Dr. Bill Rawls / Vital Plan Approach
Rotating herbal antimicrobials plus adaptogens and lifestyle
- Targets
- Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia
- Intensity
- Gentle
- Components
- 6
- Prescription
- Not required
From the author of "Unlocking Lyme." Combines several antimicrobial herbs (andrographis, Japanese knotweed, cat's claw, garlic, Cryptolepis and others) with adaptogens like reishi, plus a strong focus on diet, sleep and stress.
The regimen
Duration: Months to years, with periodic rotation of herbs
Key points
- Herbal antimicrobials are combined and rotated over time
- Adaptogens such as reishi and cordyceps support resilience
- Diet, sleep and stress reduction are treated as core, not optional
- "Unlocking Lyme" is a widely recommended starting book
Dr. Rawls recovered from chronic Lyme himself and emphasizes restoring the body's own defences rather than relying on antimicrobials alone. His book is often suggested as the most accessible introduction to chronic Lyme.
Dr. Marty Ross notes that andrographis-based combinations (like Buhner's and Rawls') helped about 60–65% of his patients, compared with 85–90% for his own herbal combinations — but many people do well on this gentler approach.
Discussion
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Not medical advice. This protocol is summarized from Bill Rawls, MD — Unlocking Lyme / Vital Plan 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.