Natural Herbal Remedies Against Mononucleosis Viruses

Mononucleosis is a type of viral infection that usually causes fever, sore throat and other painful or annoying symptoms. PubMed Health states that mononucleosis, though often linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, may also be caused by other viruses, including cytomegalovirus. You may develop a mononucleosis infection at any age. Natural herbal remedies are often used to help combat the viruses that cause mononucleosis. It is always wise to check with your doctor about herbs before using them to treat your illness.

Mononucleosis Virus

Viruses that cause mononucleosis are spread between people through saliva, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some of the most common indications that you have mononucleosis include fever, sore throat, swollen glands and tonsils, persistent fatigue, extreme weakness, rash, headache and enlargement of certain organs, including your liver and spleen. The Center reports that mononucleosis occurs in a very small percentage of individuals, and that is usually is not a serious condition, despite its affect on your ability to perform your daily activities.

Natural Herbal Remedies

In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis Balch, a nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant, lists several natural herbal remedies that may effectively treat this condition. Balch notes that cat's claw is often used for mononucleosis, due to its ability to improve your immune function and guard you from viral infections. Olive leaf extract is used to quell the growth of viruses, while goldenseal is a known infection-fighter. Other beneficial herbs may include dandelion, echinacea and astragalus.

An Effective Remedy

Astragalus is a natural herbal remedy that may effectively treat your mononucleosis. Astragalus, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is commonly used to help treat weakened immune systems, common colds and upper respiratory infections. Astragalus is often used in conjunction with echinacea to improve the strength and function of your immune system and combat the negative health effects associated with mononucleosis. Astragalus possesses antioxidant and hypotensive action.

Additional Information

Mononucleosis can lead to serious health complications, including death in people with severely weakened immune systems. Other possible complications associated with this condition include hepatitis, orchitis or testicular inflammation, spleen rupture and various neurological complications. Discuss relevant treatment strategies with your doctor before using herbs to treat your mononucleosis, and avoid using herbs in lieu of other treatment strategies suggested by your family physician. Certain herbs may interfere with other medications you might be taking.