Mononucleosis or mono is a common viral infection prevalent among adolescents.
The virus responsible for mono is Epstein-Barr virus or EBV. It’s from the herpes simplex virus family. More than 90% of people have EBV worldwide before they turn 40. [1]
You may suffer from mono symptoms for 2-4 weeks until the infection cures. But, the extreme tiredness may last for more days after the virus is off.
Some available home remedies and lifestyle hacks can help you to get rid of mono symptoms faster.
This article reviews natural remedies to get rid of mono symptoms, plus symptoms and prevention tips to avoid mono.
Top 15 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Mono
1. Garlic Juice for Mono
Garlic is an easy-to-reach kitchen ingredient. This super spice may stink and sting but has some strong medicinal values.
Garlic has a long tradition in the Ayurveda as a natural remedy for all forms of health problems. Each clove of garlic is full of anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Allicin and ajoene are two significant deposits in garlic that can cure mono. Research has proved their significant effects on curing herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. [3]
How to consume garlic juice to treat mono:
Blend 4-5 garlic cloves with 3 cups of water. Strain the liquid and mix a pinch of salt in it. Drink this medicinal juice two times daily. Also, you can consume raw garlic with your meals so long as you suffer from mono.
Read More: 18 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Cold Sores Naturally
2. Coconut Oil for Mono
Coconut oil comes from the kernel or meat of the coconut. There is unlimited usage of this favorite oil in health care and tropical cuisine.
It’s a versatile oil. The medicinal values of coconut oil come from its rich chemical compounds. Coconut oil has a rich source of 90% saturated fat. [4]
But, coconut fat is Medium Chain Triglycerides or MCT fatty acids. Your body metabolizes this fat in a different way than animal-based fats. Thus, you don’t have the risk of heart disease from coconut oil. [5]
Your body has little or no inflammatory response to this beneficial oil.
Coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antioxidant properties. Besides, it has vitamin E and K and potent antiviral activities in your body.
It is because coconut oil fatty acids consist of lauric and capric acid. These two powerful antiviral agents create 50% and 10% of one drop of coconut oil.
In 1999 a study was published in the “Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.” It shows that lauric and capric acids can disintegrate the Herpes virus type 1 and prevent mono. [6]
How to use coconut oil for mono:
Warm a tablespoon of coconut oil. Now massage your swollen lymph with the oil. You can rub your tired and sore muscles as well. Redo the process thrice daily to soothe the swellings and pains of Mononucleosis. Also, consume one tablespoon of coconut oil to fight the internal infection. Finally, you can make your dishes using coconut oil.
Note: Internal consumption of coconut oil may give you loose motion at the beginning. This condition will subside on its own.
Read More: 11 Reasons to Use Coconut Oil for Sunburn
3. Apple Cider Vinegar for Mono
The medicinal uses of vinegar date back to 5000 years BC in ancient Babylonia. Since then, vinegar has had versatile applications in all forms of home remedies.
The good old apple cider vinegar or ACV is a ‘cure all’ or panacea as a natural remedy. It is a potent combination of fermented apple juice and acetic acid.
ACV provides you with a robust immune system. It can keep the EBV infection responsible for mono from spreading and keep it at a distance.
Besides, ACV can fight off cold, muscle sores, respiratory problems, etc.
You can consume ACV mixed with honey as a drink to relieve mono. [7]
How you can use apple cider vinegar to get rid of mono symptoms fast:
Add one tablespoon of organic ACV and two teaspoons of raw honey to one glass of warm water. Stir the solution well. Consume this drink twice daily to overcome mono symptoms.
Read More: 20 Reasons to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair + How to Use it
4. Honey for Mono
Honey is another available home ingredient to help you combat Mononucleosis. In addition, raw honey can treat various issues such as colds, fever, respiratory illnesses, etc.
Honey contains pathogens fighting components. The components make it difficult for the infectious virus to grow and reproduce. [8]
That’s why honey is a potent agent to kill EBV and stop the symptoms of mono. Honey is also a very active source of probiotics. It can boost your immune system to retrain the activity of the virus in your body.
Try this honey-water natural remedy for mono:
Mix 2 tablespoons of raw honey in a glass of lukewarm water. Stir the solution. Drink it twice a day. You will see significant improvement in your immune defense against EBV or Mononucleosis.
Read More: How to Use Honey and Cinnamon for Cold
5. Warm Salt Water Gargle
A simple salt water gargle can be an excellent remedy for relieving some mono symptoms. The main component of salt is sodium chloride. The antiseptic nature of salt can fight the herpes virus and restrain its spread. [9]
A sore throat and swollen tonsils are some painful symptoms of Mononucleosis. Salt water gargling is an efficient remedy to reduce these symptoms.
How to take a warm salt gargle to soothe mono irritations:
In a glass of hot water, mix one tablespoon of regular salt. Stir the solution. Now sip the solution and gargle with it for some time. Repeat the process several times a day to reduce inflammation caused by mono.
