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Ask the Herbalist_questions on Mononucleosis
blood, Mild Liver herb, stimulates activity, mild laxative, bitter tonic, cholagogue (i.e. increases bile secretion lowering
chance of Jaundice associated with Mono). Used in many Alterative formulas, increases elimination via the bowel and
liver.
Picrorrhiza, Latin Named: Picrorrhiza kurroa - this herb helps to suppress the virus and speed recovery. It reduces
enlarged liver and spleen especially enlarged spleen associated with mono.
Barberry, Oregon Grape Root Latin Name: Berberis vulgaris, Mahonia aquafolium - good antiviral, useful for liver
problems - liver insufficiency. It is a bitter and Alterative herb. It increases bodies ability to eliminate waste without
putting a large drain on the body.
In general the Alterative activity is very important and not found outside herbalism.
Lomatium, Bear Root, Biscuit Root, Latin Named: Lomatium disectum - Good for acute or chronic viral or bacterial
disease such as Mono, CMV, HIV, EBV, Herpes, Shingles, etc
The Chinese herbs
Dang Shen, Codonopsis, Asian Bellflower, Latin Named: Codonopsis tangshen, C. pilosula - Strengthens immune
systems brings it back to normal to fight disease such as Mono, Pneumonia and repeated colds and flues Increase
both white and red blood cells.
The following is a download off the Onhealth website.
Mononucleosis, often referred to as "mono," is a very common viral illness. About 90 percent of people over age 35
have antibodies to mono in their blood, which means that they have been infected with it, probably during early
childhood. When mono strikes young children, the illness is usually so mild that it passes as a common or the flu.
When it occurs during adolescence or adulthood, however, the disease can be much more serious.
Mono comes on gradually. It begins with flu-like symptoms -- fever, headache and a general malaise and lethargy.
After a few days, the lymph glands -- especially those in the neck, armpits and groin -- begin to swell, although this
symptom is not noticeable in everyone. Swollen glands in the back of the neck are especially typical of mono. Most
people develop a sore throat, which can be very severe, with inflamed tonsils. A fever -- usually no higher than 104° F
can also develop and may last up to three weeks. About 10 percent of people with mono develop a generalized red
rash all over the body. Some people may notice red spots or darkened areas in the mouth, especially on the palate,
that resemble bruises. In about half of all cases, the spleen may also enlarge, causing an area in the upper left
abdomen to become tender to the touch.
In 95 percent of cases, the illness affects the liver. However, only about 5 percent of individuals with mono develop
jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by an increase of bile pigment in the blood. In rare cases of mono,
the liver fails. Other major complications that can develop from mono include rupturing of the spleen, low platelet
count, meningitis and encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain; but these, too, are extremely rare.
Most people who come down with mono feel much better within two or three weeks, although fatigue may last for two
months or longer. Sometimes the disease lingers for a year or so, causing recurrent, but successively milder, attacks.
In the past, some research suggested that the virus causing mono might be linked to a persistent and debilitating form
of the illness known as chronic fatigue syndrome, which can last for years. Most recent research has shown no such
link, however, and the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown.
Symptoms
The early symptoms of mononucleosis resemble those of the flu, including: Severe fatigue, Headache, Sore throat,
Chills, followed by a fever, Muscle aches. After a day or two, the following additional symptoms may occur: Swollen
lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits or groin, Jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin and eyes), measles like skin
rash anywhere on the face or body; sometimes the rash develops suddenly after taking amoxicillin for a severe sore
throat, Tiny red spots or bruise-like areas inside the mouth, especially on the roof of the mouth (palate). Soreness in
the upper left abdomen (from an enlarged spleen).
Causes
Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, named after the two British researchers who first identified it in 1964,
although the disease itself had been recognized many years earlier. A common member of the herpes family of
viruses, Epstein-Barr is spread primarily through the exchange of saliva, which is why mono is sometimes known as
the "kissing disease." However, coughing or other contact with infected saliva can also pass it from one person to
another.
The mono virus can stay active in a person weeks or months after all overt symptoms are gone, so close contact with
someone who shows no sign of the disease can still put a person at risk. On the other hand, not everyone who lives in
proximity to an individual infected with mono comes down with the illness. Scientists believe that a healthy immune
system may make it possible to fight off the infection successfully.
Treatment
Mononucleosis is usually a self-limiting illness. Most people recover on their own without any treatment within two
weeks. Thus, the primary prescription for mono by both conventional and alternative practitioners is complete bed rest
with a gradual return to normal activity. Because the spleen is often enlarged and, as a result, at a greater risk of
rupture, contact sports, such as football and soccer, should be avoided for at least several weeks.
Conventional Medicine
In addition to bed rest, your doctor may prescribe aspirin or acetaminophen for the fever, sore throat and other
discomforts of the illness. Because of possible liver involvement, check with your doctor about using acetaminophen.
Similarly, if you have a rash, consult your doctor about aspirin use. If your sore throat is so severe that you have
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