My Epstein-Barr Natural Treatment & Healing Protocol

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ELIZABETH

I'm a Certified Health Coach, longtime blogger, and host of Elizabeth Eats on YouTube. In addition to writing recipes (I love to eat!), I'm a strong believer that life is too short to settle for anything less than living your best life.

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This is the third post in my Epstein-Barr (EBV) series. You’ll learn the treatments and daily lifestyle habits I use to help manage (and recover from) reactivated Epstein-Barr.

Liz Rider Epstein Barr Treatment

If you missed the first two posts in this series, you may want to read them first:

Here in this third post, I want to share what I do to suppress—and hopefully reduce—the Epstein-Barr Virus in my system.

Epstein-Barr Natural Treatment Protocol & Diet

At first, I was hesitant to share my protocol because every person is different. However, nothing here can harm you either way. If anything, these things will probably make you healthier overall anyway. As always though, check for possible contraindications before taking anything, and discuss your plan with your healthcare provider if you have a specific medical condition.

Remember that there is no one specific prescribed protocol for healing. I’m sharing what I do below in hopes that it helps you in some way.

The goal of these natural Epstein-Barr virus treatments:

  1. Suppress and try to eliminate the virus from your body.
  2. Create an environment in your body where the virus can’t thrive.

You’ll notice that everything on this list is a natural treatment. There are no known prescribed treatments for Epstein-Barr, so my main goal has been to work with my practitioners on natural antiviral treatments that we hope will suppress the virus.

Since EBV is a member of the herpes class of viruses, some practitioners use antiviral medication (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) off-label to try to suppress the virus. After speaking with both my naturopath and functional medicine doctor, both agreed that the possible side effects outweighed the possible treatment for this in my case, so we decided against it.

On one hand, I was willing to try anything to suppress the virus. On the other, I’m grateful they both decided against it because the side effects can create an entirely new set of issues.

Since modern medicine does not have any know treatments to fully treat EBV, the only way to know if this stuff works for you is to try it and see how you feel. We all wish there was a magic silver bullet or pill to fix us, but it doesn’t exist. However, there are things you can do to feel better and take steps to regain your energy and suppress the virus.

You can request the EBV test that indicates titer numbers (my 4th test seen here) to see if the numbers have gone down, but even then, there isn’t any scientific evidence that shows that just because the numbers are more or less that the virus is gone. I’ve come to rely less on the lab numbers more on how I feel in daily life.

You have to experiment and see how you feel over time.

You will regain your energy. I believe in you—you can do it!

Another quick note: I buy almost everything else on Amazon, but I never buy supplements on Amazon because many of them are (unfortunately) counterfeit. Containers are emptied, filled with lesser-quality products, then resealed and sold. Those plastic sealing machines are cheap and easy to find. So, if it can be emptied and refilled, I only buy from the manufacturer or a trusted source, like the doctor’s office or a verified distributor. Even if it says “sold by” the company on Amazon, it could still be a shady third party.

And finally, I’m still on Synthroid for my low-thyroid condition and work closely with my naturopath to monitor my thyroid levels and adjust when needed. I’d love to be off of it completely, but I still need it and I’m ok with that. It’s not on the list here because it’s not a treatment for EBV, but I wanted to mention that I take it as I’ve been talking about my low thyroid issues in this series.

With that, here is my natural Epstein-Barr Virus treatment protocol:

Blood Ozone Treatments

1. Major Autohemotherapy (aka blood ozone treatments)

This treatment has the longest write-up on this post because it’s by far the one treatment that has helped me feel the best.

Blood ozone treatments, called major autohemotherapy, are an immune-boosting therapy that’s performed in a medical setting. It’s extremely safe and effective. The cost will vary by location. I’ve seen it run anywhere between $120–$250/session, which is relatively inexpensive given the power of the treatment.

Remember, I’m not a doctor or scientist, so it’s best to do your own research and discuss this with your health practitioner. They will usually require a full exam or a referring doctor to schedule the treatment (more on that below).

