Lyme Disease Supplements & Herbs

Herbal Antimicrobials Popular

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

A core Buhner herb and a natural source of resveratrol. In Johns Hopkins lab testing (Feng et al., 2020) it was one of the two most active botanicals against both growing and dormant Borrelia. Traditionally also used for Bartonella and to calm inflammation.

Typical use: Often started at ¼ tsp tincture 3×/day and increased after ~2 weeks (e.g. to ½ tsp 3×/day).

⚠ Mild blood-thinning effect — talk to your clinician if you take anticoagulants.

Used in: Ross Herbal Combination 2: Cat's Claw + Japanese Knotweed + Essential Oils, Buhner Core Protocol, Doxycycline + Clarithromycin + GSE + Japanese Knotweed +1 more

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Herbal Antimicrobials Popular

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa / Samento)

Amazonian vine used in both the Buhner and Cowden protocols. Immune-balancing, and active against non-growing Borrelia in lab studies. Samento is a TOA-free extract of cat's claw.

Typical use: Commonly 5 drops 2×/day, adding 1 drop per dose each day up to 30 drops 2×/day.

⚠ Avoid in pregnancy and with immunosuppressant medication.

Used in: Ross Herbal Combination 1: Banderol + Samento + Cryptolepis, Ross Herbal Combination 2: Cat's Claw + Japanese Knotweed + Essential Oils, Buhner Core Protocol +2 more

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Herbal Antimicrobials Popular

Banderol (Otoba bark)

Nutramedix

Otoba parvifolia bark extract from the Cowden Support Program, usually paired with Samento. Dr. Marty Ross reports Banderol + Samento works about as well as oral antibiotic combinations in his practice.

Typical use: 5 drops 2×/day, adding 1 drop per dose daily up to 30 drops 2×/day. Take away from food.

⚠ Can affect drug-metabolizing enzymes — check interactions with your clinician.

Used in: Ross Herbal Combination 1: Banderol + Samento + Cryptolepis, Cowden Support Program

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Herbal Antimicrobials Popular

Cryptolepis

West African herb traditionally used for malaria. Johns Hopkins lab studies found it the single most active botanical against Borrelia (it was the only herb to fully eradicate dormant cultures) and active against Babesia duncani and Bartonella.

Typical use: Dr. Ross uses 5 ml 3×/day — product strengths vary, follow your label.

⚠ Strong herb; build up gradually and expect possible die-off reactions.

Used in: Ross Herbal Combination 1: Banderol + Samento + Cryptolepis, Clarithromycin + Grapefruit Seed Extract + Cryptolepis, Dr. Bill Rawls / Vital Plan Approach

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Herbal Antimicrobials Popular

Liposomal Oregano, Cinnamon & Clove Oil

In Johns Hopkins lab testing, oregano, cinnamon bark and clove bud oils completely killed dormant (stationary-phase) Borrelia with no regrowth — outperforming the persister drug daptomycin. Dr. Ross calls this his go-to herbal persister option.

Typical use: 1 capsule 2×/day.

⚠ Can upset the stomach; take with food if needed.

Used in: Clarithromycin + Tinidazole + Liposomal Essential Oils, High-Dose Amoxicillin + Pulsed Tinidazole + Essential Oils, Ross Herbal Combination 2: Cat's Claw + Japanese Knotweed + Essential Oils +1 more

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Biofilm Busters Popular

Serrapeptase

A protein-dissolving enzyme taken between meals to help break down biofilm and fibrin. Part of the Cowden Support Program.

Typical use: On an empty stomach, typically 1–2×/day; follow label.

⚠ Avoid with blood thinners or before surgery.

Used in: Cowden Support Program, Biofilm Busting Add-Ons

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Biofilm Busters Popular

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Building block of glutathione. Supports liver detox during treatment and helps break up biofilm and mucus.

Typical use: Commonly 600 mg 1–3×/day.

Used in: Foundation & Herx Support, Biofilm Busting Add-Ons

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Gut Support Popular

Saccharomyces boulardii

Florastor and others

A beneficial yeast probiotic that antibiotics cannot kill, so it keeps working during treatment. Widely recommended to protect the gut and prevent diarrhea during any antibiotic course.

Typical use: Typically 250–500 mg 1–2×/day.

