Reviewed by Dr Angelica L Dumapit and Physician Brandon Yew on December 16, 2022

Best TCM Remedies To Help With Mononucleosis Symptoms

Published April 12, 2023| 7 min read

Dubbed the "kissing disease," mononucleosis symptoms occur after coming into contact with an infected person's saliva. These treatments can soothe symptoms and help you heal fast.

Mononucleosis symptoms often pop up after coming into contact with an infected person’s saliva. Also known as the kissing disease, the condition is known for causing extreme fatigue, fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It’s common among children, teenagers, and young adults.

Luckily, symptoms respond well to treatment, especially when Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is included in the plan. Learn more about what causes mononucleosis symptoms and how to manage them naturally here.

What Is Mononucleosis?

A young boy with a rash on his back — Mononucleosis symptoms may include a rash, especially in small children.

The term “mononucleosis” was first used in the 1920s when infected individuals showed an increase in an atypical type of white blood cell described as “mononuclear.”

About 95% of the world’s population would have carried the virus at some point by the time they reach adulthood, although infectious mononucleosis that presents with symptoms peaks primarily among 15 to 24-year-olds.

In TCM, infectious mononucleosis is considered a disease of pathogenic Dampness, Phlegm, and blood clots brought on by external pathogenic Wind and Fire. “If the infection is prolonged, damage to qi (vital life energy) and yin (cooling energy and body fluids) will ensue, resulting in their deficiencies.”

Senior TCM Physician Brandon Yew.

What Causes Mononucleosis Symptoms?

Approximately 90% of mononucleosis cases are caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus, with the remaining cases attributed to the Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Adenovirus, Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Rubella virus, as well as the Toxoplasma parasite.

The illness is spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as sneezing, coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks, food, and utensils. Occasionally, an infection may also occur due to sexual contact. Less common modes of transmission include organ transplants and blood transfusions.

How severe are mononucleosis symptoms?

Incubation could take four to six weeks after being exposed to the virus. A symptomatic patient gradually presents with fever, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, and extreme fatigue lasting several weeks. Other symptoms may include body aches and weakness, rashes, headaches, loss of appetite, and enlarged Spleen or Liver.

However, severe mononucleosis symptoms can interfere with everyday life, especially for teenagers in secondary school or young adults recently entering the workforce. In some cases, the fatigue could linger for several months. Also, remember that asymptomatic individuals can still infect others, and immune-compromised individuals may develop serious complications from the infection.

Treatment Options For Mononucleosis Symptoms

Your healthcare professional will be able to diagnose infectious mononucleosis from your symptoms. A blood test can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on symptom management of symptoms as follows:

Avoid physical exertion: Mononucleosis can make you very fatigued, so physical exertion could over-tax your body. Moreover, one of the symptoms is an enlarged Spleen, which can rupture and cause serious complications if you over-exert yourself physically. Athletes are advised to contact their medical physician before they return to sports.
Keep hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, which can further compromise your condition.

Reduce fever and pain: Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to keep fever symptoms and body aches manageable.
Get quality rest: Mononucleosis is a very draining infection. Make sure to get good rest and sleep to enable your body to fight the infection.
Soothe your sore throat: A severe sore throat can be very painful. Gargle warm water mixed with salt and suck on throat lozenges.

TCM Ways To Manage Mononucleosis Symptoms

A woman holding her swollen lymph nodes in pain — Along with a rash, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of mononucelosis.

“TCM helps your body fight the infection through herbal medication, acupuncture, cupping, guasha (scraping), and blood-letting. All are formulated carefully by a TCM physician to address a patient’s unique body constitution, hence, it’s best to consult a TCM physician for a proper assessment,” advises Physician Yew.

Herbal remedies

TCM herbal decoctions have been used for centuries to treat viral infections. A 2014 study of 81 children showed those treated with TCM decoctions had a shorter duration of symptoms than the control group, which received the conventional antiviral Ganciclovir and immunostimulant Pidotimod.

