There are a host of herbal remedies for mono that can speed up your recovery and keep the Epstein Barr virus that causes mono at bay in the long run.
Let’s take a look at the most popular herbal remedies for mononucleosis:
For the acute initial stage of mono when symptoms such as sore throat, swollen glands, fever, and fatigue prevail, the herb of choice is olive leaf extract. This herb can penetrate infected cells and prevent viruses from reproducing. It also stimulates phagocytosis, the process by which white blood cells ingest harmful microorganisms and foreign matter.
Another good remedy for mononucleosis, especially in children, is echinacea. This herb has been shown to stimulate white blood cells to help kill the virus. Echinacea is available in kid-friendly versions that are palatable to children of all ages.
The cheapest and most accessible of the herbal remedies for mononucleosis is garlic. Garlic is a recognized cure-all for infections and is readily available throughout the world. Garlic can be eaten raw or added to soups, stir-fries, teas, juices, or salads. In the acute stage of mono, I recommend my patients use one clove a day.
Herbal remedies for mononucleosis in the chronic stage can also be very effective. Astragalus is an all-time favorite for treating chronic immune conditions like recurrent mononucleosis. However, it should not be used when there is a fever, an autoimmune condition, or when using immunosuppressive drugs.
There are also mono-specific herbal remedies that help relieve the symptoms of mono. For example, to help ease the discomfort of a high fever, coriander seeds and herb cleavers can be brewed into a tea.
Herbs such as garlic, horseradish, and fenugreek are traditionally used to clear excess mucus from the airways. To relieve inflammation and pain such as redness, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle pain, anti-inflammatory herbs like cayenne, ginger, and turmeric are showing promising results. Mixed with a little medicinal honey, these herbs and spices are a powerful throat soother.
Herbal remedies for mono when the liver and spleen are affected include milk thistle and red root. These remedies can help cleanse the lymph, reduce inflammation, and protect the liver from further damage.
Most of these herbal remedies for mono are available in tea, tablet, capsule, or liquid form. They can be obtained from your local health food store, herbalist, or online through a vitamin supplier such as iherb.com.
Herbal remedies for mononucleosis should be one of the first treatments you try when recovering from this debilitating disease. The results are usually fast and effective, and do not have the side effects that conventional drugs have.
