The Buhner Protocol is the best-known herbal support programme associated with Lyme disease, developed by American herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner and described in his book "Healing Lyme" (2005, expanded edition 2015). It is based on a small set of herbs taken over many months and is used by the Lyme community alongside treatment prescribed by a doctor - never instead of it. Here is what it contains, what its author said about its limits, and how to approach it sensibly.
Who was Stephen Buhner?
Stephen Harrod Buhner (1952-2022) was an American herbalist and author of dozens of books on phytotherapy. "Healing Lyme" became the informal handbook of the Lyme community worldwide. Buhner was not a physician and repeatedly stressed that his protocol is a support programme, not a replacement for antibiotics.
What does the protocol consist of?
- Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) - a root that is one of the richest natural sources of resveratrol and polydatin; the first-line herb of the protocol.
- Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - bark of an Amazonian liana, traditionally described in the context of immune system function.
Around this core, Buhner described supporting herbs chosen case by case - including Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and astragalus. In Central Europe the community often adds teasel root (popularised by Wolf-Dieter Storl) and Cistus incanus - herbs absent from the original protocol but firmly rooted in the European approach.
What is rarely mentioned
- Andrographis was demoted. In the first edition it was one of the three core herbs; in the 2015 edition Buhner himself moved it to the background after persistent skin reactions were reported in some users.
- Astragalus is not for everyone. Buhner recommended it for prevention and the early phase only - and advised against it in chronic Lyme.
- Raw material quality is half the story. The protocol assumes buying several herbs separately, often as powders with unknown standardisation. Without a declared DER it is hard to know how much active material you are actually taking.
Herbs versus treatment - a clear line
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is diagnosed and treated by a doctor; antibiotic therapy is the foundation. No herbal protocol replaces treatment. Herbs and supplements can at most support the body during and after therapy - and you should always tell your doctor what you are taking, because of possible interactions.
A sensible approach
Standardisation instead of guesswork. Choose extracts with a clearly declared DER. In our range, herbs known from community protocols - Chinese skullcap, Cistus and teasel - are combined in one standardised formula, Borelia+. Resveratrol, the compound behind Buhner's choice of knotweed, is available in liposomal form in Resveratrol Liposome+ (sourced from grapevine - a different source of the same compound, which we state openly).
Foundations before exotics. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and magnesium with vitamin B6 to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. During antibiotic therapy a probiotic such as ProBio+ is a natural companion, and long pharmacotherapy is also a good moment to think about liver support with Liver+.
Step by step, not everything at once. Build support in two stages: foundations during treatment (gut, immunity, liver), rebuilding afterwards. It makes it far easier to see what actually helps.
Summary
The Buhner Protocol is a coherently described but demanding herbal programme - and like any tool, it can be used well or badly. Start with proper medical treatment, and build herbal and supplement support on standardised, well-described raw materials, one step at a time.
This article is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet or for medical treatment. Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated by a physician - always inform your doctor about any herbs or supplements you take.
