The kissing disease or mononucleosis is an infectious disease, which is also called mono or glandular fever. The condition is caused by a virus known as Epstein-Barr virus. The Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the herpes family. It commonly targets our lymphocytes and epithelial cells. To treat the condition, try these home remedies for mononucleosis.
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The virus that causes mononucleosis spreads by kissing, sneezing and sharing food, utensils or even straws. It, however, does not spread due to casual contact.
You are most likely to get the disease if you are an adolescent or a young adult in your early 20s. Older people tend not to catch the infection because they are already exposed to the virus during their 20s which makes them immune to it.
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Symptoms of mononucleosis
The usual symptoms of mononucleosis are,
- Fatigue
- A sore throat
- A fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- Swollen tonsils
- A headache
- A skin rash
The infection can further cause other complications, such as,
- Enlargement of the spleen
- Liver issues like hepatitis and jaundice
- Anemia
- Swollen tonsils making breathing difficult
Antibiotics, usually do not work for viral infectious illnesses like mononucleosis. People usually let it heal itself, but that takes up to 2 to 4 weeks, at least. Also, as we mentioned, if not treated, then it can cause other more serious medical complications. Try these home remedies to treat the condition effectively and quickly. These natural treatments will help you get rid of the symptoms associated to mononucleosis, and also strengthen your immune system. Along with these, you also need to make some lifestyle changes, which we have discussed in the additional tips section, in the end.
Home remedies for mononucleosis
Here are the 8 best natural remedies that will help you cure mononucleosis.
1. Coconut oil
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The first remedy on our list is coconut oil, which due to its medium-chain fatty acids, works as an amazing antiviral agent. This helps against the virus causing mononucleosis. Coconut oil is also known to treat influenza, measles, herpes, hepatitis C and AIDS due to this property.
Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which along with the medium-chain fatty acids helps keep the throat moist. This acid forms monolaurin, a monoester, which in turn, is a great antiviral and antibacterial agent.
The oil also contains other vitamins and nutrients that strengthen the body’s immune system and enhance one’s general health.
For the remedy, take a tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil every day. For the infection to cure totally, you can increase the dose up to 3 tablespoons a day.
You can also introduce coconut oil into your cooking. This will prevent the infection from developing.
2. Lysine
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L-lysine is a very effective remedy for mononucleosis as it is an amino acid that inhibits the virus which causes the infection. It intervenes with the spreading of herpes virus, which prevents the infection from growing. A deficiency of l-lysine often causes this infection in the first place.
Take supplements of L-lysine, but only after consulting your health care provider.
Also, increase your intake of lysine-rich foods like cheese, fist, lean meats, eggs, legumes and nuts.
3. Astragalus
The next remedy on our list is astralagus which is an ancient Chinese herb that has medicinal value and helps improve the strength of the immune system. Astragalus has immune-system strengthening and adaptogen properties which makes it a great remedy for most infections. Its therapeutic quality helps give the body relief from pain and discomfort too.
You can also take the herb to improve your energy levels in general.
For the remedy, you can take few dried root slices of the herb and add them to a quarter glass of water. Now boil the container and let it simmer for half an hour. Now strain the tea and drink it.
You need to drink this tea two times every day to get relief from the infection.
If you want to take astralagus capsules, do so only after consulting a doctor for the correct dosage.
A word of caution: If you are suffering from autoimmune disorders then DO NOT take this herb.
4. Garlic
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The next remedy on our list is garlic, which due to the compound, allicin, in it helps kill the virus which causes mononucleosis.
Garlic also contains vitamin C that helps increase the production of a substance that fights viruses naturally.
Also, garlic contains other essential nutrients like manganese, vitamin B6 and selenium, all of which help improve one’s general health.
Every day eat about 2 cloves of garlic in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, you can increase the use of garlic in your food; however, do not cook it a lot as it destroys the active compounds present in garlic.
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5. Apple cider vinegar
The next effective remedy for mononucleosis is apple cider vinegar, which owing to its antiviral properties, kills the virus which cause the kissing disease.
Also, apple cider vinegar is rich in many nutrients, vitamins and minerals which helps strengthen the immune system of our body. This, in turn, will ensure a speedy recovery.
For the remedy, dilute unfiltered apple cider vinegar by mixing one tablespoon of it in a cup of water. Now add a teaspoon of honey for taste, and mix well. Drink this solution two times a day to fight the virus quickly.
By mixing 3 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water, you can use the solution to gargle several times, through the day, to get some relief from your sore throat.
6. Fluids
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When you have mononucleosis, you might get fever due to the pain and discomfort it causes. To treat this drink lots of water and also other fluids which will help bring down the fever. These will also help you with your sore throat and avert dehydration.
Also, keeping your hydrated helps improve the immune system and increase the energy levels of the body. The water and the fluids will help flush out harmful toxins from the body. It will also ensure that the cells and organs function correctly.
For the remedy, drink at least 3 liters of water every day. You can spread them through the day and drink at regular intervals. To cure the sore throat, sip on warm water and avoid anything cold.
You can also try vegetable juices. Prepare them at home to ensure they are hygienic. Also drink lots of broth and fruit juices to increase the water content of your body. You will feel hydrated and relieved from mononucleosis soon.
You need to ensure that you dodge drinks that are alcoholic, caffeinated or contain added sugars. Avoid them will contribute to your efforts of hydration.
7. Salt Water Gargle
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One of the most common symptoms of mononucleosis is a sore throat, and the best way to treat that is by doing salt water gargles.
The soothing effect warm salt water has on the throat helps lower the discomfort caused by mononucleosis.
For a cup of water. To it, add half a teaspoon of salt. Mix it well, and gargle with t for a few seconds and spit the solution out. Repeat this several times a day to get some relief.
8. Echinacea
The last remedy on our list is Echinacea, which treats mononucleosis by curing all the symptoms associated with the infection. It also speeds up the recovery process.
You can also take Echinacea to strengthen the immune system of your body so that it can effectively fight infections.
For the remedy, prepare Echinacea tea by boiling a cup of water, and adding in it, two teaspoons of the herb in dried form. Let it boil for about 10 minutes. Now strain the tea and drink it.
You should drink two cups of this tea daily to quickly recover.
You can also take Echinacea capsules, but do so after consulting a doctor for the correct dosage.
A word of caution: If you are suffering from autoimmune disorders then DO NOT take this herb. Also, this herb is not recommended for children.
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Additional tips for mononucleosis
Here are some extra tips that will help you prevent the infection.
- If you already have the infection, then you need to avoid kissing other people for at least a few months, so that it does not spread.
- You should avoid rigorous task or tasks that involve heavy weight lifting. This will help you avoid the risk of injuring your spleen.
- Avoid sharing your food and utensils with others while you have the virus causing mononucleosis.
- You need to quit both smoking and drinking until your condition is completely healed.
- Chew on a piece of hard candy to keep your throat moist throughout.
- Lower your intake of carbohydrates in your daily diet.
That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for mononucleosis. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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