oil of oregano, teasel root, spilanthes and cat's claw. so many others too...

I am 2 weeks into a 30 day scrip of doxy and taking classical pearls chinese herbal formulas-lightning thunder and dragon and taking the above herbs mentioned.
I feel like I am making progress but it is not immediate...
Bone broth, a paleo diet, tons of water and detox baths seem to help too.
keep us updated with discoveries and progress!
Posted 9/3/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, you can most definitely heal these infections with herbs only!! Many here are doing just that!

I healed my 40 yr old infections with herbs only - and I'm an abx failure. I tried using abx for these infections for a full 12 months and finally had to quit due to continuing to get worse and worse. I stopped all abx when I started having seizures, black outs frequently, lost all working memory, severe cognitive dysfunction and physical dysfunction.

The "trick" is, just like with pharma abx, finding the right ones that your body will respond well with, building up your immune system (so it can not only help with the attack, but will keep other bacteria and viruses out), and rebuilding the digestive system, because without that, a person can't have a good immune system.

You can read more about my journey in this thread:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=2977364
Posted 9/3/2015 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I went the natural route. So glad I did.

I also did an IV ozone treatment that, although "natural" is a heavy duty and effective treatment.

Prescription drugs can be okay, but sometimes they can be dangerous - especially if you take multiple at one time. This is because they each have either inhibitory or inducing effects.

Inhibitors stop enzymes from working as well. In other words, a drugs that inhibits enzymes from metabolising it makes it (along with whatever other drugs you are taking) stay in the body longer.

Inducers make enzymes work better. So essentially, an inducer drug has the opposite effect of an inhibitor and speeds up the process of getting it (and whatever other drugs you are taking) out of the body quicker.

So when you are taking a medication, you are not just taking a drug, but you are also taking an inhibitor or an inducer. This can cause adverse drug reactions occur because of this.

Let’s say you take the antibiotic Erythromycin (an inhibitor), and you also like to drink grapefruit juice everyday (also an inhibitor): what can happen is that last night’s dose of antibiotics can get stagnant in your liver by the time you pop more antibiotics on top of that. If you do not have enough glutathione (or other detoxifying agents) to compensate, a toxic overdose or liver damage can occur.
Posted 9/3/2015 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
for me personally there's no chance i'd go the natural only route. the majority seem to use both as the whole is greater than the individual parts, at least that's what i've heard from several LLMD's i highly respect. then again it's all an individual choice. you can always try natural first if that feels right and add in abx if you don't feel you're making progress. most of getting healed is trial and error so no different for how you would approach it.
Posted 9/3/2015 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the responses. I am still thinking about what is the best route to go but will be starting samento along with burbur detox for the short term until I figure out the best route. Lyme is so darn confusing, smh.
Posted 9/3/2015 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, dangerous. But, if all else fails, what options do ya got?

I wish I could put 100% of myself into the herbals, believe they're gonna get me to where I want, need, to be, and get there, but I can't. Hasn't been my experience.

Again, not to belittle them. I'm happy some people see a lot of success with them, 'cause, yeah, much cleaner, healthier.

Like I said, I wish I could do it all-natural. I'm still giving it a shot, but, after all I've tried, not too hopeful. Trying to be though.
Posted 9/4/2015 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like a good plan!
I would also suggest a good multivitamin, a good omega 3/6/9/ fat source, immunity mushrooms, some probiotics and some lysine and vitamin c to set a solid foundation.
I also just discovered green vibrance powder which is great to get more chlorophyll into your system. I often add a little baking soda, lemon or apple cider vinegar to filtered drinking water to help make my system more alkaline.
Do stuff to get more oxygen into your bloodstream and keep yourself laughing. This disease has a way of creating so much tension and depression. If I can giggle everything becomes less ominous and laughing heals through all dimensions.

I think somebody already mentioned it but if not, be sure to check out http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/

I like watching this talk Buhner did-makes me laugh and cry and feel empowered and able to approach this new shift with more curiosity and introspection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rij1wbH3jNk

a random link for laughing, interview with Miranda July:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2KVkYVBCFY

The Buhner protocol seems more approachable to me than the Cowden but I love seeing the options and alternatives that people are working with. As stated above we are all unique creatures and our healing paths are different but so great to have this community to share our experiences.
Posted 9/4/2015 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
I use a combination of antibiotics and herbals. I think it is important to use many different meds because, for me, they seem to hit various aspects of my infections.

You need to find what works for you. Everyone is different and responds differently to meds. I feel more comfortable with a combination approach. I'm not crazy about taking all these meds and supplements, but I want to get better. My symptoms are not tolerable. I want to do everything in my power, at least within reason, to get better.

As far as herbals, Buhner is very popular because he lays everything out and explains it. Cowden is a little more expensive. I have used herbs from both with my treatment. I don't want to limit myself by labels / protocols, meds. I will use what works best for my symptoms. I also see what various well-known LLMD's recommend and why. It is important to try different meds (hopefully with advice of an ILADS trained LLMD, at least in the beginning, in my opinion) and see if they help.
Posted 9/4/2015 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
I've had good luck with a natural treatment..... I've come a long way, still a bit to go, but overall, I'm so happy to have gone this route..... I was so weak and fatigued and 'just done'.... I think I was so toxic abx would have been a tragedy for my body....(more toxins in an already toxic body didn't make sense to me).

Instead, herbs and supplements and the slow and steady approach has gotten me to a good place....
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