Symptoms

The early symptoms of mononucleosis resemble those of the flu, including:

  • Severe fatigue.
  • Headache.
  • Sore throat, sometimes very severe.
  • Chills, followed by a fever.
  • Muscle aches.

After a day or two, the following symptoms may appear: a Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin.

  • Jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin and eyes).
  • Bruiselike areas inside the mouth.
  • Soreness in the upper left abdomen (from an enlarged spleen).

Treatment Options

Most people recover on their own without any treatment within two weeks. Practitioners of alternative medicine recommend rest and various treatments to help relieve the symptoms of the disease. They also offer remedies to help strengthen the body’s immune system.

Aromatherapy

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), bergamot, and eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus) are sometimes recommended to relieve fatigue and other symptoms of mono. Add a few drops of the essential oils of one or more of these herbs to a warm bath.

Herbal Beauty

Chinese Medicine

The Chinese herbal formula Xiao Chat Hu Wan (Minor Bupleurum Pills) is often prescribed for the treatment of mononucleosis; it helps the liver clear infections from the body. Acupuncture may also be beneficial; consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine for dosages and treatment.

Herbal Therapies

To help fight the infection, try echinacea (Echinacea spp.) in glycerin tincture form; use 15 drops two times a day. To reduce the fever associated with mono, try drinking a tea made from elder (Sambucus nigra) flowers or yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Drink either tea three times a day. Or if you prefer, take 2 to 4 ml of the tincture of either herb three times a day.

To help cleanse the lymphatic system, try a tea made from cleavers (Galium spp.) or wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria); drink three times a day. Alternatively, take 2 to 4 ml of tincture of cleavers or 1 ml of tincture of wild indigo three times daily.

To help with the anxiety and depression that sometimes accompany long-term bouts with mono, try St.-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) or vervain (Verbena officinalis). Both herbs, when taken internally, appear to act as mild sedatives. Vervain is also recommended for jaundice, one of the symptoms of mono. Make a tea out of either herb and drink three times daily. Or take in tincture form: 1 to 4 ml of St.-John’s-wort or 2 to 4 ml of vervain three times a day.

Homeopathy

Mononucleosis calls for a constitutional treatment—a set of remedies prescribed specifically for you, based on your symptoms and your medical history. Consult an experienced homeopath for such a treatment.

Mind/Body Medicine

Various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, biofeedback, and guided imagery, can be helpful in reducing stress, which can exacerbate the fatigue associated with mononucleosis.

Nutrition and Diet

To strengthen your immune system and help speed your recovery, eat plenty of whole (not processed) foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, animal proteins, and sugars, as they are difficult to digest and put stress on your body. Also avoid both caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages, which may weaken the immune system.

To maintain a better balance of blood sugar, and thus a more even energy level, eat four to six small meals throughout the day rather than three larger ones; try not to overeat at any one meal. Some people also find that eating a small portion of low-fat protein immediately on awakening in the morning and again in the evening before going to bed can help raise energy levels. Good choices of protein for this purpose include low-fat cheese as well as tofu, lentils, and other legumes.

Vitamin supplements may also enhance your immune system. Take vitamin A (2,500 to 10,000 IU daily), vitamin C (500 to 2,000 mg daily), and vitamin B complex (50 mg a day). You may also wish to try daily magnesium (200 to 500 mg), calcium (200 to 500 mg), and potassium a separate (50 to 200 mg) supplements. Research has shown that these supplements can dramatically improve energy levels after six weeks of constant use.

Yoga

Yoga can help reduce fatigue. The exercises are gentle enough to be done even by someone with the illness. One recommended pose is the Cobra.

Home Remedies

  • Rest your body. Do not plan to return to your normal activity level for at least a month.
  • Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.
  • For sore throat, use a saline gargle—1/2tsp salt in a glass of warm water.

To help ease fatigue, massage your kidneys daily. With loose fists, rub your lower back for three to five minutes. A good occasion to do this is in the shower with warm water running down your back.

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