During major autohemotherapy, a licensed practitioner (usually a registered nurse or doctor) uses a special medical-grade ozone machine to extract medical-grade ozone gas into a syringe or special bag. They then extract some of your blood and mix it with the ozone gas. Ozone cannot be directly injected into your bloodstream as it’s a volatile gas. However, when your blood mixes with it in a safe environment, it purifies the blood on contact and kills any viruses, bacteria, or fungi that are present.

It also hyper-oxygenates the blood because it turns free radicals into oxygen (science is fun!). In super layman’s terms, if we think back to science class, the chemical formula for the ozone molecule is O3 (three oxygen atoms), and the chemical formula for oxygen is O2 (two oxygen atoms). A free radical is an unpaired electron looking for a home. One of the three oxygen atoms in the ozone matches up with a free radical in your blood, and together they create O2 (more oxygen). This is actually a form of oxidation, which we’re generally told is only bad. However, not all oxidation is bad. Some oxidative stress can actually be healing for the body—exercise creates another form of this (and we all know exercise is good for us!).

After the blood is mixed with the ozone for a few minutes, it’s passed through a UV filter, then put back into your system. The UV filter is generally just an extra bonus add-on to kill any (potential) additional viruses or bacteria.

This hyper-oxygenated blood from major autohemotherapy has three benefits:

  1. The process of mixing your blood with ozone kills viruses in the mixed blood on contact, potentially decreasing the amount of the virus in your system.
  2. The process of major autohemotherapy creates naturally formed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a healthy amount in your blood (which—fun fact—H2O2 is already naturally present in your blood) and further purifies it.
  3. The treated blood almost acts as a natural vaccine of sorts to boost your immune system as it recirculates through your body. Scientists aren’t exactly sure how this works (and this is way above my blogger pay-grade ;)), but the fresh dose of this blood benefits your entire system as it recirculates, potentially killing more of the virus and giving tissues a fresh dose of oxygen.

The oxidation that occurs during major autohemotherapy is one of the reasons that treatments need to be spaced out, and high-doses of antioxidants (like a vitamin C IV drip) aren’t given on the same day because antioxidants combat oxidation. You still need your antioxidants, just not on the same day as major autohemotherapy. This is why it’s important that a practitioner who understands the treatment indicates the frequency of your treatment plan. I’ve had about 10 treatments over the last few years—some just a few days apart—and plan to continue with one treatment every few months for the foreseeable future.

You might be thinking, “Well, if this is so great, then why isn’t it more available?” Yeah. I feel the same way. It’s because major autohemotherapy is not indicated by the FDA in the U.S. to treat EBV, or anything for that matter, and it’s still an emerging in the U.S. It’s a very simple, effective technique that is safe when administered correctly and has been used in Europe and other parts of the world for decades. Since it doesn’t involve a drug, there is very little money in it, so it’s not approved as a medical treatment. Therefore, practitioners are very careful about how they talk about it and list it on their websites.

In the US, you will most likely only find ozone treatments at a naturopathic clinic or functional medicine clinic. These treatments have been used for decades in Europe and around the world, but since they’re not pharmaceutical, most conventional medicine practitioners won’t use them (for insurance reasons, and pharma lobbies), which is part of the backward way of our current healthcare system (another post for another time!). I lament this fact because again, a series of 4 to 6 treatments spaced a week apart every year or two has by far been the thing that’s helped me regain my energy the most.

I started having this treatment at Sanoviv Medical Institute a few years ago, and I’ve only found one place where I live in Seattle that does it. Even then, the description is not listed on their website. I currently go to the Holistique Naturopathic Clinic in Bellevue for ozone treatments.

What’s important to note about this treatment is that it’s nearly impossible to test the exact benefits of it. In my case, I feel amazing after each treatment. It’s hard to explain, but for me, it’s like feeling super clear, high in energy, and almost a little happy-tingly in the few days after I have it done. I told my doctor that and she was intrigued because it’s obviously doing something, but she’s not exactly sure what. Since there aren’t any negative side effects when it’s done correctly and we know it can kill the virus, she recommends that I continue occasional treatments of it.

