Please note:
Stephen Buhner has retired from answering questions here, but this website run by Planet Thrive, Inc. is kept open so readers can access vital information in the archives, communicate with each other in the comments section, and find herbs, books + lyme adjuncts in our store (coming very soon). If you want to reach Stephen, please try contacting him through his personal website:

healing lyme philosophy
1. Support collagen structures so that damage to the body systems ceases;
2. Enhance immune function so that the body can deal with the organism itself;
3. Shut down the inflammatory pathways the spirochetes initiate, especially in the CNS;
4. Treat symptoms;
5. And only then, try and kill the spirochete.
core protocol (lyme disease)
1. Japanese knotweed root (Polygonum cuspidatum)
• Powder: 1 tsp – 1 TBS of the root powder 3x daily. Start at the lower dose and work up, OR . . .
• Tincture: ¼ – 1 tsp 3-6x daily, OR . . .
• Tablets (Green Dragon Botanicals): These are normally labeled as resveratrol on the bottle. They are in fact knotweed root standardized for resveratrol content. (Note: Don’t use grape resveratrol; it won’t work very well.) Some comments on tablet dosages below:
2. Cat’s claw bark (Uncaria tomentosa)
• Powder: 1 tsp 3x daily, OR . . .
• Tincture: ¼ – ½ tsp 3x daily, OR . . .
• Tablets/capsules (Green Dragon Botanicals): 1–4 500 mg tablets/capsules 3x day.
3. Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
• Capsules: Begin with a small dose and work up. I would recommend 600 mg (1 capsule) 3x daily to begin with, for one week. Then, if there are no side effects, increase the dose to 2 capsules 3x daily. Please check the side effects on this herb: Unpleasant allergic reactions can occur.
4. If you have neuroborrelliosis, add: Gou-Teng (Uncaria rhynchophylla)
• Tincture: ½ – 1 tsp 3–6x daily, depending on severity of brain infection.
5. Collagen support protocols (see book) are often essential, as well.
maximum core dosages
150 lb adult: 1-4 tablets 3-4x daily
100 lb adult: 10 tablets total daily split into three doses
60 lb child: 5 tablets daily split into three doses, tincture is probably better here
30 lb child: 3 tablets daily split into three doses, but would prefer tincture for child this small
Japanese Knotweed tincture
150 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily
100 lb adult: 2/3 teaspoon 3x daily
60 lb child: 1/3 teaspoon 3x daily
30 lb child: 1/5 teaspoon 3x daily
Cat’s Claw capsule (Raintree brand)
150 lb adult: 1-4 tablets 3-4x daily
100 lb adult: 10 tablets total daily split into three doses
60 lb child: 5 tablets daily split into three doses, tincture is probably better here
30 lb child: 3 tablets daily split into three doses, but would prefer tincture for child this small
Cat’s Claw tincture
150 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily
100 lb adult: 2/3 teaspoon 3x daily
60 lb child: 1/3 teaspoon 3x daily
30 lb child: 1/5 teaspoon 3x daily
Astragalus capsule for new tick bites – not to be used in chronic lyme
150 lb adult: 1,000 mg daily
100 lb adult: 1,000 mg daily
60 lb child: 1,000 mg daily
30 lb child: 1,000 mg daily
Astragalus tincture for new tick bites – not to be used in chronic lyme
150 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily
100 lb adult: 1 teaspoon 3x daily
60 lb child: 1/2 teaspoon 3x daily
30 lb child: 1/3 teaspoon 3x daily
Note: Additional herbs can be added based on your symptoms. Read this article for more on the latest updates to the Healing Lyme protocol.
To purchase herbs, see: herb source listing
lyme disease prevention
new tick bites
babesia
Please see Stephen’s book Natural Treatments for Lyme Coinfections: Anaplasma, Babesia, and Ehrlichia for the most up-to-date expanded babesia protocol.
See also: babesia.
bartonella
Sida acuta tincture (from Woodland Essence or [email protected]) ¼ tsp 3x day for 30 days
Hawthorn tincture, same
Japanese knotweed, (tincture, same dose (from same sources as Sida acuta, above), or capsules from Green Dragon Botanicals 2 capsules 3x daily)
EGCG 400mg +- daily
Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao – 1st Chinese Herbs, powder – use “LYME” code at checkout for 10% off) 1 tbl daily
L-arginine 5000 mg daily in divided doses
Milk Thistle seed, standardized, 1200 mg daily
All for 30 days.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have active herpes, chicken pox, or shingles DO NOT USE L-arginine.
See also: bartonella
ehrlichia
see: ehrlichia
mycoplasma
See also: bacterial co-infections.
candida
cautions
CAUTION: About one percent of people (one out of a hundred) using andrographis report allergic reactions. Primarily the reaction shows as a rather severe skin rash; essentially hives. This will resolve if you stop taking the herb, though it might take a week or so. Anti-inflammatories such as cortisone creams are not necessary; it will clear up on its own. Please pay attention to any skin reactions you might have to the herb and discontinue it if you have a reaction. If you are one of the very few that does experience a reaction, you can continue the rest of the herbs in the core protocol, simply deleting andrographis.
NOTE: Two people have reported rises in liver enzyme levels on the protocol. The cause is unknown. Andrographis, knotweed, and smilax are all herbs used historically for liver problems, all are specific for healing liver disease. That increases in liver enzymes has occurred is odd since the herbs are specific for lowering those levels; they are good liver protector herbs and have been traditionally used for liver disease for millennia. This reaction is very unusual and the only reason I can find for it is personal reactivity to one of the herbs. The best thing to do if you do experience increases in liver enzymes is to stop the protocol and then reintroduce the herbs one at a time to see which one is the problem.
NOTE: A few people have experienced loss of taste on the protocol. The herb responsible for this has not been identified but I think it is probably the knotweed as that plant does cause, sometimes, alterations in taste. It can take up to 3 months to correct itself after the herb has been discontinued.
disclaimer
“This protocol was incredible. After only a few weeks most of my symptoms were gone. After six months all my symptoms were gone… it has given me my life back.”
– Amazon review by Joseph




