Mononucleosis is an infectious disease that affects people in the age group of 16 to 30 years and is caused by a virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is present in the mouth in the saliva and mucus and spreads rapidly as it is contagious. The infection is accompanied by fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, appearance of rashes, changes in skin color etc. There is also the risk of inflammation of the liver and enlargement of the spleen as well. It is advisable for a person stricken with Mononucleosis to keep away from others and to not share personal items like towels, plates, crockery and cutlery etc. There are several effective home remedies for Mononucleosis that can control the infection.
Causes and Symptoms of Mononucleosis
Causes: Epstein-Barr virus, direct contact with a person stricken with this disease
Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, headache, fatigue and muscle weakness
Mononucleosis affects the younger generation because it spreads through direct contact, especially kissing or sharing personal items with affected people. There are several easy home remedies for Mononucleosis, and here are the 10 best:
10. Astragalus
- Get a bottle of Astragalus capsules
- Take two capsules per day, morning and night
- Continue the process for a couple of weeks
Astragalus belongs to the Fabaceae family of the Plantae kingdom and is used extensively in Chinese herbal medicine. Astragalus helps in boosting the immune system and fight infections like Mononucleosis. It is believed to lead to a decrease in the percentage of senescent cytotoxic T cells by building up a strong immune system. Astragalus is one of the best home remedies for Mononucleosis.
Astragalus does not cause any serious side effects when taken orally for a period of up to one month. It is not very safe to administer to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
9. Echinacea tea
- Take a bunch of fresh Echinacea leaves
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl
- Add the Echinacea leaves and allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and drink this tea hot
- Continue the process for a week or 10 days
Echinacea is a medicinal herb that has many excellent curative qualities. Apart from tea, Echinacea can also be consumed in tincture form, where the tincture is diluted in water and taken. Echinacea is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and a great antibacterial agent as well. It helps reduce the infection in the mouth and hastens the healing process. Echinacea is one of the best home remedies for Mononucleosis.
Although Echinacea does not cause any serious side effects it can cause allergic reactions for people with chronic conditions like asthma or people suffering from autoimmune diseases like Lupus.
8. Cod Liver Oil
- Get a bottle of therapeutic Cod liver oil
- Mix one teaspoon in a glass of warm water
- Drink this mixture in the mornings daily
- Continue the process for a couple of weeks
Cod liver oil is very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that helps in curing the infection caused by Mononucleosis. Omega-3 fatty acids have the power to build up the immune system and fight infections. Cod liver oil is one of the best home remedies for mono.
While Cod liver oil does not cause any severe side effects it causes mild discomforts like frequent belching, heart burn, bad breath and occasional nosebleeds.
7. Green Tea
- Take two teaspoons of green tea leaf
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl
- Add the green tea leaf and allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and a teaspoon of pure honey
- Drink the tea while it is hot
- You may also cool the tea and add two drops of lemon juice
Green tea is a health drink that has amazing health benefits with zero calories. Green tea is believed to be an excellent anti-inflammatory agent and is loaded with antioxidants that help fight infections and hasten the healing process. Drinking green tea regularly helps destroy the virus causing Mononucleosis. Green tea is one of the best Mononucleosis remedies.
Drinking green tea does not cause any major side effects. However, it is not advisable for people allergic to aspirin to take this remedy. Moreover, it may cause bleeding in some patients.
6. Cranberry Juice
- Get a bunch of fresh red Cranberries
- Wash the Cranberries and drain the water
- Boil two glasses of water in a bowl
- Add the Cranberries and allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Wait until the Cranberries burst
- Strain the juice and add two teaspoons of pure honey
- Drink this juice daily for a couple of weeks
Cranberry juice has been recommended for disorders like urinary tract infections, to dissolve kidney stones, and for cardiac ailments as well. It has got excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is a great antibacterial agent as well. Cranberry juice helps cure the infection caused by Mononucleosis. Cranberry juice is one of the best home remedies for Mononucleosis.
Cranberry juice does not cause any adverse side effects and is safe to use. However, excessive consumption may lead to stomach upsets and diarrhea.
5. Fresh Garlic
- Take 3 to 4 cloves of fresh Garlic
- Wash, peel and crush the garlic
- Boil some water in a bowl
- Add the crushed garlic and allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and add a teaspoon of pure honey
- Drink this concoction daily for a couple of weeks
Garlic is an amazing herb that has been used in many cultures as part of everyday cooking. It has been recommended as medicine in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for its antiseptic qualities as well as for its digestive power. It has also been used as folk medicine in most cultures of the world. Garlic has some amazing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help in curing the infection caused by Mononucleosis. Garlic is one of the best home remedies for Mononucleosis.
Garlic is a health food and does not cause any side effects and is safe to use. However, it has a very strong and pungent odor which is present in the breath and lasts throughout the day causing some discomfort.
4. Calendula
- Take a teaspoon of dried Calendula flower powder
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl
- Add the dried Calendula flower powder
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and add a teaspoon of honey
- Drink this concoction daily for a couple of weeks
Calendula has been recommended in the Homeopathy system of medicine for various health disorders. Calendula has some amazing antiseptic properties and is also an excellent antimicrobial agent that helps fight the infection caused by Mononucleosis. It has also been used to treat cuts, wounds, burns and other skin afflictions like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Calendula is one of the best home remedies for mono.
Calendula tea does not cause any adverse side effects and is quite safe to use. However, pregnant women should not be given this remedy as it can cause an abortion.
3. Wormwood tea
- Take a bunch of fresh Wormwood (green ginger) leaves
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl
- Wash the Wormwood leaves and add
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and add a teaspoon of pure honey
- Drink this tea daily for a week or 10 days
Wormwood, also known as green ginger or Artemisia Absinthe is an amazing herb that is loaded with health benefits. It has been used successfully as an Anthelmintic to expel worms from the digestive tract. Apart from its ability to destroy parasitic worms, Wormwood has some amazing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities that help cure the infection caused by Mononucleosis. Wormwood is one of the best home remedies for Mononucleosis.
Wormwood that is free of Thujone does not cause any adverse side effects. The presence of Thujone causes side effects like muscle breakdown, kidney problems, insomnia, dizziness and stomach cramps.
2. Myrrh
- Take one teaspoon of Myrrh extract powder
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl
- Add the Myrrh extract powder
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and add a teaspoon of honey
- Drink this tea daily for a week
Myrrh oil has been used from time immemorial for embalming, for flavoring food, as an effective antiseptic and to stem the heavy bleeding. Myrrh tea has been recommended for its antiseptic qualities. Myrrh is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent and antimicrobial that helps cure the infection caused by Mononucleosis. Myrrh is one of the best home remedies for Mononucleosis.
Myrrh does not cause any adverse side effects when consumed in small quantities for a short period of time. However, prolonged use can cause skin rash, diarrhea, heart palpitations and kidney irritation.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Take a teaspoon of undiluted Apple cider vinegar
- Add it to a glass of warm water and mix well
- Add a teaspoon of pure honey
- Drink this mixture in the mornings
- Continue this process daily for a couple of weeks
Apple cider vinegar has been recommended for treating various maladies. It is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents and has some great antibacterial properties as well. It has acidic properties that help flush out the toxins present in the body. Honey is a natural curative agent that acts as a lubricant and gives relief from a sore throat caused by Mononucleosis. Apple cider vinegar and honey together make one of the best home remedies for Mononucleosis.
Apple cider vinegar does not cause any known side effects and quite safe to use.
See a doctor immediately if:
- There is severe pain in the abdomen, on the left side indicating a ruptured spleen
- Swollen tonsils that make it difficult to swallow or breathe
