Infectious mononucleosis, also called glandular fever and mononucleosis, is a common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The designation ‘Mononucleosis’ refers to an increase in white blood cells called lymphocytes. This disease is usually transmitted by person-to-person contact. Saliva is the main means of transmission of this disease; hence, it is also known as ‘kissing disease’. Symptoms include fever, chills, malaise, and sore throat, with swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Some people also have a whitish coating on their tonsils. Rarely, the liver and spleen are enlarged; and some affected people may also develop a rash on the body.
Ayurvedic treatment of this condition aims to treat symptoms, control EBV virulence, and prevent complications. Triphala-Guggulu and Tribhuvan-Kirti-Ras are used to control discomfort. Arogya-Vardhini, Sitopaladi-Churna, Mahasudarshan-Churna and Sookshma-Triphala are used to control throat infection. Kamdudha-Ras, Godanti-Bhasma, Sutshekhar-Ras and Chandrakala-Ras are used to control fever. Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Pippali (Piper longum), are used along with the above-mentioned medications, to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and also control viral infection. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), and Kanchnaar-Guggulu are used to reduce swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Complications, though very rare, include inflammation of the liver, spleen, heart, and brain, and destruction of red blood cells. Arogya-Vardhini, Sutshekhar-Ras, Shankh-Vati, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Rohitakarishta, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) and Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) are used to treat inflammation of the liver and spleen.
Shrung-Bhasma, Abhrak-Bhasma, Mahavat-Vidhwans-Ras, Suvarna-Bhasma, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki, Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha are used to treat the other complications.
Infectious mononucleosis is usually a self-limited illness, although it is sometimes prolonged and often uncomfortable. The potential complications make it essential that people with this disease are under the care of a doctor.