Mononucleosis is caused by Epstein Barr virus and the treatment is directed to manage the symptoms of the disease. Alternative treatments are also available to increase immunity.
Alternative Treatment For Mono
Acupuncture. Although there are no clinical and scientific data available that concludes the efficacy of acupuncture as an alternative treatment in mononucleosis, however, acupuncture helps in enhancing the immune system and also helps in managing the symptoms.
Homeopathy. Various homeopathic medicines are prescribed to keep the mono symptoms under control. The alternative treatment medicines that may be prescribed are belladonna, Ferrum phosphoricum, and phytolacca.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids. The patient should drink plenty of fluids and if possible, fruit juices should also be incorporated. Fluids reduce the symptoms of the disease and helps preventing dehydration.
Avoid Contact Sports. Mononucleosis includes the enlargement of spleen. The patient should avoid the contact sports such as football, wrestling or any other type of rough play. This may increase the risk of spleen rupture.
Rest. The body is fighting against a viral infection, the energy in the person gets severely drained and the patient feels fatigue. Thus, rest is an important component in treating any type of infection including mononucleosis. Rest also helps in increasing the immune system of the patient.
Eat A Healthy Diet. The mono patient should follow a healthy diet as it will help in fighting against infection and also helps in early recovery from the disease. The patient should also drink fresh juices and incorporate fruits in the diet. Refined food should be avoided while healthy oils such as olive oil and coconut oil should be included.
Vitamin C Rich Fruits. Vitamin C is well known for increasing the immunity and can be used as an alternative treatment for mono. Although the virus does not eradicate but by improving the immune system, the virus goes in the dormant stage and the symptoms are under check. Thus, vitamin C fruits should be included in the diet of the patient. Foods rich in vitamin C include lemon, papaya, orange and kiwi.
Berberine. There is a gene present which helps in the replication of Epstein Barr virus. This gene is known as EBNA-1. Berberine inhibits this gene and reduces the growth of virus.
Olive Leaf Extract. Olive leaf extract increases the immunity of the body and prevents opportunistic infection caused by bacteria and fungi. Further, it also helps in preventing the growth of virus.
Beta-Glucan. Beta-glucan is a potent immunomodulator and helps the body’s immune system in fighting against the mono infection.
Gargle. The most common symptom of mononucleosis is sore throat. Saline gargle formed in like warm water helps in reducing the irritation and pain of sore throat.
Cold Beverages, Ice-Cream Or Frozen Yogurt. Cold substances such as cold drink, ice-cream and frozen yogurts helps soothing the throat.
Mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever, occurs due to the infection caused by the Epstein Barr virus. The disease is found mainly in children which are presented by either very few or no symptoms at all. The symptoms are presented in adult patients. The disease spread by kissing the person infected with this disease hence the name given “kissing disease”. However, the other ways of spreading this disease include sharing utensils or sharing the drinks. The conditions may also be caused by the infection of viruses other than the Epstein Barr virus.
Conclusion
Various alternative treatments include acupuncture, homeopathy, drinking fluids, healthy diet, gargle, rest, vitamin C rich foods and berberine.
Also Read:
- Mono Infection or Pfeiffer’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications
- Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) or Glandular Fever or Kissing Disease: Causes, Treatment
- Treatment for Mono Infection or Pfeiffer’s Disease: Alternative Medicine & Treatment,Diet, Prognosis
- A Guide on Early Symptoms of Mono: Signs of Mononucleosis in Adults and Toddlers
- Monophobia or Fear of Being Alone: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
- How Do You Get Mono & How Long is it Contagious?
- How Long Does Mono Last & Ways To Get Rid Of It?