Epstein Barr Cures Blog

Epstein Barr Disease is triggered by the Epstein Barr virus, the same virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever.

This virus is a member of the herpes family of viruses. Once you have had it, the virus remains in the body for life, and it can be re-activated when the body’s defences are lowered.

The virus resides in the salivary glands and is transmitted during the active phase of the illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with virus-infected saliva, mainly through kissing, although it can be picked up from shared drinks or eating utensils, or through blood transfusions. In some people, the virus is shed intermittantly throughout life, even though the carrier may show no symptoms.

Epstein Barr Disease has been associated with some rare conditions including nasopharyngeal sarcoma, Hodgkin’s disease, B cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Although the mechanism of how these diseases are triggered is still unclear, it appears that they are more likely in immunocompromised patients like post-transplant patients who undergo immunosuppressive treatment.

Symptoms of Epstein Barr Disease

A sore throat, fever, swollen glands and fatigue are cornerstones of the illness. In some patients there may be a skin rash, headache, muscle pains, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, respiratory symptoms and enlargement of the liver and spleen.

Who gets this disease?

It is most common in young adults ages 15-19. 90% of the population have had the virus by the age of 40.

What is the incubation?

Symptoms of the illness usually appear 30-50 days after exposure to the virus.

How long does this disease last?

Symptoms normally last 1 – 4 weeks, although in some cases the disease can last months or in rare cases years.

Can people get the virus twice?

Generally people only get the virus once, however some people do experience a cyclical reactivation of the virus.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a person’s age, symptoms and a physical exam. Confirmation is made by blood tests which look for antibodies to the virus.

What is the conventional medical treatment for the disease?

Doctors commonly prescribe rest, plenty of fluids and painkillers to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics are of no use in treating a virus like Epstein Barr, but may be prescribed if there is a secondary bacterial infection like strep throat.

What are the complications of the virus?

Rare complications can include rupture of the spleen, heart inflammation, liver problems, anemia, nerve damage, a reduction in blood platelets, pneumonia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and some rare cancers.

What is the natural treatment for Epstein Barr Disease?

Alternative treatment is aimed at boosting the immune system, relieving symptoms and getting you back on your feet as fast as possible. Treatment is based on re-building the immune system and repairing the adrenal glands with high dose nutrients, herbs, homeopathics, essential oils and stress management. Liver cleansing may be needed in order to ensure a complete recovery.

Some of the most effective natural treatments are nutrients like high dose vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and the B complex. Herbs like echinacea, oregano, olive leaf extract and astragalus are excellent adjuncts used to support the body in fighting the virus.

A healing diet needs to be based around an abundance of fresh vegetables, low carbohydrate fruits, quality protein, essential fats and plenty of pure water. Anti-inflammatory foods like fish oils, garlic, ginger and turmeric are useful in relieving symptoms like a sore throat and swollen glands. Antioxidant rich foods like green leafy vegetables, berries, carrots, beetroot and lemons are a useful addition to an immune-boosting diet.

Other natural therapies which are showing promise are homeopathy, essential oils, acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, oxygen therapy, graded exercise and stress management.

For detailed information on Epstein Barr Disease treatment, please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Are you stuck at home, trying to recover from a bout of Epstein Barr virus? If so, there is an abundance of Epstein Barr home remedies that can help relieve the painful symptoms of sore throat, swollen glands, debilitating fatigue, fever and body aches.

Most of these Epstein Barr home remedies you should be able to find in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet (or maybe you can borrow them from a neighbour!).

Epstein Barr home remedies from the kitchen

Sea salt.

A salt water gargle is a great way to relieve the pain of a sore throat. Just add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1/4 cup of warm water and gargle for a couple of minutes. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper will make it even more effective, as cayenne temporarily numbs the nerve receptors in the throat.

Garlic

Garlic is a well known anti-microbial often recommended as an effective Epstein Barr home remedy. I tell my patients to eat at least a clove of garlic a day – preferably raw or added to soups, teas or dressings.