Used in: Foundation & Herx Support

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Sleep & Nervous System Popular

Magnesium Glycinate

Gentle, well-absorbed magnesium for muscle aches, cramps, sleep and detox support. Part of the Cowden program.

Typical use: 200–400 mg in the evening.

⚠ Reduce dose if stools loosen; separate from tetracyclines by 2+ hours.

Used in: Foundation & Herx Support, Cowden Support Program

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Andrographis

A bitter herb at the center of Buhner's original core protocol and Dr. Bill Rawls' approach, valued for reaching the central nervous system and lowering inflammation. Note: it showed little activity against dormant Borrelia in the 2020 Johns Hopkins screen.

Typical use: Often 400 mg capsules 3×/day, increased gradually.

⚠ A minority of people develop hives or allergic reactions — stop if a rash appears. Avoid in pregnancy.

Used in: Buhner Core Protocol, Dr. Bill Rawls / Vital Plan Approach

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Used by Dr. Ross as a gentler alternative to tinidazole or metronidazole for round-body (cyst) forms. Lab data is mixed — it showed little activity against dormant Borrelia in the 2020 Hopkins screen.

Typical use: 250 mg 2×/day.

⚠ May interact with medications processed by CYP3A4 liver enzymes.

Used in: Clarithromycin + Grapefruit Seed Extract + Cryptolepis, Doxycycline + Clarithromycin + GSE + Japanese Knotweed

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Stabilized Allicin (Garlic)

Concentrated allicin from garlic — a staple of the Zhang protocol. Garlic essential oil was among the most potent agents against dormant Borrelia in a 2018 Hopkins essential-oil screen.

Typical use: Often 1–2 capsules 2×/day; follow label.

⚠ Mild blood-thinning effect.

Used in: Zhang Protocol (Chinese Herbal Medicine), Dr. Bill Rawls / Vital Plan Approach

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Berberine

Plant alkaloid found in Coptis and goldenseal, with broad antimicrobial activity. Coptis is a key herb in the Zhang protocol.

Typical use: Typically 500 mg 2–3×/day with meals.

⚠ Lowers blood sugar and interacts with several medications.

Used in: Zhang Protocol (Chinese Herbal Medicine)

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Houttuynia

Chinese herb used in the Zhang protocol (as "HH") and by Stephen Buhner for Bartonella and Mycoplasma.

Typical use: Follow product label.

Used in: Buhner Core Protocol, Zhang Protocol (Chinese Herbal Medicine)

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Artemisinin / Artemisia annua

From sweet wormwood. A classic anti-Babesia agent, usually pulsed. Artemisia annua also showed strong activity against dormant Borrelia and Babesia duncani in Hopkins lab studies.

Typical use: Commonly pulsed (several days on, several off) — follow your clinician.

⚠ Avoid in pregnancy; monitor liver enzymes with long use.

Used in: Zhang Protocol (Chinese Herbal Medicine), Artemisinin + Cistus Protocol

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Sida Acuta

Stephen Buhner's primary herb for Babesia, also used for Bartonella.

Typical use: Follow product label or Buhner's co-infection books.

Used in: Buhner Core Protocol

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Stevia Whole-Leaf Extract

A 2015 University of New Haven lab study found whole-leaf stevia extract active against several Borrelia forms, including biofilm. A later Hopkins study found little activity against dormant forms, so evidence is mixed.

Typical use: Follow product label (alcohol-extracted whole-leaf products were used in the study).

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Biofilm Busters

Cistus Incanus Tea

Mediterranean rock-rose tea, popular in the Lyme community as a gentle biofilm-disrupting drink. Cistus incanus was one of seven botanicals with good activity against dormant Borrelia in the 2020 Hopkins screen.

Typical use: 1–3 cups daily.

Used in: Biofilm Busting Add-Ons, Artemisinin + Cistus Protocol, Artemisia + Cistus Tea Protocol for Kids

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Biofilm Busters

Lumbrokinase

Earthworm-derived enzyme favored by many LLMDs as a stronger biofilm and fibrin-dissolving agent.

Typical use: On an empty stomach; follow label.

⚠ Blood-thinning effect — avoid with anticoagulants or bleeding disorders.

