Episode 540: Dr. Bill Rawls on Chronic Lyme, Herbs, Gut Health, and Stepwise Recovery at Project Lab Coat, New York Fashion Week

Tick Boot Camp

Recorded in person in Central Park, NYC just before Project Lab Coat at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), this Tick Boot Camp Podcast features Dr. Bill Rawls on what helps chronic Lyme patients move from overwhelm to progress. We talk immune-first strategy, why antibiotics often fall short in chronic cases, how to protect the gut, and a stepwise plan that reduces flare risk and builds confidence.

Episode snapshot

Dr. Rawls explains why stealth microbes like Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia grow slowly and hide in tissues, which is why a quick-fix antibiotic approach often disappoints in chronic illness. We discuss a four-phase healing framework — prehabilitation, assist the immune system, rehabilitation, and maintenance (PARM) — and how a gradual, system-calming on-ramp helps patients tolerate protocols without crashing. We also dig into gut protection, community support, and how AI can speed education and research.

What you will learn

• Why “assist the immune system” beats “kill at all costs” for chronic Lyme
• Stealth microbe biology and why slow growth changes the treatment playbook
• Antibiotic overuse risks including microbiome injury and antibiotic resistance
• Gut and detox support as foundations for energy, sleep, and resilience
• A stepwise entry to treatment that reduces flares and anxiety
• Key herbs with evidence for tick-borne infections and immune modulation
• Community and education as levers for consistency and long-term success
• How AI tools can accelerate research, writing, and practical guidance

Key topics and takeaways

• Four phases of recovery: prehab, assist, rehab, maintenance
• Antibiotics in chronic Lyme: may disrupt the gut before meaningfully impacting slow-growing pathogens
• Herbal strategy: sustained pressure over time with immune support
• Gradual on-ramp: calm the nervous system first, then gut and detox, then stronger antimicrobials
• Team sport: combine self-care, educated use of providers, and moderated community support

Herbs and supports mentioned

• Antimicrobial herbs: Japanese knotweed, Chinese skullcap, Cryptolepis, cat’s claw, garlic
• Immune-modulating adaptogens: reishi, cordyceps
• Supportive nutrients: B vitamins, minerals, NAC, glutathione
• Formats: capsules and tinctures were discussed, including products like Advanced Biotic and Biome Boost within larger protocols

Patient-friendly pacing

• Months 1–2: calm sympathetic overdrive, improve sleep, stabilize
• Months 3–4: protect gut, support detox, keep gentle antimicrobial pressure
• Months 5–6: advance to stronger combinations when the body is ready
• Ongoing: measure progress, maintain gain, prevent backsliding

Notable quotes

• “The immune system always wins the game. Your job is to assist it.”
• “Stealth microbes grow slowly and hide in tissues. The strategy has to match the biology.”
• “Education and a supportive community reduce fear and make consistency possible.”

Resources and links

• Watch the video version of this podcast interview on YouTube
• Read our NYFW Recap: Tick Boot Camp models at Project Labcoat and Why it Matters for Lyme Awareness, Research, and Funding