Posted 9/16/2024 9:07 PM (GMT -5)
Dear friends, thanks for your asnwers!
For me, taking several abx, as well as herbs, its hard to say what really does help. I can only check with herx. Indeed again now I m having pain everywhere which I suppose is herx. Still in this regard I d like to ask:
- how can one distinguish herx from auto-immunity issues?
- does one need to take binders daily, eg. can dead bacteria come back from the gut to the blood?
- I have allways presuposed that havng herx is a good sign that treatment agents go againt infections, but hopefully improving in the long run, which is sometimes hard to judge or say. I think we have discussed about it in other thread.
Best wishes to all, B
PS.
Yes, it is true, when I asked chatgpt to compare azole and plaq I got the answer (summary):
In chronic Lyme disease treatment, Plaquenil is typically used for its immune-modulating effects, while Flagyl is used for its antimicrobial properties, particularly against the cystic forms of *Borrelia burgdorferi*. Both may be part of a broader, multi-drug regimen designed to target the various forms of Borrelia and address the complex nature of the disease.
And further:
In chronic Lyme disease, the ability to target the cystic form (or round-body form) of Borrelia burgdorferi is crucial, as these forms are more resistant to standard antibiotics. Besides Flagyl (metronidazole), there are several other antibiotics and herbs that are believed to have anti-cyst properties. Here’s an overview of these options:
Antibiotics with Anti-Cyst Properties:
Tinidazole: Similar to Flagyl, tinidazole is an antiparasitic and antibiotic that targets the DNA of anaerobic organisms and cystic forms of Borrelia.
Tinidazole is often preferred over Flagyl due to fewer side effects and better tolerability. It’s commonly used in combination therapy to disrupt cysts and make Borrelia more vulnerable to other antibiotics.
Rifampin: Although rifampin is primarily used to treat co-infections like Bartonella, it may also have some cyst-busting capabilities. It disrupts bacterial RNA synthesis, potentially affecting Borrelia in both its active and cystic forms.
It is often combined with other antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin for Lyme treatment.
Dapsone: Dapsone is an anti-leprosy and antibiotic drug that has gained attention for its biofilm-disrupting and cyst-busting properties. It is thought to target the persistent forms of Borrelia, including the cysts and biofilms, which protect the bacteria.
The "Dapsone Protocol" combines dapsone with antibiotics and other supportive therapies to target chronic Lyme and its co-infections.
Cefuroxime:
Cefuroxime (a second-generation cephalosporin) has shown some effectiveness against the cystic forms of Borrelia. It is a commonly used antibiotic in Lyme disease protocols, particularly for its broad-spectrum action on Lyme and its cystic forms.
It’s often used alongside drugs like tinidazole or Flagyl to cover multiple forms of Borrelia.
Tetracyclines (e.g., Minocycline, Doxycycline):
Minocycline and doxycycline (from the tetracycline class) have some effect on Borrelia in various forms, including cysts. While they may not be as potent against cysts as drugs like tinidazole or Flagyl, they are useful in combination treatments for Lyme.
Minocycline is particularly effective because it penetrates tissues well, including the brain, which can be helpful in addressing neurological symptoms of Lyme.
Herbs with Anti-Cyst Properties:
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta:
Cryptolepis is an herb traditionally used to treat malaria but has become popular in Lyme protocols for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and cyst-busting effects. Studies suggest that it can inhibit Borrelia’s replication and disrupt its cystic forms.
It’s often used in combination with other herbs in herbal protocols such as the Buhner Protocol.
Allicin (Garlic extract):
Allicin, derived from garlic, has potent antimicrobial and biofilm-disrupting properties. It may also have some effect on Borrelia cysts, making it a valuable addition to Lyme treatment.
It’s usually used in conjunction with other herbs or antibiotics.
Japanese Knotweed (Resveratrol):
Japanese knotweed contains resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In Lyme treatment, it’s thought to help reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of Borrelia, including its cystic form.
This herb is a key component of Stephen Buhner’s Lyme Protocol.
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra):
Black walnut hull is believed to have anti-parasitic and anti-cyst properties. Its active compounds can potentially disrupt the cystic forms of Borrelia, making it a popular herb in herbal Lyme treatments.
Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua):
Artemisia annua (known as sweet wormwood) contains artemisinin, which has been studied for its antimalarial properties and effectiveness against Borrelia. It is thought to help break down Borrelia’s cystic forms and biofilms.
It is often used in herbal Lyme protocols to target both Lyme and co-infections.
Neem (Azadirachta indica):
Neem is a traditional herb with antimicrobial properties. It has been studied for its ability to disrupt biofilms and cystic forms of Borrelia, helping to expose the bacteria to treatment.
Neem is often combined with other herbs to enhance its antimicrobial effects.
Samento (Cat’s Claw, Uncaria tomentosa):
Samento, a form of Cat’s Claw, is another herb with powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it may help target cystic forms of Borrelia by disrupting the bacterial lifecycle.
It is a central herb in the Cowden Protocol, a popular herbal treatment for Lyme disease.
Combination Therapies:
Lyme disease is complex, and Borrelia can exist in different forms: spirochete (active), round body (cyst), and biofilm-protected. As a result, combination therapy is often recommended, targeting different bacterial forms simultaneously.
Antibiotics like Flagyl or tinidazole are combined with broad-spectrum antibiotics (like doxycycline or cefuroxime) to address both the cystic and spirochetal forms.
Herbs are often used alongside antibiotics or in natural protocols to provide additional support against cysts, biofilms, and inflammation.
Summary:
Antibiotics like tinidazole, dapsone, and rifampin, along with herbs such as cryptolepis, allicin, and Japanese knotweed, show potential in disrupting the cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. Combination therapies that incorporate both pharmaceuticals and natural agents are often used to target Lyme in its various forms, including cysts, biofilms, and active bacteria. These combinations help improve the likelihood of eradicating the bacteria and reducing symptoms.