Garlic is famous for its anti microbial properties. It is especially effective for mononucleosis treatment (also known as Epstein Barr virus or glandular fever).
Garlic was used by the ancient Egyptians to treat infections and wounds, by the Greeks and Romans for tumours, wounds and infection, and by the Chinese for fatigue, infections and tumours. In both World Wars it was used in wounds to stop infection, where no other antiseptics were available. It saved thousands of lives helping troops recover from typhus and dysentery and preventing gangrene.
Research shows that garlic oil contains a sulphur compound called allicin which has strong anti microbial properties – perfect for mononucleosis treatment. It can slow the growth or kill more than 60 species of fungi, more than 20 species of bacteria, and many viruses.
When garlic is consumed as a food, a sulphur-type odour can be smelt on the breath or skin as the garlic metabolites are excreted. The recommended dosage is 1-3 cloves a day – preferably raw. Those with a sensitive stomach may need to cook the garlic slightly or use the enteric coated capsules. The odourless garlic capsules may not be as effective as the active compounds may be lessened. If you are worried about the garlic smell on your breath you can chew on a sprig of parsley to take the smell away.
The other option I recommend during mononucleosis treatment, which makes ingestion of garlic a bit easier is to make up ¼ cup each of apple cider vinegar, honey and soy sauce. Pour into a screw top jar and fill to the top with as many peeled garlic cloves as can fit. Alternatively fill a screw top jar with peeled garlic cloves and cover with olive oil. You can take 1 teaspoon of these mixtures every 1 – 4 hours during mononucleosis treatment. These liquids can also be used as dressings on salads or vegetables in everyday cooking. They will last in the fridge for a few weeks after making.
For babies or young children who can’t tolerate garlic or take tablets, a garlic poultice (or compress), can be effective for mononucleosis treatment. Simply crush a clove of garlic, wrap it in gauze and tape it to the soles of the feet. It is a good idea to oil the soles of the feet with some olive oil first, because direct contact with the garlic may irritate the skin. The garlic oil will be absorbed into the blood stream and help fight the infection.
When my boys were younger, I would apply garlic compresses to the soles of their feet at bedtime. By morning, they might have had a slight garlic odour, but the infection had always improved.
Garlic is generally very safe but in some people can cause heartburn or gas when ingested. Because it has a blood-thinning effect it should be used with caution for those on anticoagulant medication or those undergoing surgery.
Garlic for mononucleosis treatment is a safe, cost effective option for those struggling with this nasty virus. For further information on natural mononucleosis treatment please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.