Read More: Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits: 19 Reasons to Buy One
6. Essential Oils for Mono
Essential oils are a potent source of anti-inflammatory and antiviral components. In addition, they can reduce mono symptoms such as headaches, sore throat, inflammations, swellings, etc.
Thyme essential oil comes from the evergreen herb thyme belonging to the mint family. Its healing properties are anti-rheumatic, antibacterial, and calming components. It is a potent remedy for your sore throat. [10]
Oregano essential oil is the essence of wild oregano flowers and leaves. This herbal oil has two strong antiviral properties named carvacrol and thymol. These two components in oregano oil can inhibit EBV or herpes 4. [11]
This herbal oil is the best bet for antiviral effects against EBV. It can restrict the growth and spread of the culprit virus.
Eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender oil have antiviral and immune-boosting qualities.
How to use essential oils for mono treatment:
Take a glass of lukewarm water. Add one tablespoon of oregano oil, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and one tsp of apple cider vinegar. Mix the solution well. Now, consume this potent drink taking several minutes. You can also fill a capsule with five drops of tea tree oil and consume it three times a day.
Read More: 20 Essential Oils for Cough, Sore Throat, and, Congestion
7. Lemon Juice for Mono
Lemon juice helps to prevent mono. It is a rich source of vitamin C, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and minerals. These compounds make lime juice a potent remedy for inflammations. [12]
Lemon is antiseptic. Thus, it can detoxify your body of all harmful pathogens and free radicals. It’s the best bet for you to ease swollen neck, sore throat, and inflamed tonsils.
How to use lemon juice to recover from mono:
Mix five tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with one teaspoon of honey. Stir the solution. Consume it twice a day to relieve a sore throat.
Read More: Lemon Juice for Acne: 8 Simple Home Remedies
8. Probiotics for Mono
You are prone to viral attacks if you have a weak immune system.
Probiotics or healthy microorganisms in certain foods can improve your immune system. Yogurt, dark chocolate, and kefir are some of the probiotic foods.
Probiotics can halt the spread and growth of viral infections. Some probiotics have significant contributions to your respiratory and stomach diseases. [13]
Learn how you can use probiotics to get rid of mono:
Make a mixture of 6 tablespoons of yogurt and one tablespoon of honey. Eat this sweetened yogurt thrice a day. It can fight off Mononucleosis and its symptoms.
9. Astragalus Herb for Mono
Astragalus has a long tradition of healing in ancient China. This potent herb can strengthen your immune system to ward against EBV infection or mono.
Astragalus’s three major antiviral compounds are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. These properties can fight off inflammations and viral infections. [14]
Try this astragalus tea to treat mono naturally:
Add a few astragalus roots to water and boil for 15 minutes. Strain the tea and add four drops of tea tree oil to it. Stir the solution and consume it twice daily for a week. You’ll notice a significant improvement in mono symptoms within a week.
Read More: 11 Natural Remedies for Pneumonia Plus How to Use Them
10. Echinacea Herb for Mono
Echinacea is another powerful herb that you can use to cure mononucleosis infection. This healing herb has active antiviral, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Echinacea can boost your immune defense against EBV infection. It can prevent recurrent attacks of germs and mono symptoms. [15]
A simple recipe of Echinacea tea for mono:
Heat a cup of water and boil a handful of dried Echinacea leaves. After 10 minutes, strain the solution. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to it. Consume this Echinacea tea thrice daily to curb the mono symptoms. It will also improve your immune defense against the infection. Or, you can take a cloth, soak it in Echinacea solution, and give your swollen lymph a hot compress. The warmth will reduce the inflammations.
Read More: 12 Natural Solutions to Get Rid of Sore Throat
11. Licorice Root for Mono
Licorice root is a crucial part of Indian Ayurveda and Chinese herbal medicines.
Its active component -triterpenoid, works as a natural antiviral agent and immune booster. Licorice root can fight the growth of EBV and mononucleosis infection. [16]
It can keep off free radicals and protect your white blood cells from contaminations. In addition, licorice roots can ease the swollen lymph nodes and sore throat.
How you can use licorice root to treat mononucleosis symptoms:
Heat a cup of water and boil a few licorice roots for 15 minutes. Next, strain the tea and add three tablespoons of lime juice and one tablespoon of honey. Stir the solution and consume it. Repeat the process two times daily to see good results in a week.
Read More: 10 Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)
12. Cranberries for Mono
The delicious cranberries have their contribution to treating mono as well! They are quite well known for their amazing performances in solving viral infections. [17]
The antibacterial properties of cranberries are the key players here. They can help to diminish the bacteria causing mono.
The vitamins of cranberries boost the immune system. Besides, it promotes faster relief from the infection.
How you can consume cranberry juice to get rid of mono fast:
Mix one cup of cranberry juice with six to seven cups of water. Drink the first cup before breakfast and finish the rest throughout the day. Repeat every day till you get significant results.