On a side note, major autohemotherapy is also used in some cancer treatment protocols, as cancer cells cannot survive in oxygenated environments.

But back to Natural EBV treatments…

Natural Epstein-Barr Treatments Elizabeth Rider FB1

Natural Antivirals

2. Lauricidin

Lauricidin® is the brand name for monolaurin, a derivative of the lauric found in coconut oil. Scientifically, it’s pure sn-1 monolaurin (glycerol monolaurate), a natural, plant-based medium-chain fat derived from lauric acid.

Lauricidin is a natural antiviral and helps promote a healthy gut environment, too. I love this product because it not only can help clear any virus you may pick up, but naturally benefits your gut and we all need more of that.

I take one scoop in the morning and one in the evening. It is safe and effective for long-term use. Read the directions and information on their website before taking it. I am not affiliated with this company.

Generic monolaurin capsules are not the same as the original monolaurin. According to the Lauricidin website, “The usual 300 mg capsule contains in addition to 300 mg monolaurin, a base of inosine 7.5 mg and calcium-phosphate 106 mg with inert ingredients: dicalcium-phosphate, cellulose-powder and silicon-dioxide. Lauricidin, on the other hand, is the purest monolaurin commercially attainable and is without any fillers or allergens.”

If you’re wondering if you can just eat coconut oil instead of taking Lauricidin (and expect the same results), the answer is not really. Lauricidin is a high-potency extract derived from lauric acid, and the amount of coconut oil you would need to consume to get the same benefits would be unhealthy—and almost impossible to consume.

Again, I buy almost everything else on Amazon, but I never buy supplements on Amazon because many of them are (unfortunately) counterfeit. I buy this directly from my doctor, the Lauricidin website, or the Sanoviv Store (not an affiliate link, just sharing because I use it).

3. Echinacea & Lemon Balm Antiviral Tincture

Echinacea and lemon balm are both known natural antivirals that support the immune system. I prefer the liquid tincture forms, as I already take so many supplements—but also because the dose is usually higher in tincture form.

I found a USDA organic tincture that contains both echinacea & lemon balm at Whole Foods called Virus Attack, and I take two dropper fulls twice per day.

Always dilute echinacea tinctures in one to two ounces of water because they are so strong that they can burn your tongue (yikes!). Echinacea can make your tongue feel a little numb for a bit, but that’s normal. Dilute it with more water if it’s uncomfortable. Different areas and different stores will have a—you guessed it—different variety of products, so just work with the person in charge and do some research on the company to find a good one. Echinacea is over-the-counter, but as with everything, look up potential contraindications on WebMD or another trusted platform before taking it.

Food, Lifestyle & The Epstein-Barr Diet

The rest of the things on this list are what I consider important for your overall health. When healing from any chronic condition, your overall health is of the utmost importance. It’s important to create an environment in your body where your cells can heal. When I say “diet” here, I don’t mean going on a restrictive diet. Instead, I refer to diet as the way you eat. Focus on adding things in, not necessarily what you need to remove. Eat more fruits and vegetables! If you make the majority of your meals mostly fruits, veggies and other whole foods, you don’t need to worry too much about what you remove.

4. Fruits & Veggies

We all know that fruits and veggies are good for us. Eat more of them!

If you’ve heard that fruit has too much sugar, I think that’s bad health advice. The natural sugars in fruit come along with fiber, hydration, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can’t be found anywhere else. Fruit comes from the earth and is naturally very healing. Much of the nutrition community is also misguided here and recommends mass quantities of protein over fruit. But what they miss is that your body will turn excess protein into glucose, which can still spike your blood sugar. Don’t fear fruit. Five to six servings of veggies and two to three servings of whole fruit per day will do wonders for your health!

5. Limited Processed Foods

Processed foods require a lot of attention from your system to process—they over-task the energy in your body, and you need your energy to heal. Processed foods ruin your gut bacteria, bog down your liver, and don’t nourish your body. Consume as few processed foods as possible.

