NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR LYME COINFECTIONS: Anaplasma, Babesia, and Ehrlichia by Stephen Buhner

Base dose is 3 capsules, 3X/day, working up 3 capsules at a time on a weekly basis to a maximum of 12 capsules, 3-4X/day.

Suggested use:

Week 1 - 3 capsules, 3X/day
Week 2 - 6 capsules, 3X/day
Week 3 - 9 capsules, 3X/day
Week 4 - 12 capsules, 3X/day
Week 5+ - 12 capsules, 4X/day

For the liquid version of the protocol, the suggested use is ¼-1 tsp., 3-4X/day. 1 tsp. of liquid is approximately equal to 12 capsules.

Maintain maximum dose the body tolerates for at least 60 days, and depending on severity and duration of illness, the herbs can be lowered to a maintenance dose. Continue use of the herbs for 8-12 months or until symptoms are resolved. If symptoms worsen upon lowering the dose, increase. The herbs can be taken with or without food, at any time of day.

If you miss a dose or even a full week, there's no need to restart the titration schedule — just resume at your previous dose.

If there is any digestive upset (bloating, diarrhea, gas, distention, etc.) while increasing your dose, back down to a lower, more comfortable dose and titrate up again as your digestion allows.

Week 1 - 1 capsule of each herb, 3X/day
Week 2 - 2 capsules of each, 3X/day
Week 3 - 3 capsules of each, 3X/day
Week 4 - 4 capsules of each, 3X/day
Week 5+ - 4 capsules of each, 4X/day

This schedule applies to Japanese Knotweed, Cat's Claw, and Andrographis capsules taken individually — it does not apply to MangoForte.

This is the same overall dose as the LB CORE Protocol, just measured per individual herb rather than as a pre-combined blend — taking the herbs individually doesn't lessen the amount, it's the same formula, just not combined into one capsule.

Yes — use the same dose schedule as taking either one alone. You can split them by time of day (for example, LB TONIC in the morning and afternoon, LB CORE in the evening) or mix them together (for example, 2 capsules LB TONIC + 1 capsule LB CORE at the same time).

A Herxheimer reaction ("herx") is a temporary worsening of symptoms as the body processes die-off from the herbs — generally a sign the herbs are active, not that they're harmful.

Adding detox-supportive herbs and supplements can help ease a herx response. If your reaction is severe or isn't improving, slow down your titration and reach out to us.

Digestive issues may arise with bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal distention, etc. and this is an indication of too high a dose. Lower the amount of herbs to where is comfortable.

Andrographis has created an allergic response in about 1% of those taking it. This manifests as a full body rash or hives when first taking it, which is then relieved when the herb is discontinued, though may take time to resolve completely.

Use Japanese knotweed with caution with blood thinning medications and discontinue the use of the herb 10 days prior to surgery.

The LB CORE protocol is contraindicated if pregnant or trying to get pregnant, and consult a health care practitioner if breast-feeding.

The liquid LB CORE protocol contains honey. Do not use if you are allergic to bee products. Not for use by children under 1 year of age.

This depends on the specific medication and situation, so we recommend booking a consultation rather than relying on a general answer.

The one general interaction we can state directly: use Japanese Knotweed with caution alongside blood-thinning medications. For anything more specific, Tim's books are a good next resource, or book a consultation for guidance tailored to your situation.

Both protocols contain the same core herbs — Japanese Knotweed, Cat's Claw, Dandelion, and Sarsaparilla — with one difference: LB CORE contains Andrographis (anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory), while LB TONIC has Eleuthero (immune/adrenal support) instead.

Both protocols are appropriate for chronic Lyme, have the same dosage, and can be used interchangeably — or combined (see "Can I take LB CORE and LB TONIC together?" above). The TONIC was developed as an alternative to the CORE for those who prefer a formula without Andrographis.

Our tinctures use organic flaxseed-derived glycerin, sourced through Five Flavors Herbs.

The capsule and liquid (tincture) versions of the same formula follow the same ramp-up schedule and are equivalent at each step — as a general guide, 1 teaspoon of liquid is approximately equal to 12 capsules.

Capsules are alcohol-free and are generally recommended for anyone with alcohol sensitivity (such as MCAS). The liquid tincture contains grain alcohol but is absorbed more quickly — to reduce the alcohol taste and content, drops can be added to a small amount of boiling water and left to cool for about 5 minutes before taking.