Clarifications on protocol
![](../../wp-content/uploads/2011/03/herbs.jpg)
Dear Stephen,
I am a 42 year old male, have been seriously unwell for three years and was diagnosed about one month ago with lyme and all co-infections, but bartonella being the main. My main symptoms include: incapacitating chronic fatigue, nervous system imbalance (insomnia, firing of nerves, feeling wired most of the time), dry and wrinkly skin, and loss of body hair (legs). In addition, I was diagnosed with Cryptostrongylus pulmoni, a roundworm infection. I am currently on the core protocol, full dosages for all the herbs. I also started the connective tissue required supplements. I have not had any side effects, except for eleuthero which, even at tiny doses of a 1:1 tincture feels overstimulating and exacerbates my nervous tension and does not help with the fatigue. I am also about to start the extended protocol for co-infections. There are however a few aspects of the protocol of which I am not sure and it would be helpful to have a few clarifications:
1. Can the full dosages be maintained beyond the 2 months and until the infections are completely eradicated? 2. Will the andrographis and polygonum or other herb further reduce my free testosterone because of their estrogenic effects? 3. Will the core protocol eradicate the Cryptostrongylus pulmoni infection or should I try something else for it? 4. Is there anything to help with the dry skin and loss of body hair? 5. As an alternative to eleuthero I tried American ginseng. It was less stimulating but even taken in the morning it caused me insomnia. Since then I have been on ashwaghanda and it feels good. Is this a valid alternative to eleuthero? I am also concerned about your comment (in “Herbal Antobiotics“) regarding its nicotine content. Could this cause cardiovascular problems in the long run?
I have asked many questions and want to thank you in advance for any advice you might have. In any case I want to thank you for the help that your books have brought to my health situation. Blessings!
Stephen’s response:
In answer to your questions:
Yes, the full dosages can be maintained beyond the 2 months and until the infections are completely eradicated.
The andrographis and polygonum will not further reduce your free testosterone.
I will need to do more research on whether the core protocol will eradicate the Cryptostrongylus infection.
For the dry skin and loss of body hair, try supplementing with fatty acids and omega oils—1 tablespoon of flax seed oil per day will help.
American ginseng is a perfect alternative to the
eleuthero. I would also suggest the use of aralia and pine pollen tincture. You can get this from Kate Gilday at
www.woodlandessence.com. Tell her to leave out the American ginseng in the formula.
Stephen