Check out my recipe archive for over 300 healthy recipes if you need some inspiration to cut back on highly processed foods, and grab your copy of The Health Habit if you don’t have it yet.

6. Supplements

Supplements are tricky because while they absolutely do not replace a healthy lifestyle or healthy eating habit, they can definitely fill in gaps and boost your nutrient intake.

Take extra care when choosing which brand of supplement to take. I know and love USANA and have been taking their supplements for years. Whatever you take, do your research and get to know the company. Many supplements are not standardized and are filled with rice powder (and maybe a little bit of something helpful). You get what you pay for, so only buy good ones so you’re not throwing your money away.

Along with the antivirals above, this is what I take:

Multivitamin: Start with a good multivitamin instead of taking a bunch of one-off doses of vitamin D, B vitamins, or C. If you’re going to take one thing, take a high-quality multi. You’ll get more bang for your buck, and it’s more balanced for your health. I take the Cellsentials by USANA every day (full disclosure, I’ve been an independent distributor for USANA for the last 10 years). But if I could only take one thing forever, this would be it.

Extra vitamin D: If necessary, take extra vitamin D. A simple blood test from your doctor will reveal your vitamin D levels, and this is one of the easiest deficiencies to fix with a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement. Functional medicine specialists will want your vitamin D levels to be between 50–100 nanograms/milliliter on your lab results. If it’s lower, take an extra vitamin D3 supplement. I take USANA’s 2000 IU vitamin D. I usually skip this from May to August since I’m outside more, but then I go back to taking one from September through April or so.

Probiotic: A healthy gut is necessary for a healthy immune system. I eat fermented foods as much as I can and also take a probiotic with breakfast every morning. Rotate your probiotic every month or so to mix up the kinds of good bacteria you plant in you gut. I take the USANA probiotic and one from The Garden of Life that I get at the natural foods store.

Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning your cells can adapt its use to your needs. The Medical Medium book mentions ashwagandha as beneficial for people with high levels of EBV, and my doctor recommended it to help prevent adrenal fatigue. I take it right before bed because it seems to make me sleepy (Zzzz :)). I take Adrenal Response by Innate. I believe you can also get this one at the Sanoviv Store (not an affiliate link, just sharing because I use it).

Others: I also take one BiOmega fish oil per day for omega-3’s, one CoEnzymeQ10 (AKA CoQ10) capsule per day for cellular energy and skin health, and a reishi mushroom immune supplement (2/day) called Proglucamue to regulate my immune system.

To order any or all of the USANA recommendations above, click here to create your own free account to get 10% off retail. You can edit your cart as needed and still get the same discount using my distributor link. Again, don’t order any brand of supplements on Amazon. Only get them from authorized distributors.

Self-Care

Check-in with yourself often, and stay mindful of creating a healthy internal and external environment for your body to thrive.

7. Better-Quality Sleep

One of the strangest things about not feeling well is the phenomenon of feeling fatigued and tired, but not being able to sleep (the worst, amirite?!).

My natural inclination is that of a night owl, but I can wholeheartedly feel the difference in my energy and mood when I make a conscious effort to fall asleep early. I have to diligently stick to my nighttime routine in order to fall asleep, which includes finishing dinner by 6 pm (7 pm at the absolute latest)—as eating too close to bedtime tends to keep you up—1 mg of melatonin at 8 pm (I take USANA Pure Rest), a hot Epsom salt bath (unless it’s hot out), dim lights, and reading for five minutes to chill out. I have to make a conscious effort to follow this, but it makes a huge difference in my quality of sleep and quality of health when I do.

Along with that, be gentle to yourself if you’re feeling tired and need a little more sleep. Schedule a day of self-care at home instead of saying yes to every single thing on your social agenda.

