Infectious mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which causes an increase in lymphocytes. This disease is also known as Glandular Fever and Mono. It is also known as Kissing Disease, since it is usually transmitted through the saliva during close person-to-person contact and especially kissing. The common symptoms of this condition include fever, chills, malaise, sore throat, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and white coated tonsils. Rarely, affected individuals may have a rash on the body as well as an enlarged liver and spleen.
The Ayurvedic herbal treatment for infectious mononucleosis consists of giving symptomatic treatment of the affected individual as well as treating the viral infection. Herbal medicines are given for fever, chills, sore throat, and malaise. Anti-inflammatory medicines which work on the respiratory tract are used to treat the sore throat and swollen lymph glands in the neck, as well as inflammation of the tonsils. If the affected individual has complications like skin rash and enlarged liver and spleen, specific treatment is given to treat these complications. Most herbal combinations which are used in influenza and common cold give quick relief from symptoms in infectious mononucleosis.
In addition to the above treatment, herbal medicines are also given which have a known anti-viral action. These medicines deactivate the Epstein-Barr virus and bring down the infection quickly and easily. Since viral infections dominate in situations of compromised immunity, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used which have an immunomodulatory action. These medicines increase the resistance of the body and help to control the infection as well as its associated symptoms. For most individuals affected with infectious mononucleosis, treatment for about 2 to 4 weeks is sufficient to completely cure the condition. Individuals with complications like liver and spleen enlargement or skin rash may require prolonged treatment for about 2to 4 months.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be utilised in the management and treatment of infectious mononucleosis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
