This disease is also known as kissing disease, glandular fever, or mono. It is an infectious disease that is caused by the Epstein–Barr virus. This virus belongs to the herpes family, and it targets epithelial cells and lymphocytes. Generally present in mucus and saliva, this virus is mostly spread by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing straws or utensils. This virus is not spread by any sort of casual contact. This disease is most commonly seen in young adults and adolescents in their early 20s. Older adults are already immune to this virus because they have been exposed to it as children.
The most common signs and symptoms of mononucleosis are a skin rash, headache, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, fever, sore throat, and fatigue [1]. This disease can also lead to complications such as anemia, jaundice, hepatitis, enlargement of the spleen, and swollen tonsils that can make breathing difficult.
There is no proper treatment for mononucleosis because antibiotics do not work against viral infections like mono. It usually heals on its own within two to four weeks.
You should know that once you become infected with this virus, it stays in your body for the rest of your life, even though the symptoms of it are not active. The main focus of the treatment is to address the symptoms that are associated with this infection and to boost your immune system. There are some home remedies and lifestyle changes that can be helpful. Talk with your doctor if you have some of the mentioned signs and symptoms of mononucleosis to tell you the best natural treatment for you. You should avoid kissing others for several weeks because this can help to prevent the spreading of infection to others. Also, you should not share food as well as dishes and utensils while you are suffering from this disease. You should limit your intake of simple carbohydrates.
9 Home remedies for mononucleosis
Contents
Salt water gargle
One of the most common symptoms of mononucleosis is a sore throat. Salt water gargle is the best home remedy for it [1]. This natural cure will have a soothing effect on the throat, and it will reduce the discomforts to a great extent. You should add ½ teaspoon of salt to one cup of lukewarm water. You should stir it well to dissolve the salt. Gargle this home remedy for a few seconds and then spit it out. You should do this natural treatment at regular intervals to get relief from the sore throat.
Fluids
It is very important to drink plenty of water and other healthy foods, especially when you have a fever. Fluids can help to bring down the fever, prevent dehydration and ease a sore throat. Also, adequate hydration is good for your immune system. Water will help to flush toxins out of your body, and it will ensure that your cells and organs are functioning properly. You should drink a lot of water at regular intervals. To get relief from the sore throat, you can sip warm water. Fruits rich in water content, broth, and homemade vegetable juice also can keep your body hydrated. You should be sure to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can lead to dehydration.
Rest
When you get plenty of rest, then you have an effective natural treatment for mononucleosis. This disease can completely wipe you out and make you feel exhausted, even if you are getting enough sleep at night. You should not push your body through viral fatigue in order to work because this can make you weaker and delay the recovery process. You should get a lot of rest and sleep until the fatigue subsides and your energy returns. Whenever you feel tired, you need to listen to your body and then give it a chance to heal. It is recommended to avoid exercise, sports, and other physical activities for a month after the infection starts. Also, you should avoid moving around too much because this can increase the risk of rupturing the spleen if it has become enlarged.
Apple cider vinegar
This is also an effective natural treatment for mononucleosis. It is rich in antiviral properties, which means that it will kill the virus that is responsible for the infection. Also, it is rich in minerals and vitamins that will boost your immune system, which can help to speed up your recovery. You should mix one tablespoon of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with one cup of warm water. You should add a little raw honey and stir it thoroughly. You should drink this home remedy two times per day because this will help you to fight the infection. Also, you can mix one to three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of warm water. You should gargle with this home remedy several times per day as needed to get relief from the sore throat. [2]
Vitamin C
This is a water-soluble vitamin that is a very important component of the mononucleosis treatment regimen. It can support your immune system, and it will shorten the duration of this condition. There was one study in which was shown that high–dose intravenous Vitamin C therapy has a positive effect on the duration of EBV infections which is included mononucleosis, and it can reduce the viral antibody levels [3]. A diet rich in Vitamin C can also help you a lot in the treatment of mononucleosis. You should eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges, Swiss chards, spinach, tomatoes, blackberries, pineapples, kiwis, grapefruits, lemons, strawberries, broccoli, kale, and bell peppers. Also, you can take Vitamin C supplements, but you need to talk with your doctor about the best dosage for you.
Coconut oil
This natural cure has medium–chain fatty acids, which make it a highly effective antiviral agent. This is very effective against influenza and mononucleosis, as well as beneficial for people who have AIDS, hepatitis C, herpes, and measles. Coconut oil has lauric acid and another medium–chain fatty acids, which are rapidly absorbed by your body and are used to form monolaurin, which is a monoester that has powerful antibacterial and antiviral activities. Also, coconut oil has an array of vitamins and other nutrients which will help to restore immune function and to improve overall health. If you want to treat this infection, then you should take a daily dose of extra virgin coconut oil by mouth. Also, you can take one to three tablespoons per day until the infection subsides, and this depends on your tolerance level. Also, you can use this oil in your daily cooking because this will help to prevent infections. [4]
Lysine
This is an amino acid that is good for inhibiting viral infections as it interferes with herpes virus replication [5]. When you have a deficiency of L–lysine can make you more susceptible to viral infections. You should take 1500 mg L-lysine supplement on a daily basis for a period of two weeks. You should talk with your doctor before you start using this supplement. Also, you can include foods that are rich in L-lysine in your diets, such as legumes, nuts, lean meats, fish, cheeses, and eggs.
Astragalus
This is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that can help to boost immunity. Also, it has adaptogen and immune–building properties that will fight the infection very quickly, and it will give you relief from the discomfort. Also, it can help you to boost the energy level of your body. [6] You should add a handful of dried astragalus root slices to one quart of water. Boil it, and then you should let it simmer for thirty minutes. Then, you should strain it and drink this home remedy two times per day. You can find this home remedy in supplement form but talk with your doctor before you start taking it. Also, you need to talk with your doctor if you have an immune disorder before taking astragalus.
Garlic
This natural cure has allicin which is a compound that has antiviral properties. This component will kill the virus, which is responsible for mononucleosis. Also, it is rich in Vitamin C, which can stimulate the production of interferon, which is a natural virus-fighting substance. Also, it has selenium, Vitamin B6, and manganese, which can promote overall health. You should eat two to three raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach every day. Also, you can add crushed garlic to your dishes. You should avoid cooking garlic too much because this can destroy the active compounds. Also, you can take garlic supplements but talk with your doctor before you do it. [7]
References:
[1] Thompson AE. Infectious mononucleosis. JAMA. 2015;313(11):1180.
[2] Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al. Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect. Natura Product Research. 2019;33(6):906-910.
[3] Mikirova N, Hunninghake R. Effect of high dose vitamin C on Epstein-Barr viral infection. Medical Science Monitor. 2014;20:725-32.
[4] Shilling M, Matt L, Rubin E, et al. Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids on Clostridium difficile. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2013;16(12):1079-85.
[5] Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica. 1987;175(4):183-90.
[6] Auyeung KK, Han QB, Ko JK. Astragalus membranaceus: A review of its protection against inflammation and gastrointestinal cancers. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2016;44(1):1-22.
[7] Charron CS, Dawson HD, Albaugh GP, et al. A single meal containing raw, crushed garlic influences expression of immunity- and cancer-related genes in whole blood of humans. The Journal of Nutrition. 2015;145(11):2448-2455.