Ginger

Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory that can soothe inflamed tissues like a painful sore throat, muscle aches and an enlarged liver, which are associated with Epstein Barr. Ginger is best used raw but can also be obtained in a powder, capsule or preserved form. I love adding raw ginger to my vegetable juices – it gives them a nice tang. Added to soups, teas and stir frys, it has a warming effect on the body.

Turmeric

Turmeric is lovely yellow spice with powerful anti-inflammatory actions. It is traditionally used in curries and stir frys but can be added to teas, soups and casseroles as well. Some of my patients mix a teaspoon of turmeric into a teaspoon of Manuka honey, and then sip it slowly to relieve a sore throat.

Lemons

My favorite of all the Epstein Barr home remedies would have to be lemon juice. Lemon juice is a very alkalising drink to help cleanse your liver and blood, and to bring relief from a sore throat. Simply squeeze half a lemon into a cup of warm or hot water and sip slowly. For added punch, add some grated ginger, garlic and cayenne pepper.

Coriander seeds

Coriander seeds are a renowned Eptein Barr home remedy for reducing a high fever which is common in the early stages of this illness. Crush 2 teaspoons of seed and soak in boiling water for 20 minutes before drinking.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup, chicken broth and chicken stock are famous Epstein Barr home remedies used to bring relief from congestion and discomfort. Scientifically chicken soup has been shown to be high in the amino acid cysteine which helps thin mucous and expel it from the body. So dig up grandmother’s old recipe, cook it up and enjoy!

Vitamin C

One of the most popular Epstein Barr home remedies is the use of vitamin C. Most homes will have a supply tucked away somewhere. Take at least 3-5 gram a day to strengthen your immunity.

Epstein Barr home remedies from the bathroom

Epsom salts

Epsom salts are naturally high in magnesium so are used to ease painful muscles and help relax the body before bedtime. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to a hot bath and enjoy a relaxing soak for at least 20 minutes.

Essential oils

Lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus oils can be used in a bath, vaporiser or in a steam inhalation to clear congested sinuses, throat and lungs and make breathing easier. You only need to add a few drops to hot water, then breathe deeply for a few minutes to get the best results.

Epstein Barr home remedies from the bedroom

A quiet nurturing room

One of the simplest, most effective Epstein Barr home remedies is a good night’s sleep. You should aim for at least 8-10 hours of deep, unbroken sleep. Make sure your room is dark, quiet and restful. If your room is noisy, then use ear plugs. If it is too bright or glarey, then put heavy drapes on the windows or use an eye mask. To establish a healing, nurturing sanctuary, you can add a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow, or add some fresh flowers to your room.

If you are having problems getting to sleep then some relaxing music, a good book or a meditation tape can be invaluable.

Some patients are woken from sleep by the pain of a sore throat or breathing difficulties from a congested nose. If this is the case, sleep with two pillows or elevate the head of your bed with a couple of books placed under the bed legs. A heat bag can be applied to your throat or chest area, and a lozenge sucked on to ease the sore throat.

These Epstein Barr home remedies are a simple and cost-effective way to help your recovery from this dreadful illness. If you would like more information on Epstein Barr home remedies and recipes then please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

When treating glandular fever, diet is vital to a good recovery.

In the initial acute stage of glandular fever it is best to eat lightly. Glandular fever symptoms like fever, sore throat, swollen glands, mucous production and malaise are common, and will often result in a poor appetite.

I recommend my patients initially do a liquid-only diet of vegetable juices, broths, soups, herb teas, lemon drinks and pure water for a few days. This provides the body with adequate nutrition whilst resting the gastrointestinal tract so energy can be diverted into healing the body.

Good diet choices for glandular fever include miso soup, chicken broth, potassium broth and herb teas like fenugreek, ginger, boneset and coltsfoot.

Freshly squeezed vegetable juices based around lots of green vegetables like celery, cucumber and spinach are very cleansing. You can add a small amount of carrot, parsnip or beet root to sweeten your juice, or add some ginger or garlic to give it a warming effect.

Garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, turmeric, chilli peppers, and onions should be consumed in your teas, broths and juices due to their powerful health benefits for the throat and respiratory system.

You will also need to eliminate your intake of all dairy products and grains, as they contribute to mucus in the body. In addition, avoid coffee, sugar, alcohol, soft drinks and artificial colors and flavorings.

For more information on the glandular fever diet plus some tasty recipes and juices to help heal your body please refer to my e-book. Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures.

It is uncertain how people will react when they are diagnosed with glandular fever. Some people get depressed whilst others remain positive, optimistic and hopeful. In fact some people find that glandular fever helps them grow as individuals, endowing them with more courage, patience, tolerance and empathy.

So what makes one person sink into despair whilst another with the same condition and symptoms adapts and remains positive and proactive?

Well a team of psychologists from the Netherlands set out to find out. These are the areas they found that make a difference when dealing with illness:

The first thing is expressing your emotions
It’s important to talk openly and acknowledge your condition, rather than pretend it doesn’t exist. People who communicate their feelings tend to need less treatment, report fewer symptoms and retain more independence and physical function.

The next thing to do is to take control
The more actively people manage their illness themselves, the better they do. Setting goals like what you’ll eat, how you’ll keep fit, how you’ll manage your stress, what supplements to take etc is far better than passively accepting whatever treatment is doled out to you ( you can get all these helpful strategies in my e-book Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures).

The next step is to think positively
Changing the way you think about your life can also help you adapt. Developing an improved appreciation of life – stopping to smell the roses can help keep your spirits up and help you cope.

Another key finding was the importance of keeping active
The researchers found that physical activity makes a big difference in lifting your mood and helping you cope.  In chronic cases of glandular fever it is important to tailor a gentle exercise program to your individual ability.

Finding laughter, joy and fun
Some of the simplest, but most powerful secrets that I have found lift your mood and help you cope with illness, is laughter, joy and fun. You need to find ways to bring them into your life.

When I was ill with glandular fever, my list included having a hot bath every night, getting an afternoon nap and making sure I had plenty of funny videos and good books to read.

There should be many things in your life that you truly love and enjoy. Please make sure you are doing them!

I hope this information gives you some insights into how you can cope with glandular fever. If you feel you need extra guidance, then have a look at my e-book which gives you some fantastic strategies and resources to help you cope.

The Epstein Barr virus is a known trigger for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Epstein Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever. It is a latent virus that, like the herpes virus, can recur when the body is run down or under stress.

In most people Epstein Barr is a short lived virus that lasts only a few weeks, and the body’s immune system keeps it under control longer term. However in some people the virus returns recurrently for weeks, months and years.

Chronic Epstein Barr symptoms typically include fatigue, aching muscles, sore throat and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. They are often bought on by stress, exercise or just doing too much.

So how do you know if your Epstein Barr virus has triggered Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The standard criteria for CFS is when you’ve had relapsing fatigue for 6 months or more, plus 4 or more of the following:

- recurrent sore throat
- swollen lymph glands
- muscle aches and pain
- headaches of a new type, frequency or severity
- waking up feeling unrefreshed
- poor short term memory or concentration
- post exercise malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

There are also other symptoms which CFS patients commonly report. These include dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation and changes in mood like depression and anxiety.

If you think you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, your first step is to get a thorough medical checkup to exclude other medical reasons like anemia, under active thyroid, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, auto immune disease and gastrointestinal disorders. You should also get some blood tests to check your liver function, immune cells, iron stores and inflammatory state.

If Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is diagnosed you will need the support of an understanding wholistic practitioner who can offer treatments and monitor your progress. There is no standard medical treatment for CFS. The best approach is to boost your immune system with the use of a healthy diet, supplements, herbs, graded exercise and stress reduction.

• My Mononucleosis (glandular fever) Cures e-book is a sensible place to start to build up your immune system and re-claim your life. It is applicable for those with Epstein Barr as well as for those who have progressed to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. You can learn more at www.EBVCures.com

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