Probiotics

Are probiotics necessary when you are only treating with herbs?

Ok, thanks Trav. Are herbs MUCH gentler on the digestive track then antibiotics? I start herbs on Wednesday for my first attempt at treating Lyme. Worried about "damaging" things from the use of long term herbs. Is that not seen very often? Thanks.

Would herbs like Samento and Banderol from Nutrimedix for example, be whole herbs?

Yes, the die off would be hard to avoid with treating with anything that kill this bacteria! I wish we could avoid that part though lol

I will be adding in herbs on Wednesday now after spending the last month boosting my immune system. My LLND is putting me on a modified cowden protocol.. She is first starting me with Samento I think. I would only be taking one drop to start. This will be my first time using herbs - or treating this infection really, besides the 3 weeks of doxy I did this past May/June from my family doctor.

That's awesome about the probiotic! Know that you may need to up your dosage at times.

Samento is an extract of cat's claw - but it's used a lot, so I know that it's fairly safe. Banderol is an extract from the bark of a tree, and I know that it too is fairly safe, as are all the herbs in the Cowden protocol. Sorry, I didn't realize you were going to be using Cowden's!! That's a very well established herbal protocol, so you will be fine as long as you aren't allergic or too sensitive to the herbs themselves.

Remember, herxing can mimic allergic reactions in a way, so be sure to detox lots!! And starting off on only one drop is a really good plan! Be sure to not rush titrating the dosage up - go as slowly as you seem to need to. They are working when they cause herxing, but you can overwhelm the body with toxins if you try to rush it too much. Slow and steady.

I started cowden a couple weeks ago and take probiotics w/ cowden the same way I took them while on abx...two hours after each dosage.

For me, I've found Samento to be very strong so make sure you ease into it!

Since you aren't on any treatments yet, you likely don't need more than that at this point. If you feel bloated or gassy though, it will be time to talk to your doctor.

And, like Sniogra was suggesting to start off slow, most people need to start with only one drop of Samento a day and work up very slowly.

I take hmf Forte too! I also take xymogen probiotics which are crazy expensive but I've never had any yeast issues on my privates or thrush in my mouth. I do have candida in my stool that showed up when checking for parasites.

I really like both products and try to switch it up so my body doesn't get used to one thing. Not sure if it even matters.

Not sure about abx. I think I have bartonella though, so I'm not sure if cowden will be enough. So far I've finally had some good days on cowden...I hope you do too!