LymeNet Flash: Herbalist David Winston -- New Protocol for Lyme

This is topic Herbalist David Winston -- New Protocol for Lyme in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :

Some similarities to Healing Lyme book, but lots of new herbs and somewhat different approach.

No real suggestions for co-infections.

Paper raises more questions than answers in my mind -- dosing instructions inadequate. Unclear how the "clinical trial" of 30 patients was run. Response rate reported -- 60% patients symptom free or greatly reduced symptoms, 20% moderate improvement, and 20% non-responders.

This protocol was reportedly tested on those who needed to remain on antibiotics to remain symptom free -- I have read that such people exist, but don't think many on LymeNet fit this profile.

Unclear, but think the protocol suggests using herbal extracts and tinctures rather than capsules. Found a couple of references from the year 2000, so think the formulas have been in development for quite some time. Spirolyd may only be available from selected herbalists and naturopaths etc -- can't find any commercial sellers.

Lots of good herbal suggestions for treating various Lyme symptoms -- hubby has had success previously with several of these herbs.

Published in Medical Herbalism 2006 -- 7 page PDF file of entire journal article

Tick-borne Diseases: Their Effective Treatment, Including the Use of Botanical and Complimentary Therapies

http://medherb.com/eletter/Lyme-Winston.pdf

Bea Seibert

P.S. The most annoying part of the article is the constant references to PLDS -- Persistent Lyme Disease Syndrome. Initials are too close to post lyme disease symptoms for me not to be irritated.

Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :

This is a link to another article by the same herbalist (David Winston). I have previously posted this article link.

Herbal Approaches to Autoimmune Disease -- 14 pages

http://www.wildcrafting.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=112

Bea Seibert

Posted by 777 (Member # 8925) on :

Thank you. Interesting.

Posted by klutzo (Member # 5701) on :

Thanks for posting this, it was very interesting. I had heard of, and used, some of these herbs before.

There are so many herbs involved, I would be a bit worried about interactions.

I only take Samento and Cumanda now.

The protocol would not work for me, since he says: "the herbs are not effective alone, except in canines". I am allergic to all of the effective ABX.

I wonder why herbs work in canines, but not in humans?

Klutzo

Posted by AliG (Member # 9734) on :

Hi Bea!

Thanks for the review!

I did some research. It sounds to me like it might be some pretty good stuff.

Here's what I got:

SPIROLYD
Herbal Ingredients: Proprietary Blend (Sarsaparilla rhizome, Guaiac Bark, Hyssop aerial parts, Prickly Ash bark, Stillingia root)

Sarsaparilla Rhizome = Smilax = blood cleanser, immunomodulator (selectively reduces overactive immune cells), antimutagenic (cellular protector), detoxifier, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions)
Guaiac Bark = Guaifenesin = Expectorant AKA-Mucinex (OTC), also mild laxative & diuretic. Used in 16th Century for Syphillis
Hysop = Expectorant
Prickly Ash Bark = Berberine ? = stimulant & diaphoretic
Stillingia =Queen's Root = blood purifier
(another Stillingia Root link)

I'm very curious about it.
I'd like to know if anyone tries it.

[Smile]

Ali

Posted by johnlyme1 (Member # 7343) on :

I have been using one of the products mentioned "Berberine". It is in one of the suppliments that I am taking "triycycline" made by allergy research group. In this tricycline it has 200mg of Berberine, 30 mg art, and black walnut hulls. I found a lot of research on Berberine that is was found to be as effective as flagyl for giardia. Also a houst of other benifits.

Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :

Thanks for posting. [Smile]

It is very interesting, but am overwhelmed by the amount of different herbs reccomended.

thats alot of herbs.

I think you would need an herbalist to help figure which ones are right for you?

Posted by focusonsurvival (Member # 9124) on :

even more interesting about one of the compounds is guaifenesin. Guaifenesin has been used in fibromyalgia with symptom reduction for many people. In the very early days of the disease I used to take this and it was helpful. I feel if I had not taken this I may have been much worse. Eventually I found out it was Lyme and have been doing other things, but could see how as an adjunct this might be useful. I am not sure if the other herbs would interfere with pathways abx use. I do know that guaifenesin should never be used with salicylates and when using it there is a very specific protocol to follow - no products on skin etc or food with salicylates. Interesting anyway. Want to look into this more and ponder.

Posted by hardynaka (Member # 8099) on :

Thanks for posting that. Very interesting indeed.

I just ordered a few of the herbs by coincidence, will try some of them to see what happens!

Selma

Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :

I hope people use this to learn but be aware that there is danger in self-prescribing supplements. To be safe, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.

We refer to alternative treatments as natural, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are safe. It's still possible to have interactions or to overdose on alternative treatments.