Suzy Cohen is starting to tick me off - Cowden question

So I never really heard of Suzy Cohen until sometime last year. She is the seemingly self-proclaimed "America's Pharmacist".

Suzy seems to be on top of most health-related issues and appears to be quite Lyme-savvy (her husband is afflicted with it).

It was because I received her newsletter about "thorough" Vitamin D testing that I got the 1,25 di-OH Vit D test (which measures the active level). This opened a can of worms for me because my level was insanely elevated. My regular doctor freaked out about my level, told me to stop Vit D supplements and wants me to get a chest CT scan out of sarcoidosis concerns.

Suzy's article mentions Lyme being a possible cause of elevated 1,25 di-OH but, I am unable to find ANY scientific literature about this and am still working on *that*.

I actually emailed her to request medical references on the topic.

Now, after reading Suzy's extensive article about Lyme and co's (lots of references to ILADS, etc.), I'm concerned about her comments that the Cowden Protocol (which I planned on starting next week as one of the 3 choices my LLMD gave me).

http://suzycohen.com/articles/lyme-disease-and-bartonella-more-common-than-you-think/

This is what she says:

"Another physician I respect and follow the work of is Dr. Lee Cowden, he created the famous natural protocol made by Nutramedix. The heart of this is Banderol and Samento, two natural herbal antimicrobials that appear to work just as well as prescribed antibiotics for some people. You can take a look at the entire line of Nutramedix here: http://www.nutramedix.com

This is an option for very fragile patients who could die from a Herx reaction, but it’s not terribly effective at getting into the brain or treating Bartonella and Babesia. The line helps with detoxification, it is not just a “kill” protocol, it is very supportive. If your symptoms are mainly in your head (ie neurological/cognitive/fog/memory), you may need to add something else to the Nutramedix protocol. "

What the heck???

Does anyone know of any possible basis for these comments?

Thanks so much for your input, rowingmom!

I've been very fortunate to the extent that my Lyme symptoms have been relatively mild (my low thyroid symptoms were worse lol). However, I've read that symptoms do not necessarily correspond with level of infection.

The only thing I tested positive for was Lyme and that's the only thing my LLMD was sure I have (due to the mild Bells Palsy he noted). I've had a couple of questionable symptoms here and there that might indicate another infection but nothing has ever been that pronounced to elicit a dx.

The *full* Cowden protocol (not just Samento and Banderol) targets the co's as well.

The other anti-microbials in the Cowden program are Cumanda, Houttuynia, Enula and Mora.

My LLMD told me to choose among Cowden, Buhner or White. Buhner requires more time for tincture preparation and I just don't have that. I opted for Cowden for its simplicity.

Not surprisingly, I'd like this to be "it" for me :)

I know you advised me on another thread to not worry about relapse if my symptoms increased when transitioning to herbals. (I knew to expect herxing)

How *does* one identify a relapse?


***I edited this post to correct what I originally listed for the other Cowden anti-microbials and before I realized rowingmom posted again. Sorry for any confusion

Post Edited (cd3764) : 2/1/2015 12:09:03 PM (GMT-7)

The silly thing is that Samento and Banderol were never intended to treat Bartonella or Babesia from what I had read - they are only equal to Doxy in Lyme disease. It won't treat cystic forms or cell wall deficient forms either.

I've found it best to never follow just one person's thoughts on any one thing. It's always best to check things several times with several sources, then see what would line up for you personally. Many *think* they know how to heal these infections, but very few actually do.

Thanks so much for the additional information and experience sharing, rowingmom!

I had forgotten about the additional anti-microbials in the Cowden program since I researched it last month.

The clarification of relapse was VERY helpful.

I've been using the detox tinctures for the past month and, unless my LLMD tells me otherwise during my appointment Thursday, I will start the full Cowden program. (I absolutely love the fact that I could print out the 4 times daily tincture/dosing schedule. The thing will be dog-eared :).

Only time will tell....and I hope it's good news :)

Oh, for whatever it's worth, Dr. Eva Sapi showed that Samento and Banderol are effective against the Borrelia spirochetes, cyst forms and biofilms:

http://www.townsendletter.com/July2010/sapi0710.html

Post Edited (cd3764) : 2/1/2015 12:37:38 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks again, rowingmom!

Since I am currently dealing with 2-3 transient and very mild symptoms, I'm curious what might show up when I start herxing after starting Cowden.

The Cowden "Lyme" protocol also targets Bart since it incorporates houttuynia. The literature mentions that it targets other Lyme co-infections as well but is non-specific. At least I could try Enula at some point if I want to test for Babesia...

The experimentation idea is excellent and one I will surely keep in mind.

I never cease to be amazed at the length of this journey when I think about the fact that I started treatment the day after I pulled the tick out of my abdomen.

At least I'm moving forward and much of it is due to the advice of generous forum members like you.

Thanks again!

Thanks for your latest post, Trav!

How does one know whether or not they are dealing with cysts and/or biofilms?

The Cowden Protocol does incorporate Serrapeptase which is a good thing.

My LLMD gave me the choice of 3 herbal protocols - one of which was Cowden - in the thought that they "cover all the bases".

Maybe the other anti-microbials work against biofilms?

I considered adding Bio Fibrin to the Monolaurin I'm already taking but want to discuss all with my LLMD.

And, I just started LDN last week in the hopes of strengthening my immune system.

Since I have just a few mild symptoms (and that's been the case for awhile), maybe my body will be able to take over.

One can only hope - right? ;)

Thanks so much for your support!