8. Gentle Exercise

Exercising when you feel fatigued a lot can be tricky. Movement is important not just for your physical health, but even more so for your mental health. Even if it’s just a 20-minute walk, I make sure to get something in at least five days per week. I used to get really down on myself if every workout wasn’t all-out intense, but I’ve learned that even some gentle yoga and stretching has massive benefits. Even if you feel fatigued, try to go for a walk at the time of day when you have the most energy (work WITH your body, not against it!).

Books

The potential for self-diagnosis via books is a tricky thing. On one hand, you have to advocate for your own health. You are the only one who lives in your body 24/7 and the only one who knows how you feel. Don’t allow “mystery symptoms” to be written off just because a test result or doctor doesn’t have an answer.

On the other hand, be mindful to not create a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you keep telling yourself that you’re sick and won’t ever heal, then guess what, you’ll stay sick and you won’t heal. Work with a practitioner to test and explore the root causes of your symptoms.

Read books and educate yourself, and stay open to healing. I spoke about my curiosity and initial hesitation towards The Medical Medium, but I find it a useful tool and recommend reading it. No person or book is the end-all-be-all, so take what you need from each book and don’t feel like you have to do every little thing they say.

My first book The Health Habit, will help you design a healthy lifestyle you love—without restrictive dieting. It’s filled with everything you need to know to lead a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Grab your copy here if you don’t have it yet!

Health Habit Elizabeth Rider

 

These four books have helped me:

  1. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
  2. The Medical Medium by Anthony William (again, not scientifically proven, but an interesting read about what the virus can do)
    If you have thyroid issues:
  3. Medical Medium Thyroid Healing by Anthony William
  4. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause by Izabella Wentz PharmD

How to Take Action:

1. Read the 1st and 2nd posts in this series for more information.

Post #1: Is It Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation?
Post #2: How to Get Tested for Reactivated Epstein-Barr (EBV)
NEW! Post #4: Update: Healing from Reactivated Epstein-Barr

2. If you feel they will help you, get any of the natural antivirals or supplements that I listed above. Also, read The Health Habit or the other books I mentioned above if you want to learn more about natural healing.

3. Find a naturopath or functional medicine specialist in your area for specific treatment options.

4. Share your story with us in the comments below to help other people who are dealing with this. Have you tried any of these treatments? What helps you the most?

5. Stay on my email list for future updates, real food recipes, and healthy living inspiration. I share weekly-ish recipes, tips, and notes with my VIP email community. You can grab your free starter recipe ebook and get the insider VIP updates by subscribing in the box at the bottom of this post. And finally, stay positive, and be kind to yourself. Healing is rarely linear. Life and health tend to come in cycles and seasons. Keep your thoughts positive and continue working towards feeling good.

 

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  1. Melissa Koch says:

    Thank you so much for tackling this topic! Your story reads exactly like mine and I was diagnosed in 2018 with Reactivated EBV and CMV. I went through absolute hell. I have not been the same. I am currently diagnosed with chronic EBV, on my 4th round of antibiotic for Strep A that won’t go away, and this past summer off 2023 I had a thyroid checkup with ultrasound that showed my thyroid has atrophied! What I would love to know is how its the strep connected to EBV and have you learned anything about stopping the loss of thyroid tissue or reversing it? My doctors only look at blood work (TSH, T3, T4,) and kept telling me my thyroid was fine years after a Hashimotos diagnosis. I hope you will write more on this subject to keep us from losing out thyroid function any further and why strep and EBV and thyroid are the whole package? If my doctor knew this perhaps I could have saved my thyroid! Also does ozone therapy make autoimmunity worse or better, have you determined that?
    Thank you. It is a LOT!!!

  2. Geof says:

    Hi Elizabeth – thanks for the tip on Blood Ozone Therapy. I’ve done 5 treatments over two weeks and although after the first two I felt like garbage, I have seen a marked increase in energy, stamina, and overall wellbeing. I will continue for another 5 and then take stock.

  3. RS-232 says:

    Holy moly, you are sooooo beautiful!

