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immune system
Mononucleosis
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Mononucleosis is an infectious disease that is thought to be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
It primarily affects the glands located in the neck, arms, and groin areas. Liver function is also affected. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, chills, swollen glands, and constant tiredness. If symptoms are severe, if the fever is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or if symptoms last for longer than a week, a physician should be consulted for testing.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE FOR MONONUCLEOSIS AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams, 3 times per day.

2. B-complex vitamins – 25 milligrams per day may be helpful in reducing tiredness and headaches.

3. Beta-carotene – 100,000 Units per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of Beta-carotene a day.

4. Zinc picolinate – 15 grams per day.

5. Multivitamin and mineral supplement – Taken daily according to the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a brand free of sugar and artificial ingredients.

6. Thymus gland extract – 1 to 2 tablets, 3 times per day.

7. Iron – 30 milligrams, 3 times per day.


THE PROPER DIET FOR MONONUCLEOSIS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• An overall healthy diet – Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Avoid sugars (such as pastries and candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice). Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information, refer to the article on healthy diet.

• Be sure to get enough protein. It is needed by the body to help fight infections. Replace red meat with fish and chicken as much as possible, and include beans, nuts, and seeds in the diet.


NOW, LET'S LOOK AT HERBS FOR MONONUCLEOSIS:

• Echinacea Root – Add 2 heaping tablespoons to a quart of boiling water. Simmer for 5 minutes, then let steep for 20 minutes. Drink 1 cup, 4 times a day until your temperature is back to normal. Then drink 1 cup twice a day for another week, even if all symptoms are gone. If used as a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, 50 drops 5 to 6 times per day is taken until the fever abates. Then this is reduced to 50 drops 2 to 3 times per day for another week.

• Licorice Root – Prepare this like the Echinacea tea, but drink a cup only 3 times a day. Or as a tincture, 30 drops 3 times a day is taken. While taking Licorice Root, increase the intake of potassium-rich foods, which are fresh fruits and vegetables and molasses.

• Other herbs that are useful in stimulating the immune system are Golden Seal and Osha – 30 drops of each tincture 3 times per day. Caution: These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy.

• Milk Thistle seeds – 1 tablespoon of the seeds per day, ground up. This is used for tenderness of the liver area.

• Red Root – 30 drops of the tincture 3 times per day. This is used for an enlarged spleen or tenderness of the spleen area.


HOMEOPATHY
From the following homeopathic medicines, the one that best matches the symptoms is choosen. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue, 3 times a day between meals.

• Gelsemium 12c: For dullness, drowsiness, and dizziness, often with a headache and lack of energy.

• Phytolacca 12c: For weakness and restlessness with swollen lymph glands.


ADDITIONAL MEASURES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Get adequate rest — at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Take daily naps as needed.

• After the more severe symptoms subside, exercise should be done according to your ability and energy level. Taking brisk walks for 15 to 20 minutes per day is a good way to begin an exercise program.



Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.