Buhner Protocol
Stephen Harrod Buhner is an outstanding American Herbalist and Author of many books and publications. He developed herbal protocol for treatment of Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases based on clinically tested herbs. Buhner's meticulous work and deep understanding of Lyme disease allowed him to select the most useful herbal response to the disease.
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The herbs recommended by Buhner, due to the complex chemical structure, have a very broad spectrum, of activity. They do not directly kill the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, but also improve the efficiency of the immune system and relieve various symptoms of Lyme disease. Buhner Protocol contain three basic herbs and numerous additional herbs that strengthen the effect from taking the core protocol.
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Core Protocol (according the Buhner's book "Healing Lyme: Natural Healing and Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis and its Coinfections"):
Andrograpgis
(lat. Andrographis Paniculta)
Kills Borrelia spirochetes and crosses the blood-brain barrier
Cats Claw
(lat. Uncaria Tomentosa)
It is most potent immunostimulatory herb used in the treatment of Lyme disease and its coinfections. Its increases the number of leukocytes CD57 which are essential for the treatment of Lyme disease.
Japanese Knotweed
(lat. Polygonum Cuspidatum)
Currently it is considered the best herb for neuroborreliosis and Bartonella coinfection. Japanese knotweed has very broad spectrum of activity including:
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Kills Borrelia spirochetes
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Inhibits autoimmune processes
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Protects the nervous system
Note: Andrographis causes allergic reaction in about 1% of the people in the form of skin rash or urticaria. The allergic reaction stops after discontinuation of the herb, but may persist for a week or longer. If during the use of Andrographis you develop a skin reaction you should discontinue the herb and continue the use of the remaining herbs from the core protocol with the exception of Andrographis.
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Due to the possibility of allergic reactions to Andrographis, Stephen Buhner introduced an update of the core protocol:
Updated Protocol
Japanese Knotweed
Cat's Claw
Siberian Ginseng
Astragalus Membranous (to be used only in the early stages of Lyme disease)
Expanded Protocol
Sarsaparilla (lat. Smilax Medica)
Antibacterial action, removal of bacterial toxins, recommended for smoothening of Herxaimer reaction
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Astragalus
(lat. Astragalus Membranaceus)
Recommended only in the early stages of Lyme disease and prevention for people lignin in endemic areas
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Siberian Ginseng
(and. Eleuthera, lat. Eleutherococcus Senticosus)
Recommended for chronic fatigue, depression, decreased immunity
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Stefania Root
(lat. Stephania Tetrandra)
Recommend for neurological problems, ophthalmic, paralysis Bella, cardiac problems
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Teasel Root
(lat. Dipsacus Sylvestris)
Recommended for problems with joints, especially in the knees
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Artemisia
(lat. Artemisia Annua)
Recommended for treatment of Babeesiosis