  4. Kyla says:

    Elizabeth,

    Thank you for your series on reactivation of EBV and other co-infections. I just tested positive for strep and my numbers for EBV IgG and IgM are high after 9 years. On top of this, I have been battling endometriosis for 2-3 years now, which can be classified as an autoimmune disease. I am blessed by your information, and God really does have a plan for everybody. If you didn’t go through it, I wouldn’t have found this information. I will be calling a naturopath. Thank you so much and I pray for your continuous health and healing.

  5. Tamara Salisbury says:

    I am trying to find the tincture you mentioned, Virus attack. I cannot findit. Couldi just mix equal partsof lemon balm and echinacea

  6. Kris says:

    Hi,
    Thanks for inspiration for fighting with EBV. I have started my ozone blood treatment and I hope it will help to calm my levels down. I had heavy mono 20 years ago. Recently I made EBV panel and found that all types of antibodies are positive in my results.
    Do you remeber or maybe you can ask your practitioner how much ozone you get in one treatment? In my clinic they say they use low dose approach, whatever it means.

  7. Julie Mulder says:

    Hi, thank you, was great to find people with the same issues. At the moment I feel that my brain wants to explode. Also had meningitis before. Did not connect the dots. Every day I’m trying to read and research more. A while back couldn’t. My eyes also worsened so much that I can’t read to much. Just know we are thankfull for the effort that these episodes cost you. Bless you

  8. Anjulie says:

    Everyone’s journey is different, but how long did it take for you to start feeling better? I’m waiting on my labs now to see if it’s reactivated. Been working on gut health and improved nutrition, got my hashimotos mostly under control…everyone said by now (6-9mo later) I should be feeling improved energy and I just don’t. Constant 4-6/10. EBV investigation was the next step, but I haven’t found anyone in any of my groups who have actually found a way to suppress it.

    • Austin says:

      When starting the blood ozone therapy, how many passes did you do per treatment? I had a consultation with a local practitioner that does a 10-pass treatment but that seems like a lot. I’m typically pretty sensitive to any type of new treatment whether it be medicine, supplement, or therapy. I want to ask for fewer passes (at least initially) but wondering what others are doing. Thanks!

  9. Cindy J Kuhn says:

    Hello,
    I am glad you have found a natural way to heal your Epstein-Barr. I too am on a healing journey, my Epstein-Barr has been activated for more than 20 years. I have tried so many things that did not work. One thing I did try and have found the best results is Ozone Therapy. It has totally given me back my energy.
    Glad to read your blog. Keep up the healing work on your journey.

  10. Amy says:

    Thank you for this content! I was recently diagnosed with EBV following a healthy dose of knock you on your butt COVID19. I just couldn’t recover fully and now I know why. This is very helpful, so thank you.

    • I’m glad it helped 🙂 Hang in there! Focus on self-care and be gentle with yourself. ~E

    • Diana says:

      Me too .. post COVID syndrome resulted into re-activated EBV and chronic Lyme disease- and a list of symptoms that are never ending… any stressors take me backwards… my career as a nurse is over, I started to isolate myself when feeling I was alone and finding myself trying to explain chronic inflammation or about post COVID syndrome.. not many are aware or understand.. I found myself repeating explanations of the same thing over and over to everyone on why I lack energy and just want to rest all the time because I’m in pain or just never feel good …I’ve been left with so many symptoms I find it hard to leave my home …I developed severe anxiety and being social just makes me feel worse but puts me in a panic mode…

      • Ayo says:

        Diana, I am also a nurse. I was feeling the same way. I have been using a protocol that includes L-lysine, and spironolactone. The l lysine has helped me with anxiety. Spironolactone might help prevent viral replication.

