Mononucleosis.
On the medicinal herblist in May96,
> Could someone give me suggestions on what to do for mononucleosis? After two months of going to the doctor I went to a different one yesterday and it was mono. No wonder I feel like sh*t. Any alternative/herbal therapy suggestions would be appreciated.
Certainly we must be careful about saying use this for that without taking many things into consideration. Diet, lifestyle, constitution, etc. Plus we need to understand what mono is: a viral infection that affects the spleen and lymphatic system.
One herb of possible use for mono would be Ceanothus, or Red Root. This wonderful herb, rather than being a lymph system stimulant, essentially "cleans the grates" or "changes the filters" of the lymph system by clearing the capillary walls of crap that prevents the flow of fluid from the blood to the cells to the lymph system, and also where the lymph system flows back into the blood. This helps in the flowing of lymphatic fluids. It also helps with spleen stuff.
Another herb would be Lomatium, since it can be helpful in viral infections, and has immunostimulant properties.
If the liver is involved, certainly supporting it with Oregon Grape, Clover, etc. would be appropriate.
PLEASE don't use Goldenseal ..... it's time to switch to Oregon Grape (or goldthread if you have the source). (more on that here: hydrasti.html)
But don't just mix all this stuff together and take 'em. Educate yourself before running off to the store to buy herbs blindly. Get some good books, many are available on line, like Michael Moore's teaching aids via his home page. Use that "find" button to look up Mononucleosis, and you'll get much more info.
Howie B
http://botanicalstudies.net
