114.Why Chronic Infections Persist & How Herbs Help with Dr. Bill Rawls (Part 2)

In Part 2, Susan and Dr. Bill Rawls unpack the microbial side of chronic illness, why certain pathogens don’t “hit fast,” but instead persist, seed the body, and reactivate when cellular stress is high.They discuss why antibiotics often fall short for slow-growing, stealth microbes (and why overuse can create bigger problems), then shift into what makes herbs different: broad-spectrum antimicrobial support + cellular protection that can be used long-term when appropriate.You’ll also hear about medicinal mushrooms, why quality matters with supplements, and why restoring the body’s “terrain” is just as important as targeting microbes.In This Episode:• Why persistent microbes can stay dormant, then reactivate• Antibiotics vs slow-growing infections + resistance concerns• Why herbs work differently (and why quality and form matter)• Medicinal mushrooms + adaptogenic support• Restoring the terrain to support immune + cellular healthLearn more about our guest Dr. Bill Rawls, MD:Vital Plan Co-Founder and Medical DirectorFor over 30 years, Dr. Bill Rawls has dedicated his life to medicine. When a health crisis with chronic Lyme disease abruptly changed his quality of life, he came face to face with the limitations of modern medicine and began to explore the vast possibilities of alternative treatments. Restoring his health through holistic and herbal therapies inspired him to share his revelations on the importance of cellular wellness for defending against microbes and other root causes of illness. Today, he works to bring life and vitality to others as he helps them establish their own paths to wellness through modern herbology.Through his bestselling books, Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution, Dr. Rawls demonstrates why crucial herbal phytochemicals are key to protecting cellular health and strengthening the body's defense against illness. Dr. Rawls is also the founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company, where he developed the signature RESTORE180 program, an advanced herbal protocol that has helped thousands to reclaim vibrant health. Dr. Rawls is a #1 bestselling author and seasoned speaker and interviewee. With a compassionate approach and an incredible depth of knowledge, Dr. Rawls has a distinct ability to make scientific concepts accessible and enriching for everyone.RESOURCES:Website: https://rawlsmd.com/resources/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawlsmd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawlsmd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RawlsMD%20LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-rawls-md/ https://healthyawakening.co/2026/03/09/episode114/Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcastFind listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/linksP.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast