Infectious mononucleosis also called as ‘mono’ or ‘the kissing disease,’ is spread by an infectious virus primarily through kissing, though this is rarely the case. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing or sharing an infected utensil. The virus that spreads the disease is called as the Epston Barr virus.

It is a common disease found in young adults and teenagers. The virus belongs to the herpes group and is spread through contact with saliva. It causes extreme fatigue and tiredness. Other symptoms are headaches, chills, fever and enlargement of the lymph glands. The disease gets ok on its own within 4-6 weeks. Here are some natural cures that can help to alleviate the symptoms of mono.

Best Natural Cures For Mono

Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey

A course of apple cider vinegar and honey is said to be beneficial in the treatment of mono. Give a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar along with honey dissolved in water 1-2 times a day.

Believers of this remedy state that apple cider vinegar helps to calm an inflamed, irritated throat and induces sleep, which makes the person feel more relaxed.

Baking Soda And Water

For swollen tonsils and an achy throat, this is an effective remedy. Use a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water and gargle with this water. Follow this up with salt-water gargles. Do this 5-6 times a day and you will feel immediate relief.

Plain Salt Water Gargles

Plain salt-water gargles are very good especially in the initial stages of the illness.

Gargling when the throat begins to feel mildly itchy will prevent the symptoms from aggravating. Keep gargling 4-5 times a day.

Take Enough Fluids

Keep sipping on fluids throughout the day. Fluids will moisten the throat and prevent it from feeling too dry and itchy. Stick to warm milk, soups, herbal teas and gruels. These will help to soothe your throat.

Garlic

Garlic pills or garlic had with honey is a very good remedy for mono.

Garlic has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that help to fight off the infection. Immerse garlic in your curries and gravies or suck on a pod along with honey.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a herb that has strong anti-viral properties and helps to fight off the infection. Take it in recommended doses after speaking to an ayurvedic or herbal doctor.

Onion, Broccoli And Apples

Onion, broccoli and apples are potent sources of anti-viral properties that help in internal healing.

Eat these in sufficient quantities, as these will help to fight off the infection. Apples can be stewed and had in the form of a warm gruel. This will give relief to the throat also.

Multi-Vitamin Capsules

Take one capsule of a multi-vitamin daily. This prevents headaches, muscle fatigue and enhances the person’s immunity, thus making you feel better.

Switch To Raw Food

Try to eat raw and uncooked foods for a few days. It is necessary to take in a bland diet that is devoid of oil, spices and condiments.

Eat fibrous fruits and vegetables like beans, broccoli, plums, mangoes, watermelon, lettuce, spinach and other leafy vegetables. If you cannot have them raw, take them in the form of a soup with minimal spices. These will help to reduce weakness and strengthen you from within.

Rest

Try to get as much sleep as possible. Rest is perhaps the best remedy for mono, as it will take at least 4-6 weeks before you recover completely.

Avoid Contact With Others

It is important to not pass on the infection to others. Minimize contact with others especially small children and other teenagers. Do not share utensils, cups, plates and items of personal hygiene.

Olive Leaf Extract

Use olive leaf extract as per specific instructions that have been given for it.

It has anti-oxidants and anti-viral properties that help to fight mono. If you are pregnant, diabetic or breastfeeding however, you should not be taking it.

Also Read

Signs And Symptoms Of Mono Virus In Children
Epstein-Barr Virus Natural Remedies & Herbs
What Sickness is Caused by Kissing

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is full of vital anti-oxidants that help to cleanse and detoxify the system from within. It is good for bringing down headaches and high fever in the initial stages of the infection.

The Use Of Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is very therapeutic in the treatment of mono as it calms and relaxes the body. Soak a bath and put a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rosemary. Now take a bath with this water. This is helpful in reducing fatigue, lethargy and helps you feel fresh and peppy.

Alangium

This is a flower, which is used in the treatment of mono. Crush two alangium flowers to form a paste.

Now boil this paste in a cup of water. Once the water has boiled, strain it and drink 15ml of this mixture 3 times a day for about a week. This is a natural home remedy for mono.

A Nourishing Diet

The focus should be on a diet that is rich in calcium, zinc and magnesium as these minerals help to boost the immune system and fight the infection causing parasites.

Turmeric

The spice turmeric is very good in giving relief from a sore and scratchy throat. Dissolve half a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of milk along with sugar and drink this milk twice every day.

The milk should be sufficiently warm. Alternatively, you can boil some turmeric in water and gargle with this water to get relief from a sore throat.

Avoid Starchy, Oily And Processed Food

Continue eating well until you recover completely. Avoid eating food with empty calories like burgers, pizzas, sweets and other fried food as these can do more harm than good. Reduce your intake of caffeine in the form of coffee as it can cause acute dehydration. You can however stick to herbal teas like chamomile, green tea and tea made from ginger or basil.

Vitamin C

The virus is very contagious and potent during some seasons so it is better to equip yourself by taking a dose of vitamin C to enhance your immunity. Speak to the doctor and take Vitamin C for a month to protect yourself.