latest Q & As.
Correct dosage for LB Core + LB Tonic Protocols
Dear Stephen, What is the correct dosage to take of Green Dragon Botanicals’ LB Core Protocol?
Stevia’s antibacterial actions against lyme disease
Dear Stephen, What are your thoughts on the New Haven Group’s study of the antibacterial actions of stevia against Borrelia bacteria?
Monterey Bay Spice Company for lyme herbs?
Dear Stephen, Is the Monterey Bay Spice Company a safe source to order my lyme herbs?
Herbs necessary during/after antibiotics?
Dear Stephen, I am currently on antibiotics for 3 weeks now and still have symptoms. Would you recommend I start the core protocol while on antibiotics or wait until I am done? Thanks.
Babesia or dientamoeba fragilis?
Dear Stephen, I am beginning to think my entire family has babesia or dientamoeba – it’s all very confusing but I need to do something. Can you make any suggestions?
Diagnosing lyme with nursing toddler
Dear Stephen, I have been told I have lyme disease by one doctor, and that I do not from another doctor. I have a toddler that I am still nursing infrequently and simply not sure what to do!

Stephen Harrod Buhner
master herbalist, author, Earth poet
Stephen Buhner is an Earth poet and the award-winning author of fifteen books on nature, indigenous cultures, the environment, and herbal medicine including the acclaimed book Healing Lyme: Natural Healing & Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis & Its Co-infections. His work has been profiled in The New York Times, CNN, Good Morning America and other media throughout North America and Europe. Since October 2006, Stephen has tirelessly answered hundreds of questions from those following his herbal protocol through his Q & A column. more about the man
the books.
HEALING LYME: NATURAL HEALING AND PREVENTION OF LYME BORRELIOSIS AND ITS COINFECTIONS
Published in 2005, Healing Lyme examines the leading scientific research on lyme infection, its tests and treatments, and outlines the most potent herbal medicines and supplements that offer help – either alone or in combination with antibiotics – for preventing and healing the disease. It is the essential guide to lyme infection and its treatment. Thousands of people have used the protocol to successfully manage their symptoms. read more
HEALING LYME DISEASE COINFECTIONS: COMPLEMENTARY HOLISTIC TREATMENTS FOR BARTONELLA AND MYCOPLASMA
A guide to the natural treatment of two of the most common and damaging coinfections of lyme disease–bartonella and mycoplasma. This book reveals how these conditions often go undiagnosed, complicate Lyme treatment, and cause a host of symptoms–from arthritis to severe brain dysfunction. It outlines natural treatments for both infections, with herbs and supplements for specific symptoms and to combat overreactions of the immune system. Also reviews the latest scientific research on bartonella and mycoplasma coinfections and how treatment with antibiotics is often ineffective. read more
NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR LYME COINFECTIONS: ANAPLASMA, BABESIA AND EHRLICHIA
A guide to the natural treatment of three coinfections of lyme disease. In this book, Stephen Buhner reviews the latest scientific research on babesia, ehrlichia, and anaplasma. He reveals how these three conditions often go undiagnosed, complicate the treatment of lyme disease, and cause symptoms from headache to seizures. He also outlines effective natural treatments with herbs and supplements for specific symptoms and to combat overreactions of the immune system and the inflammation response. read more
HERBAL ANTIVIRALS: NATURAL REMEDIES FOR EMERGING & RESISTANT VIRAL INFECTIONS
Take control of your health with herbal antivirals. As traditional medications become less effective against today’s potent and aggressive viruses, natural alternatives are proving capable of fighting off many common viral threats. Stephen Harrod Buhner offers in-depth instructions on how to prepare and use herbal formulations to prevent and treat infections such as SARS, influenza, and encephalitis. These natural remedies will fight off disease and strengthen your immune system, keeping your family healthy and happy. read more
HERBAL ANTIBIOTICS: NATURAL ALTERNATIVES FOR TREATING DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA
With antibiotic-resistant infections on the rise, herbal remedies present a naturally effective alternative to standard antibiotics. Herbal expert Stephen Harrod Buhner explains the roots of antibiotic resistance, explores the value of herbal treatments, and provides in-depth profiles of 30 valuable plants, noting the proper dosages, potential side effects, and contraindications of each. This comprehensive guide offers sound information on herbal alternatives to standard antibiotics, making it an indispensable addition to every family’s medicine cabinet. read more