developed by: Qingcai Zhang, MD
Qingcai Zhang graduated from medical school in China, is a licensed acupuncturist in the US, and a member of Dr. Andrew Weil’s science advisory board.
He has developed a comprehensive treatment program for Lyme and Babesia infections using Chinese herbs and acupuncture which has been successful at symptom remission with some people who were previously unhelped by antibiotics. His protocol is detailed in his book Lyme Disease and Modern Chinese Medicine, written in collaboration with his son Yale Zhang.
His office is located in Manhattan and they can ship herbs overnight if you live out of town.
sources: Zhang Clinic, Dr. Zhang’s website, Lyme Disease and Modern Chinese Medicine by Dr. Qingcai Zhang and Yale Zhang
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Earthwalker is the username that PT founder Julie Genser created for her online interactions so many years ago when first creating Planet Thrive.
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Julie's (Earthwalker's) life was derailed over twenty years ago when she had a very large organic mercury exposure after she naively used a mouth thermometer to measure the temperature of just-boiled milk while making her very first pizza at home. The mercury instantly expanded into a gas form and exploded out the back of the thermometer right into her face. Unaware that mercury was the third most neurotoxic element on Earth, Julie had no idea she had just received a very high dose of a poisonous substance.
A series of subsequent toxic exposures over the next few years -- to smoke from two fires (including 9/11), toxic mold, lyme disease, and chemical injuries -- caused catastrophic damage to her health. While figuring out how to survive day-to-day, and often minute-to-minute, she created Planet Thrive to help others avoid some of the misdiagnoses and struggles she had experienced.
She has clawed her way over many health mountains to get to where she is today. She is excited to bring the latest iteration of Planet Thrive to the chronic illness community.
In 2019, Julie published her very first cookbook e-book called Low Lectin Lunches (+ Dinners, Too!) after discovering how a low lectin, gluten free diet was helping manage her chronic fascia/muscle pain.
Dear Stephen,
My name is Wonsin and I’ve been diagnosed with Lyme disease over 2 years ago but I think I might had it much longer than that possiblely longer than 5-10 years. Anyway I just read your book “Healing Lyme” and have questions regarding the core protocol. In the book you suggested three core protocol. Andrographis, Japanese Knotweed, and Cat’s claw. Do I use all three protocol at the same time or use only one protocol at a time just like if Doxycycline does not work then move to another antibiotic. Where can I purchase these products safely so I get the right dosage and good obsorbtion rate. I was introduced more than 15 different antiibotic all together and they do not work for me any more. Latest med I’ve taking was Malarone which kept my head very clear but I think the bug finally figured it out how to avoid malarone after all. My head hearts and I have difficulty of concentrating on anything and forgetful.
I am willing to try herbal meds please help me.
sincerely, yoiur reader,
Wonsin Fisher
Hello Wonsin,
This page is focused on Dr. Zhang’s herbal lyme protocol. If you’d like to leave a question for Stephen Buhner, please go to his column on our site and click the “submit question” button.
If you read Stephen’s book, it will tell you take the core herbs at the same time. However, it would be wise to start with one at a time and ramp up slowly to see your reaction.
On every Stephen Buhner Q & A on our site, you will see a list of recommended herbs and links where to buy them. There is also a link to an herb source listing in the right column.
Please read through all these resources before submitting a question to Stephen Buhner. He is very busy and will not be sent questions that are already answered on our site. He has answered over 200 questions to date and many questions have already been addressed. You can do a search on our site to find topics you are interested in. We also have a support group for this protocol – you can find the link for that in his column as well.
Thank you for your interest in his column, and best of luck.
Julie
Hello,
Does anyone know if it is safe to combine the Zhang protocol with some of the herbs from the Buhner protocol?
Thanks!
In Stephen Buhner’s column, he has been asked the same about the Cowden herbs and he has always said you can combine them. But I believe you should be checking to make sure their actions are not contraindicated. If you are unsure, you can ask Stephen himself through his column on our site (in EXPERTS section).
Here are two tag searches that might be helpful as well: https://planetthrive.com/tag/zhang-lyme-protocol/ and https://planetthrive.com/tag/cowden-protocol/ (so you can see what Buhner has to say about combining herbal protocols…). Best of luck! Julie
I would like someone to call me so i can buy the protocol for lyme! barbra
Hi Avis,
I’m not sure who you are directing your message to. I have removed your phone number to protect your privacy. If you would like to purchase the Zhang herbs, you need to contact Dr. Zhang’s office in NYC. If you would like to purchase the herbal protocol for Stephen Buhner, you need to read his book, determine which herbs you would like to use, then purchase them yourself through iHerb or similar company that sells herbs. Best of luck! Julie