Read More: 12 Cranberry Juice Benefits (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
13. Wormwood for Mono
Wormwood or green ginger is a great herb with many health benefits. [18]
People have been using it as an Anthelmintic for many years to ward off worms from their digestive tract.
We all know it as an effective parasitic worm destroyer. But, wormwood is a great home remedy for mono as well.
Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can cure any infection due to mono.
The best part is that wormwood is free of Thujone, unlike some other herbs. But unfortunately, the component causes muscle breakdown, insomnia, kidney problems, and other side effects.
How to use wormwood leaves to cure mono infections:
Take a small bowl and boil a glass of water. Add a handful of fresh wormwood leaves to the boiling water. Let them steep for ten minutes. Strain the tea and mix a tsp of honey. You must drink this tea every day for at least one week.
14. Calendula for Mono
Calendula flower is one of the most recommended ingredients in Homeopathy medicine.
Calendula is one of the best home remedies to get rid of mono. Because it comes with excellent antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. [19]
It can cure any infection due to Mononucleosis.
Besides, calendula can treat wounds, burns, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Here’s a simple method of using calendula for mono:
Boil a glass of water. Add one tsp of dried calendula flower powder to it. Let it steep for ten minutes. Add one tsp of honey after straining the tea. You must drink the concoction for at least a few weeks.
Note: Do not consume calendula if you’re pregnant, as it might lead to an abortion.
Read More: 12 Health Benefits of Calendula Oil (#2 is Impressive)
15. Myrrh for Mono
Myrrh is a resin from the trees that are members of the Commiphora species. [20]
It’s another excellent ingredient for medicine. Myrrh can cure indigestion, cough, cold, ulcer, cancer, mono, and many more.
Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents treat infections due to mono.
Myrrh can be a great remedy to get rid of mono if you consume it in a moderate quantity.
Learn how to make myrrh tea for mono:
Take one glass of water and heat it. Add one tsp of myrrh extract powder when the water starts to boil. Let the herb steep for ten minutes. Strain and mix a tsp of pure honey. Drink this tea once every day for a week.
Read More: 11 Health Benefits of Myrrh Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
Symptoms of Mono
Mononucleosis is contagious. It has a famous nickname- ‘kissing disease.’ It is because you can get this virus while kissing an infected person.
But, EBV is not only kissing positive. There are other ways of passing the body fluids and spreading this virus. [1]
These include:
- Sharing silverware; fork, spoon, glass, etc. with an infected person
- Exposure to the sneezing and coughing of an EBV-positive person
- You may get the virus through blood and semen as well. Hence sexual intercourse with an EBV victim may contaminate you too.
- In rare cases, through organ transplantations and blood transfusions
Once you get EBV, you may experience the symptoms of mono after 4-7 weeks. Sometimes the virus survives inside your body without ever manifesting mono symptoms. The symptoms may vary from mild to severe in forms. This viral disease can affect your life and daily activities. [2]
Some of the symptoms of mono include:
- High fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Extreme weakness or tiredness
- Appetite loss
- Body or muscle aches
- A sore throat
- A headache
Medications for Mononucleosis
The prescription mono treatments have the backlash of side effects. These include pain relievers, antibiotics, acyclovir, valacyclovir, amoxicillin, etc. [1]
A doctor should prescribe these traditional medications for mono for appropriate dosage.
How to Prevent Mono
Self-care is the best way to manage mono. Here are some lifestyle hacks to help you ward off this infection. In addition, some of the tips can help you stop mono before it starts its havoc.
- Mono-infection makes you exhausted and tired. So, rest is essential to reduce the effects of mononucleosis infection. Take enough rest when you are down with this infection. Don’t force yourself and indulge in physical activities. Instead, take naps during the day and uninterrupted sleep at night.
- Water or other healthy drinks can flush out the toxic elements from your body. It can also speed up the healing process. You should stay hydrated by consuming water, coconut juice, and herbal tea.
- Avoid games or sports that need physical contact with other players. [21]
- You must stay away from kissing and sexual intercourse while dealing with this infection.
- Avoid physically straining exercises and weightlifting during mono-infection. Otherwise, you may injure your spleen.
- Eat and drink with separate utensils to avoid the infection from spreading.
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol to get out of the inflammations faster.
- Foods to eat when you have mono: Add foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B12 to your diet.
When to See a Doctor
Home remedies can be the best option to treat mono. But, if you get any secondary infections, you should seek medical attention.
The issues include sinus infections, tonsillitis, or strep throat.
You may also develop an enlarged spleen, inflammation of the liver, or anemia. If you develop any of the symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Mono is a common viral infection that can’t have adverse effects if you’re careful from the beginning.
You can curb mono and its symptoms by following natural remedies and self-care tips.
Whether you have mono or not, try not to share your utensils, glass, and towels with others.
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