EBV is a shortcut that is used for the Epstein-Barr virus. This is the virus that is causing mononucleosis, but not every single person who has EBV will have mononucleosis for sure. This is a virus that is transmitted from person to person through body fluids. It is also known as kissing disease because it can be spread through many different types of contact, such as seminal fluid and blood. There are many people who are carriers of EBV, and some people experience moderate to debilitating symptoms, which can make life difficult [1].
This virus can affect people of all ages, but it seems that younger people and people 40 years of age have the highest risk of getting it. Intimate contact with varying partners and weakened immunity are factors that can increase the risk of EBV. The initial symptoms of EBV resemble to those of flu or cold, such as general lethargy, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, sore throat, fever, and fatigue.
The initial symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus can diminish in a few days, but many people can experience nagging fatigue, which will not go away. There are some cases when people can experience chronic pain throughout the body; in rare cases, there can be a swollen and painful spleen.
You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from EBV before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies because we do not guarantee that they will help you for sure.
14 home remedies for EBV
Contents
Echinacea is very effective for EBV
This is a very effective home remedy for the treatment of immunity. It is commonly used in the flu and cold remedies [2]. It has strong immunomodulation and anti-viral properties. This natural cure can enhance the healing from the Epstein-Barr virus because it has specific antiviral activity while, at the same time, it will support the macrophage activity. There are some studies in which are shown that this home remedy can control the body’s pro-inflammatory responses to viruses. It can help to lower the systemic inflammation in the body, and it will keep your immune system properly coordinated.
Berberine
This is a powerful antimicrobial compound that is isolated from many plants and is found in nature. There was one study in 2017 in which berberine was tested for nasopharyngeal cancer, and it was found that this natural cure is able to inhibit cancer formation, which is commonly associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. This is possible due to the inhibition of a specific gene called Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1). It is known that this gene plays an important role in the replication and survival of EBV. Also, this natural cure acts in the GI tract to fight off other unwanted pathogens, which can distract the immune system from the fight against EBV. [3]
Arginine
This is an amino acid that can promote the growth and survival of viral pathogens in our bodies. There are some studies in which it is said that L-lysine provides an antiviral effect by directly opposing the effects of arginine [4].
Olive leaf extract
This is a powerful herb that has a long history of use. There are many studies in which are shown that this natural cure is helpful for supporting the immune system due to its anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. The effects of this natural cure are very beneficial for many reasons.
One of the most important things someone should do is address other underlying bad bacteria and fungi to free up the immune system to fight against EBV. Also, it was shown that the olive leaf extract could inhibit viral reproduction. You can use olive leaf extract and other immune support agents, such as Vitamin C and beta-glucan because they will provide multi-faceted support to fight against the infection.
Probiotics help in EBV cure
They can help you to heal the gut, and they will support the immune system. Also, they can reduce the risk of some infectious diseases, and they will enhance immune function [5]. It is a known fact that this natural cure has the ability to decline the risk of the duration of respiratory infection symptoms because they have antiviral mechanisms.
Licorice root
This home remedy has adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It is recommended to take 150 – 300 mg on a daily basis but talk with your doctor about the right dosage for you.
Beta-glucan
It is a powerful immune-regulatory agent. This natural cure can stimulate or inhibit immunity which depends on the needs of the body. The immune system can become overwhelmed when someone has an infection, such as EBV. You will not get a swift eradication of the virus you will get immune discoordination and systemic inflammation. This natural cure activates both short and long–term immune responses to allow a more efficient activity of the immune system, and it increases the chances of fighting off infection. This natural cure does this by binding to macrophages and boosting their ability to target and destroy foreign pathogens.
L-Lysine
This is an essential amino acid which is playing an important role in the production of hormones, antibody formation, and building muscle. Also, it has been found that this natural cure can lower the severity and frequency of outbreaks in cases of herpes. Some doctors believe that EBV is a strain of the herpes virus, which is why L-Lysine has similar benefits in both cases.
Zinc
This natural cure has been known as an antiviral compound for many years. It is found in many medications that can help speed up the healing process of cold and flu [6]. It is thought that when you have optimal zinc levels in your body, then it inhibits the replication of viruses. It is a known fact that zinc can potentiate the human cytokine interferon alpha (this is a protein whose primary role is to inhibit viral replication).
Also, this natural cure supports the production of antioxidants known as superoxide dismutase, which can protect your cells from the damaging effects of viral pathogens.
Also, this natural cure can help to downregulate the inflammatory response of the body, which will help to keep the function of the immune system properly. There are some studies in which it is said that 25% of the world’s population is zinc deficient, so it is very important to consume this mineral.
Astragalus root
This is one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. This is a powerful immune–building plant that has 3 extremely beneficial components – polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. These components have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, which can help in the fight against EBV.
Raw garlic
This natural cure has antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which can help treat many infectious diseases [7]. You should eat one clove of raw garlic on a daily basis until the symptoms of EBV disappear. Garlic has allicin which can help in the natural treatment of EBV.
Lemon balm
This home remedy is an antiviral agent that can help you to get relief from anxiety and stress. You need to talk with your doctor about the correct dosage if you suffer from EBV. In most cases, it is recommended to take 40 – 60 drops of lemon balm tincture one to three times per day or 300 – 1200 mg on a daily basis in tea or capsule form.
Vitamin C
This is a vitamin that is used as a traditional home remedy for flu and cold, and it has a powerful impact on EBV. There are some studies in which are observed the effects of the high–dose IV Vitamin C on the Epstein-Barr virus, and it was found that it can help to lower the presence of this virus in the body while at the same time it will reduce the duration of the symptoms [8].
In those studies in which were studied the effects of Vitamin C on EBV, patients were taking 7.5 – 50 grams of Vitamin C. We can get small amounts of this vitamin from the food that we eat. If you are taking IV Vitamin C or encapsulated Vitamin C, you should talk to a doctor about the correct dosage.
Some of the most important foods you can consume to get Vitamin C and fight against the EBV are kiwi, orange, grapefruit, kale, broccoli, papaya, strawberries, lemon/lime, guava, and yellow bell peppers.
John’s Wort
This natural cure has antiviral properties, and it can help you to get relief from depression. You need to talk with your doctor about the best way to consume this natural cure and the proper dosage.
References:
[1] Vasdev S, Gill V. The antihypertensive effect of arginine. International Journal of Angiology. 2008;17(1):7-22.
[2] National Institutes of Health (NIH). Epstein-Barr virus and autoimmune diseases. 2018. Retrieved from www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/epstein-barr-virus-autoimmune-diseases
[3] Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, et al. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014;2:CD000530.
[4] Tsang CM, Cheung YC, Lui VWY, et al. Berberine suppresses tumorigenicity and growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by inhibiting STAT3 activation induced by tumor associated fibroblasts. BMC Cancer. 2013;13(1):619.
[5] Yan F, Polk DB. Probiotics and immune health. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2011;27(6):496–501.
[6] Prasad AS. Zinc in human health: Effect of zinc on immune cells. Molecular Medicine. 2008;14(5-6):353–57.
[7] Ankri S, Mirelman D. Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic. Microbes and Infection. 1999;1(2):125-9.
[8] Mikirova N, Hunninghake R. Effect of high dose vitamin C on Epstein-Barr viral infection. Medical Science Monitor. 2014;20:725-32.
