Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating mononucleosis, or mono, a condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that spreads through saliva. Common signs and symptoms associated with mono include fever, fatigue, sore throat and swollen glands. Before taking herbs to help treat mono, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Burdock
Burdock, also known as Arctium lappa, is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your mono. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, burdock, a member of the aster family, has been used to help treat numerous health conditions, including microbial infections, eczema, arthritis and diabetes. Burdock has a sweet, bitter and mucilaginous taste and cooling tendencies. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," states that burdock is an antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory that helps promote blood and lymph circulation. By stimulating the natural flow of your lymphatic fluid, burdock supports the excretion of metabolic by-products from your cells. Meet with your doctor to discuss appropriate dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking burdock to help treat your mono.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that may be beneficial in treating mononucleosis. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that echinacea, also known as Echinacea pupurea, is a plant native to the United States and southern Canada that has been used to stimulate immune systems to help fight infections. Echinacea, a member of the aster family, possesses a sweet, pungent and aromatic taste and cooling, drying and stimulating tendencies. The root, seeds and flowers of the plant have medicinal uses. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," echinacea is helpful in treating any condition, including mono, in which your immune system is challenged or compromised. Echinacea, states Smith, is an excellent cleanser of blood and lymph. Consult with your physician before taking echinacea to help treat your mono.
Red Root
Red root, also known as Ceanothus Americanus or New Jersey tea, may also be effective in treating your mono. According to Botanical.com, red root is a half-hardy shrub that grows throughout North America and can reach a maximum height of 4 to 5 feet. A member of the buckthorn family, red root has an astringent taste and drying tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally to treat many health problems, including mono. Dr. Tilgner states that red root is an astringent, expectorant and lymphagogue, or a substance that supports your lymphatic organs and stimulates the activity of your lymph system. Red root, she notes, has been used to help treat mono, enlarged lymph nodes, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, chronic post-nasal drip and congestion in your spleen, liver and lymph system. Before taking red root to help treat your mono, talk with your doctor.
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