A recent 2021 study published in the Pharmaceutical Biology journal showed, through animal models, that the Si Miao Qing Wen Bai Du decoction inhibits replication of the Epstein-Barr virus.

Physician Yew shares a list of herbal remedies your TCM healthcare practitioner may choose.

For treating symptoms of the infection:

Yin Qiao San: Dispels Wind and Fire
Bai Hu Tang: Dispels Fire
Qing Ying Tang: Dispels Fire and dissipates blood clots, nourishes yin
Er Chen Tang: Dispels Dampness and Phlegm

Xiao Luo Wan: Dissipates Phlegm, clears Fire, and replenishes yin
Yin Chen Hao Tang: Purges Fire and dispels Dampness

For restoring health after infection:

Sheng Mai San: Replenishes qi and yin

Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang: Dispels residual Fire and blood clots, replenishes yin
Qing Gu San: Dispels residual Fire and replenishes yin
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang: Dispels residual Fire and Dampness, replenishes yin
Gan Lu Yin: Dispels residual Fire and Dampness, replenishes yin

According to one study, Cordyceps contains an anti-viral compound that suppresses the Epstein-Barr Virus, which is one of the primary causes of mononucleosis. You can also take edible bird’s nest to boost immunity and protect against viral infections.

Acupressure

Physician Yew also shares you can perform acupressure on yourself by massaging the following acupoints using fingers or a blunt object like a massage stick.

Apply an appropriate amount of pressure to elicit a tolerable sensation of soreness or tenderness. At the same time, massage in both the clockwise and anticlockwise directions using a circular motion, 20 times each way. Repeat for at least three minutes per acupoint.

For restoring health after infection:

On the lateral side of the mid-arm crease, at midpoint between biceps and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

You can find this on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger bones.

In the depression behind the thenar eminence of the thumb, about the midpoint of the palmar side of the thumb, on the junction of the red and white skin

On the palmar aspect of the forearm, 3-fingers breadth above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of m. palmaris longus and m. flexor carpi radialis.

Located about a hand width below the bellow button.

On the anterior median line of the lower abdomen, 1.5 finger width below the umbilicus

When the knee is flexed, on the medial aspect of the thigh, the point is 3-fingers-breadth above the mediosuperior border of the patella, on the bulge of the medial portion of quadriceps femoris muscle.

Near the medial aspect of the lower leg, in the depression of the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia.

On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 4 fingers-breadth below the outer depression of the knee joint, one finger-breadth (middle finger) from the anterior crest of the tibia.

On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 8 fingers breadth below the outer depression of the knee joint, two fingers-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.

On the inner lower leg, 4-fingers-breadth above the tip of the inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone.

Taichong (LR3): located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression of the first metatarsal space.

Qu Chi (LI11)
He Gu (LI4)

Yu Ji (LU10)
Nei Guan (PC6)
Guan Yuan (RN4)
Qi Hai (RN6)
Xue Hai (SP10)
Yin Ling Quan (SP9)
Zu San Li (ST36)
Feng Long (ST40)
San Yin Jiao (SP6)
Tai Chong (LR3)

Speak To A TCM Physician About Mono

Physician Yew strongly advises against self-diagnosis and self-medicating with TCM regimens without consulting a certified TCM professional first. A qualified TCM physician will assess your unique body constitution and current medical state before advising you.

If symptoms worsen or become severe, speak to your doctor immediately. Fortunately, most cases of infectious mononucleosis reach recovery on their own using proper symptom management, rest, and immunity building.

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Reviews (1)

AnnApr 22 2023

New information to me about Cordyceps. I used with Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang: Astragalus membranaceus (root) 83.33% Angelica sinensis (root) 16.67% I now understand why it worked so well because the Cordyceps is anti viral, and I had been experiencing shortness of breath. Now all is resolved. Cordyceps very powerful. The combination suggested by Dr Kimble Chatfeild in his book Astragalus: Ancient Herb for Modern Times.