posted
Hi everyone. I'm planning on starting the Stephen Buhner herbal protocol next month as I transition off of my current Lyme/Babesia treatment of Zithromax and Mepron. I've read through Buhner's book thoroughly, but there is one element regarding the Astragalus that I'm not quite clear on. Buhner states that Astragalus is contraindicated by those who have a late-stage Lyme infection. My question is, how does one know if the infection has reached that point?
I've been symptomatic for the past 6 years, and most of my symptoms are neurological in nature. I've had many positive Western Blots, Bowens, and IGenex panels, and am positive for Babesia. My most recent CD57 test score was 11.
So, I'm just trying to see if I'll be able to add the astragalus into the program without overstimulating TH1 levels. If anyone can help me figure this out, I would greatly appreciate the help.
-Jeremy
Posts: 3 | From Ohio | Registered: Dec 2007
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The most experienced person using Buhner's herbs is JimBob and he's no longer here. But you can find him on a Yahoo group if you want a lot of info on Buhner:
posted
hi. if you've had it that long, i'd say that constitutes late-stage, but hey, i could be wrong!
-------------------- ~*~ Carole ~*~ Young at Heart Grandmother of 4 Posts: 140 | From Morristown, NJ, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
I'd tend to agree with Limping lily.
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
Astragalus: I just posted about it in B's forum. I find first, that not every late stage lyme is T1 dominant, some may be T2 too.
I had taken it on and off for the last years and I found it good for many things (specially bartonella and fungi).
There's now another lady with late stage lyme posting about it in B's forum (Jnanda).
Jim bob didnt' try it much, as far as I know.
I guess you could try it and see your reactions.
In China, families eat the root in a very constant base, children included. You gotta pay attention if you get more inflamation or not with it. I had really THE opposite effect everytime I used it. I have lyme since 2005.
I'm currently on it for a more than a decade old fungal infection and it's the only thing that's helping me in the last months.
You even don't have to encapsulate. Buy it powder, and mix in water, it tastes sweet!
Selma
Posts: 1086 | From Switzerland | Registered: Oct 2005
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
This may be off the topic but I had chronic fatigue syndrome when I was around 28 (I'm 46 now).
Astragulus is one of the herbs that I considered to be a cure for my CFS when I was younger.
It is also considered a tonic herb for people over 30.
It's an adaptogen...
"At the core of an adaptogen's scope of actions is the ability to help the body cope more effectively with stress. Specifically, adaptogens recharge the adrenal glands, which are the body's nominal mechanism for responding to stress and emotional changes. The adrenals, which cover the upper surface of each kidney, synthesize and store dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These compounds are responsible for the changes that occur during the fight-or-flight reaction. The question is, if adaptogens normalize the body and enable energy to be used more productively when stressors are not physical threats, can they be used to enhance general health and performance? Several studies indicate they can."
and
Adaptogens can help people handle stress by providing: Antioxidant activity Liver protection and antitoxin activity Improved blood-sugar metabolism Less craving for alcohol or sugar Improved immune resistance Increased energy and stamina Improved muscle tone Increased strength Faster recovery Better focus and concentration Less anxiety Better sleep Better motivation and productivity A feeling of well-being Better moods
I'm not sure exactly why you shouldn't take it for late stage Lyme as per Buhler's protocol but we all have different types of symptoms & everyone is different.
I think that it is also in Dr. Cowden's protocol (it's in the adrenal support formula).
So, I guess the best thing is to do the research, use your intuition & if it seems right - try it.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Thank you all for your help. Based on all of your advice, I think my course of action will be to start with the basic core protocol for a couple months, and then slowly add in the Astragalus and see how I respond.
Does anyone know of diagnostics that can determine whether the TH1 or TH2 pathways are over-reactive? My latest ANA test revealed some moderate autoimmune activity. But is there a way to determine which pathway is causing the inflammation?
Posts: 3 | From Ohio | Registered: Dec 2007
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Cass A
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11134
posted
The Marshall Protocol guys would tell you that testing your 1,25D and 25 D would give you that data.
Best,
Cass A
Posts: 1245 | From Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Feb 2007
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