Buhner Core Protocol
Stephen Harrod Buhner's herbal approach from Healing Lyme
Discuss this protocol- Targets
- Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Components
- 5
- Prescription
- Not required
The most widely used herbal Lyme protocol. Japanese knotweed, cat's claw and andrographis form the core, with additional herbs chosen for each person's symptoms and co-infections. The r/Lyme community frequently recommends reading the book before starting.
The regimen
Duration: Typically several months to a year, tailored to symptoms
Key points
- Core herbs: Japanese knotweed, cat's claw, andrographis
- Herbs are matched to symptoms and co-infections rather than one fixed recipe
- Start low and increase slowly to manage die-off
- Andrographis causes hives in some people; stop it if a rash appears
- Buhner's book cites hundreds of studies explaining each herb's role
The approach
Buhner's protocol targets Lyme in several ways at once: direct antimicrobial action, protecting the tissues the bacteria damage, calming the inflammatory cytokine cascade, and supporting immune function.
Common additions
- Sida acuta and Cryptolepis for Babesia
- Houttuynia and Japanese knotweed for Bartonella (see Healing Lyme Disease Coinfections)
- Ashwagandha or Eleuthero for energy and stress resilience
- Stephania root for inflammation
Doses
The doses listed are commonly cited starting points. Buhner adjusted doses to each person, and the book Healing Lyme (2nd edition) is the authoritative source.
Saving money
Many people make their own tinctures. The r/Lyme community has a popular DIY Buhner tincture guide and a list of vetted herbal suppliers.
Discussion
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Not medical advice. This protocol is summarized from Stephen Harrod Buhner: Healing Lyme (2nd ed.) for educational purposes. Doses are for adults; children need different dosing. Discuss any treatment with a qualified, Lyme-literate clinician, who can monitor labs and adjust for your health and medications.