  11. Ashley says:

    Thank you for writing this series. It has helped ease my mind with a recent diagnosis. I have not felt right for years. I chalked it up to having two young children. After having new onset seizures while driving with my children, and receiving a diagnosis after four long months of testing, I decided to take my health into my own hands and seek natural doctors. Four years later, and I found a functional practitioner who is incredible. She suggested tested for EBV among other things and low and behold, my IgG was > 600 and IgM was 87.6. I’ve always dealt with sore throats and have strep my entire childhood and teenage years. I recently had my tonsils taken out at 36 because I couldn’t dealt with the recurrent strep. My extreme fatigue only got worse. I attributed the fatigue due to increased stress from a house fire but it turns out I have reactivated EBV. Your post has given me hope and tools to once again try to change the course of my health. Like you said in your series, it feels good to know that I wasn’t crazy all along. Something was wrong and I knew it. Persistence and resiliency will prevail. Thank you once again. You’ve had a bigger impact than you know.

  12. Wendy says:

    Hi, I have been dealing with lupus for many years and I stumbled upon medical medium. I am curious about ashwaghanda. I have been dealing with anxiety.. I also found recommendations to use holy basil tea. Are you familiar with holy basil?

    For store bought bread, what do you think of canyon bake house 7 grain?

    • Andrea says:

      Did you ask your doctors about Lemon Balm in thyroid problems? It decrease the levels of TSH that could be beneficial for hyperthyroiditis but not so good for hiporthyroiditis (I have subclinical hypotrhyroid). Also I’m curious because my Labs for EBV is suggesting past infection with IgM not enough high but IgG very high) and not viral load detected but I have all the symptons since contracting covid last year and I think is due reactivation of EBV and/or CMV (wich I have past infection in my Labs)

    • Andrea says:

      Did you ask your doctors about Lemon Balm in thyroid problems? It decrease the levels of TSH that could be beneficial for hyperthyroiditis but not so good for hiporthyroiditis (I have subclinical hypotrhyroid). Also I’m curious because my Labs for EBV is suggesting past infection with IgM not enough high but IgG very high) and not viral load detected but I have all the symptons since contracting covid last year and I think is due reactivation of EBV and/or CMV (wich I have past infection in my Labs)

  13. Tom Jackson says:

    I’ve never had mono that I’m aware of but I have had a lot of low to moderate fatigue issues. I felt worse last week and my doctor ordered blood tests. My EBV came back at 106! I’m assuming that indicates a chronic level, though I’ve also read you need to test high for 3 months to be diagnosed?

  14. Hi Elizabeth thankyou for your wonderful article. I have had chronic EBV and I believe I have mainly reduced it now to just my right abdomin. I think there maybe an ulcer or UC as a result of EBV. Do you know how best to treat this? Any advice would be welcome,
    Best wishes
    Gillian

  15. Elizabeth says:

    Lemon balm is specifically warned against for patients with hypothyroidism because it blocks your body from producing thyroid hormone. I am confused by this recommendation. I have hypothyroidism (diag. 2015) and was in ICU with EBV in 2002 when I was 18. I had a prolonged recovery including chronic fatigue syndrome and have had reactivations of EBV and years of reoccurrence of CFS. If there were a way to take lemon balm that did not interfere with my Synthroid/hypothyroidism, that would be nice. How long does lemon balm stay in one’s system during 24 hours? I’ve had trouble locating this information. If I could take it at night and know it was inactive by morning when I take my Synthroid, it would feel safer to try this.

  16. Crystal says:

    Medical Medium books have saved my life . I have MS, Hashimotos, fibroids , painful periods. and all the side effects that come from that. EBV is the main cause, article is nice. Diet is more important, also you environment -and your thoughts. What you create inside your head, after a break up , fight, loss, that too triggers more disease or side effects.

    • Paige Schultz says:

      Please look into David Brownstein and Lynn Farrow’s work on iodine. This is a huge factor in immune suppressing issues. Along with the pillars mentioned in this article, proper iodine intake will suppress EBV.

  17. Alison Carrigan says:

    Your blog gives me hope! I have been struggling with high EBV levels for 1 year and my thyroid doctor is at an end pass on what to do next. My levels are VERY high – EBVCA 79, EBV Early Antigen Ab 91 and EBV ab VCA over 600. I have also had hypothyroid since I was 20 years old. I had mono as a teen and several cases of strep. I am just so depressed from how sick I feel on a daily basis. I have been to an infectious disease doctor but they dismissed me as I don’t have an organ transplant or HIV. I am trying to figure out a way to afford this functional doctor in my area who treats EBV but he doesn’t take insurance and is VERY expensive.