Used in: Biofilm Busting Add-Ons

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Gut Support

High-Potency Multi-Strain Probiotic

e.g. Visbiome

High-count bacterial probiotic to help prevent dysbiosis during antibiotics. Take at least 2 hours away from antibiotic doses.

Typical use: Follow label; separate from antibiotics by 2+ hours.

Used in: Foundation & Herx Support

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Detox & Binders

Activated Charcoal (Binder)

A binder that soaks up toxins released during die-off and can ease Herxheimer symptoms.

Typical use: Take 2 hours away from medications, food and other supplements.

⚠ Binds medications if taken together; can be constipating.

Used in: Foundation & Herx Support, Artemisinin + Cistus Protocol

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Detox & Binders

Liposomal Glutathione

The body's master antioxidant in an absorbable liposomal form, used to support the liver and detox pathways during treatment.

Typical use: Follow label.

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Sleep & Nervous System

Melatonin

Helps restore sleep, which is essential to recovery; also an antioxidant.

Typical use: 0.5–3 mg 30–60 minutes before bed.

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Inflammation & Pain

Curcumin (high-absorption)

Absorbable turmeric extract used to help calm joint pain and inflammation.

Typical use: Follow label.

⚠ Mild blood-thinning effect.

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Inflammation & Pain

Omega-3 Fish Oil

EPA/DHA fats that support a healthy inflammatory response, brain and nerves.

Typical use: 1–3 g combined EPA+DHA daily.

Used in: Foundation & Herx Support

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Immune Support

Vitamin D3 + K2

Vitamin D is essential for immune function and is commonly low in chronic illness. Test your level first.

Typical use: Dose to blood level — commonly 1,000–5,000 IU daily.

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Immune Support

Reishi Mushroom

Immune-balancing adaptogenic mushroom used in Dr. Bill Rawls' approach.

Typical use: Follow label.

Used in: Dr. Bill Rawls / Vital Plan Approach

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Energy & Mitochondria

Ubiquinol (CoQ10)

Supports mitochondrial energy production, which is often depleted in chronic illness.

Typical use: 100–200 mg daily with food.

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Energy & Mitochondria

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Antioxidant that supports nerve health (neuropathy) and energy production.

Typical use: 300–600 mg daily.

⚠ Can lower blood sugar.

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Herbal Antimicrobials

Artemisia Annua Loose Leaf (Sweet Annie)

Whole-leaf sweet wormwood, brewed as a tea. Used in the kids' version of the Artemisinin + Cistus protocol. Make sure it is Artemisia annua; other Artemisia species are different plants.

Typical use: Weighed per dose and brewed as tea. See the protocol for amounts.

⚠ Avoid in pregnancy. Check with a pediatrician before giving to children.

Used in: Artemisia + Cistus Tea Protocol for Kids

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Detox & Binders

Psyllium Husk

Soluble fiber that keeps bowel movements regular, one of the simplest ways to keep detox pathways moving during treatment.

Typical use: Start with 1 tsp in a full glass of water and increase as needed.

⚠ Drink plenty of water with it. Take 2 hours away from medications.

Used in: Artemisinin + Cistus Protocol

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Detox & Binders

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)

Added to a hot bath to encourage sweating, relax muscles and absorb a little magnesium. Used for daily sweating in the Artemisinin + Cistus protocol.

Typical use: 1–2 cups in a warm-to-hot bath.

⚠ Hot baths can cause dizziness in people with POTS or low blood pressure.

Used in: Artemisinin + Cistus Protocol

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Supplements & herbs

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa / Samento)

Banderol (Otoba bark)

Cryptolepis

Liposomal Oregano, Cinnamon & Clove Oil

Serrapeptase

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Saccharomyces boulardii

Magnesium Glycinate

Andrographis

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Stabilized Allicin (Garlic)

Berberine

Houttuynia

Artemisinin / Artemisia annua

Sida Acuta

Stevia Whole-Leaf Extract

Cistus Incanus Tea

Lumbrokinase

High-Potency Multi-Strain Probiotic

Activated Charcoal (Binder)

Liposomal Glutathione

Melatonin

Curcumin (high-absorption)

Omega-3 Fish Oil

Vitamin D3 + K2

Reishi Mushroom

Ubiquinol (CoQ10)

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Artemisia Annua Loose Leaf (Sweet Annie)

Psyllium Husk

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)