Buhner Core Protocol
Stephen Harrod Buhner's herbal approach from Healing Lyme
- 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 — 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.
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.