Mononucleosis is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Sometimes referred to as the kissing disease because it is transmitted through saliva, it produces flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, sore throat and swollen glands. There is no treatment for mononucleosis other than bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids, although over-the-counter pain killers like ibuprofen might help alleviate symptoms such as headache and fever. The herb echinacea might boost your immune system and help prevent mononucleosis, although evidence to prove this is limited. Get medical advice before using herbs.
Properties
Echinacea, also sometimes known as purple coneflower or Sampson root, is a purple-flowered plant used to treat infection, particularly upper respiratory tract infections. It is perhaps most commonly used to help prevent the common cold, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it might also prevent mononucleosis by strengthening the immune system. It contains a host of bio-active compounds, including terpenoids and alkaloids, and might work by increasing the circulation of disease-fighting white blood cells.
Administration
The flowers of the echinacea plant are used to prepare teas, liquid tinctures, juices, capsules and tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking 900 mg daily for five to 10 days might help boost immunity. This dosage is a general guideline. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it is likely to be right for you.
Evidence Base
Clinical studies evaluating echinacea's efficacy as a mononucleosis treatment are lacking. In addition, evidence showing that echinacea can prevent upper respiratory tract infections is mixed. The results of an early clinical study published in the November 1998 issue of "Archives of Family Medicine" show that echinacea may help reduce the risk of contracting an upper respiratory tract infection by 10 percent to 20 percent. However, the results of a later study published in the April 2008 issue of "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology" show that echinacea does not reduce the frequency of respiratory infection.
Considerations
Although herbs are natural, they can cause side effects or interact with other medicines. National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus notes that short-term echinacea use is likely safe for adults but adds that it may cause side effects, including nausea, stomach pain, fever and dizziness. Don't use echinacea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you are allergic to plants in the same family, such as ragweed and daisies.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Mononucleosis
- Medline Plus: Echinacea
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Echinacea
- "Archives of Family Medicine"; Echinacea Root Extracts for the Prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial; D. Melchart, et al.; November 1998
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology"; Effects of Echinacea on the Frequency of Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; J. O'Neil, et al.; April 2008
Member Comments