The Epstein Barr Virus is extremely common. Most adults have had the virus at some point with few, if any, noticeable symptoms. In teens the Epstein Barr Virus is a common cause of mononucleosis. Natural remedies for the Epstein Barr Virus include coconut oil, herbs, and supplements.
After the initial infection, the Epstein Barr Virus remains dormant in the white blood cells. Sometimes the virus will become active again, and can cause significant and chronic symptoms. The Epstein Barr Virus is one of the herpesviruses, which are lipid coated viruses. These “lipid coats” are membranes around the viruses that protect the virus. Remedies that break down these membranes are especially useful.
Symptoms of the Epstein Barr Virus
- Fever
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Enlarged spleen
- Enlarged liver
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Rash
Additionally, in chronic active Epstein Barr Virus the following symptoms may present as well:
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites
- Mouth ulcers
- Pneumonia
- CNS disease
Complications of the Epstein Barr Virus
There is some evidence that the Epstein Barr Virus is related to conditions like multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some cancers are connected to the Epstein Barr Virus as well.
Remedies for Epstein Barr Virus
1. Essiac Tea
Essiac tea is a combination of four herbs. It was originally created as an anti-cancer tea, but it has also been found helpful for chronic diseases like the Epstein Barr Virus.
2. Astragalus Root
Astragalus root is a food source in some countries. This mild tasting herb is not mild when it comes to effectiveness however. Astragalus root works as an antiviral and immune tonic. It can be taken in capsule form or in a tincture. The dried root can be added to soups and even oatmeal.
3. Olive Leave Extract
Olive plants produce foods that are consumed daily. Additionally, the leaves have antiviral and immune boosting properties. Olive leaf extract can help support the immune system and fight the virus.
4. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is an easy-to-take natural antiviral. For chronic infections, diy colloidal silver is a great option, after the initial investment of a home generator.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune system and has been found to be helpful in reducing symptoms of chronic Epstein Barr Virus.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which the body converts to monolaurin. Monolaurin can kill lipid coated viruses. For viruses, as much as 3 tablespoons of coconut oil are used daily. However, this may be too much for the digestion of some. It may be best to begin with a teaspoon three times a day and work up to a tablespoon three times a day, if the smaller amounts do not cause any side effects.
When using coconut oil as a medicine, be sure to use unprocessed coconut oil that smells like coconut oil for best results.
7. Monolaurin
Not everyone is fond of using coconut oil, especially in the quantities needed to kill viruses. A monolaurin supplement can provide similar antiviral benefits as an alternative to coconut oil.
8. BHT
BHT is an approved food additive that some use as a supplement since it is effective at breaking down the lipid coat of viruses.
9. Rest
Usually when symptoms are present, rest is not only greatly desired by the patient, it is much needed. The body can direct its energies to healing during rest. Too much activity can make it difficult to recover from the virus and can make the virus worse.
10. Diet
It is important to provide the body with plenty of nutrients to support all body functions.
Sugar suppress the immune system and should be avoided.
Dairy products can increase mucous production and should be temporarily avoided.
Heavy meals require more energy to process, taking energy away from healing. Frequent, light and nutritious meals are ideal.
Fruits, vegetables, smoothies, and broth based soups are ideal.
Symptom Specific Remedies for Epstein Barr Virus
The above remedies target the virus and support the immune system, which, ideally lead to improvement of symptoms. However, for relief of specific symptoms of the Epstein Barr Virus, the following remedies may be of special help.
Throat Gargle
A very sore throat can accompany the EBV. Gargling cayenne pepper can kill infection in the throat, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Adding clove powder increases the infection fighting power of the remedy and also can numb the area for a while, allowing for more comfortable eating and drinking of nourishing remedies.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon clove powder (optional, but helpful!)
- Mix the powders together and add 1/3 cup hot water. Gargle and spit the solution out. Repeat the gargle every 2-4 hours.
Lymph Node Massage Oil
Swollen lymph nodes are common with the Epstein Barr Virus. Mix the following oils together and gently massage into swollen lymph nodes twice daily or as desired.
- 2 Tablespoons castor oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 20 drops peppermint essential oil
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth or sensitive tissue as the peppermint essential oil is quite strong.
EBV Tea
EBV Hot Tea provides hydration, warmth to combat the chills, and ingredients that actually fight viruses.
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon clove powder
- 6 ounces hot water
- Consume the tea freely. 6 ounces of hot green tea or black tea may be substituted for the hot water.
Epstein Barr Bath
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- Draw a warm bath. Add baking soda and citric acid. (The water will fizz strongly!)
Alternately, use 1 cup Epsom salt. Epsom salt baths are especially helpful if muscle aches are present.
Blood Boosters
When anemia and thrombocytopenia are present two supplements in particular may be of help.
Blackstrap molasses
A traditional cure for anemia and a food chock full of nutrients, blackstrap molasses can be added to foods or teas or consumed right off the spoon.
Liquid Chlorophyll
Liquid chlorophyll is a great remedy for anemia and also as a blood purifier. It is typically taken by the teaspoon several times a day in a glass of water.
Do you have a home remedy for the Epstein Barr Virus? Please send us some feedback!
Sources:
1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3554135/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24793092
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2776035/
5. https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/index.html
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22617821