Home Remedies and Herbs for Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is a viral infection that is also known as mono, glandular fever and kissing disease. It most commonly affects adolescents and young adults, but it can infect people of any age. Younger children with the infection often don’t experience any mononucleosis symptoms. ^{1, 2, 3} Because of the nature of mononucleosis causes, college students are at high risk of developing the infection.

A mononucleosis infection typically starts presenting symptoms 4-6 weeks after becoming infected. There is no vaccination against mononucleosis and it isn’t a serious condition. Symptoms usually go away on their own after several weeks. ³ Once a person has been infected with mononucleosis their body will have built up an immunity and they are unlikely to get mononucleosis again.

What Causes Mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis causes are typically due to an infection from the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). EBV is transmitted through saliva which could happen through sharing food, utensils, toothbrushes, or through a cough, sneeze or kissing. ^1,3 

Mononucleosis causes can also be attributed to other viruses besides EBV. Other viruses that cause mononucleosis can be spread through blood and semen contact through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions or organ transplants. ³

Mononucleosis Symptoms

Mononucleosis symptoms typically include: 

• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck and armpit
• Swollen tonsils
• Heachache
• Body aches
• Mononucleosis rash
• Swollen spleen and liver

Mononucleosis symptoms typically last 2-6 weeks. In some cases, mononucleosis symptoms may last several months. Fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and enlarged liver and spleen are usually the mononucleosis symptoms that last the longest. ^1,3,4

Because of how generalized the symptoms of mononucleosis are, it may be confused with other conditions such as strep throat. However, a mononucleosis rash that covers the skin is often a telling sign of this condition. In certain cases, mononucleosis symptoms can create complications such as hepatitis and jaundice. ³

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Mononucleosis

Because there are no vaccinations and antibiotics to treat mononucleosis, recovering from the disease requires lots of rest. The following are some mononucleosis natural remedies to try at home:

• Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is one of the top mononucleosis remedies for reducing inflammation throughout the body. Coconut oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids which can help to bring down the swelling in the lymph nodes.
• Cranberry Juice - Cranberry juice has natural antiviral health benefits. It can help to eliminate toxins that build up in the body during the course of a mononucleosis infection. 
• Astragalus - Astragalus is a traditional herbal remedy for killing viruses. Taking astragalus supplements can help to fight mononucleosis symptoms in some cases.
• Garlic - Garlic is a traditional remedy taken for many viral infections, including mononucleosis.
• Goldenseal - Goldenseal is an herbal remedy for mononucleosis due to its immune boosting and antiviral health benefits. 
• Echinacea - Echinacea is another one of the top mononucleosis natural remedies due to its immune boosting health benefits that can help to reduce the severity of mononucleosis symptoms.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/home/ovc-20165827
2. https://medlineplus.gov/infectiousmononucleosis.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-mono.html 
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/mononucleosis