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is it worthwhile continuing on herbs when you start abx?

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Posted 2/28/2016 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on banderol, samento and pinella since I discovered I had Lyme last August. I saw quick improvement of around 20-30% but then plateaued. I've stayed on the herbs for maintenance since.

Three weeks ago I started on an antibiotic protocol per my LLMD: doxy 200 mg twice a day, plaquenil 200 mg twice a day, flagyl 500 mg three times a day PULSED THREE DAYS A WEEK, and bactin 160mg twice a day (in place of rifampin which gave me a bad reaction). The initial protocol is four months.

My question: is there any point in carrying on with the herbs, given I've started abx? I'm thinking of staying on pinella no matter what, since it helps with brain fog, but banderol and samento are basically cyst busters... do I still need these?
Posted 2/28/2016 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
In my opinion yes, although I am on a different protocol that involves more herbs, I know that they can work synergistially with abx and thus increase their effectiveness.

Samento is Cat's Claw (TOA free, if I am remembering right?) so it is more than just a cyst buster, no?
Posted 2/28/2016 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
what about changing up the herbs? I've thought about trying A-BART.
Posted 2/28/2016 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
I have read the most on Buhner. I love is take on lyme treatment.

Stephen’s response:
Here is what is true: nearly every lyme person, again: nearly EVERY lyme person, comes up with their own treatment blend over time to fit their exact situation. There is nothing wrong in blending protocols. Most people do it one way or another. As I say over and over again, there is NO one way to health with lyme, use what works and discard the rest.

I love Cat's Claw- great for inflammation. Helps strengthen the immune system.

Post Edited (PeteZa) : 2/28/2016 3:05:24 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/28/2016 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
I say yes, it's worthwhile to stay on herbs along with the abx as well. They work differently and those that choose abx usually do better if they will use herbs as well.

You should know though that Samento and Banderol are so much more than cyst busters, they have been proven to treat Lyme and A-bart treats Bartonella. So while you can switch over, you will no longer be treating Lyme with the herbs. It's best (from what I've seen) to use herbs to treat the same infection you are treating with the abx.
Posted 2/28/2016 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
My LLMD also believes this is the best way to go. She also explained it the same way. Antibiotics may not be able to penetrate cyst (or maybe not all) but herbs can.

I agree logically with her. If the bacteria can go and hide and or take shelter for periods of time then of course you want different herbs to still be kicking butt during these periods.

Sounds like the best plan of action to me (unless I'm missing something).
Posted 2/28/2016 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I also have bartonella. Maybe I'll add the A-Bart and stay on the other herbs..
Posted 2/28/2016 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
Herbs are meant to be taken continuously. When taken with abx, they can help prevent abx resistance because there's no way the bugs can develop resistance to the thousands of constituents in herbs.

I highly recommend Japanese Knotweed. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and crosses the blood brain barrier. Because of this, taking Japanese Knotweed while on abx can "extend the reach" of the abx.
Posted 2/29/2016 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the others about remaining on your current herbal protocol, especially if you did see some improvement.

As for A-Bart, K used it for more than 8 months at dosages of 20 drops 3x daily. It was brutal and caused huge herxing issues for her, but from what I could see, no improvement in symptoms.

We found houttuynia (and then to be fair, the rest of Buhner's bartonella protocol) to be much more effective (and relatively gentle) for bartonella infection.

Of course, everyone is different. Give A-Bart a go if you think you should, but be ready to herx. If you aren't happy with A-Bart, I would give houttuynia a try. I think Nutramedix makes a tincture.
Posted 2/29/2016 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
And if you don't respond to Nutramedix Houttuynia, I wouldn't give up on the herb just yet.

I'd try Buhner's recommended fresh plant Houttuynia tincture made by Woodland Essence....that made a big difference for me.

We each need to find what works for us but I think it really makes sense to continue with herbs. I so regret not pushing my LLMD more to let me take herbs while I was on abx....my journey could very well have been shorter.
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