    • Monica Branson says:

      I feel your pain. I finally broke down and paid for the viral load test from my naturopath and they charged me over $300 for it plus the $80 consult to discuss the results. I was shocked when she said in the blog that she was charged $40 for her test! My numbers were similar to yours. I am in constant intense pain, tingling, and tinnitus. I am an essential oil user and now that I know what is going on in my body, I am going to try some of them, using specific oils. My naturopath gave me the same recommendation for Lauricidin, a product called Viracid, and Liposomal vitamin C. She also recommended IV vit C treatments. I have to wait till tomorrow to get the info for how much that will cost to see if it is a viable option for me.

    • judith olson says:

      Please purchase and read LIVER RESCUE. I have EBV also and after juicing celery for 6 months and changing my diet, It’s taken over a year but I feel 85-90%better. You really don’t need a doctor at this stage if you will read the book and start the protocol. It works – I promise.

      • CJ says:

        Oh! Great to hear! I have had EBV for 3.5 years now. Chronic pain all over body (Fibromyalgia), super tight chest and difficulty in breathing. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Headaches. Did you also have these symptoms? I’ve just started on celery/diet reworking and following MM to heal. I feel empowered reading you feel better after 1 year. C’mon!! 🙂 I just need to read out there that it is POSSIBLE to recover. Been on mattress island after COVID 19 for years, and very glad to know my ‘Long Covid’ is actually EBV. Half the battle hearing what it is. Please let me know any other tidbits of info you feel could help me, that you think would be powerful in expediting healing. Thank you!

  18. Heather says:

    Has anyone used low dose naltrexone to help their EBV?

    • Jenny B says:

      Yes! Low dose naltrexone significantly improved my reactivated EPV symptoms. That and getting food sensitivity tests done so I knew what to avoid eating. My functional much I feel doctor said that eating food that I was sensitive to was putting additional burden on my immune system when I needed it to focus on addressing EPV.

    • Anjulie says:

      I’m on it for hashimotos (which it has helped), but I still have symptoms of low grade EBV (waiting on tests). I had the ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy done about 8 years ago, but that was the first step of many moving from near death to about 80% health. I was hoping it would last longer…who ever really knows what causes these things to reemerge.

    • CJ says:

      YES! Currently on it now, since last Oct. So 6 months. No obvious change to my all over Fibromyalgia (chronic all over body pain) or tightness in chest yet. But my health practitioner has suggested to stay on it longer term to really feel results. I’ve just started a diet change too. Good luck in your recovery! You can do it!!

  19. April says:

    Hi Elizabeth, very useful article! I had EBV when I was 19 and soon after was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis which I have struggled with every 3-5 years since. I’ve seen two holistic/functional practitioners who have indicated EBV (and borrelia) as critters that come out of hiding when my immune system is stressed. I recently had a flare and my functional doctor is using ozone therapy (I am living in Nairobi, Kenya). After the 3rd treatment the majority of my symptoms were gone, it was amazing and like you I felt amazing! I am interested to hear if you will be taking the coconut supplement for life, or if one can ever get rid of EBV for good?

  20. Shanta says:

    I lived in NC for 16 years and my life took a turn for the worst. You name it I have it. Like everyone searching for the natural fix. So I was diagnosed with crohn’s and graves / hyperthyroidism. What a nightmare but I believe in the power of healing. So I was on every wagon possible. Naturopathic, Ayruveda, Intregrative, Modern medicine. So, I figure it had something to do with the HSV1 but never really invested until I read about mycoplasma which led to Epstein Barr ( Elizabeth’s web page) now things are adding up. My heart go out to everyone struggling and it can be very overwhelming.
    So I started with elementals diet with low fomap broth ( all greens broth) I do lemon balm with
    motherwort tea about 5-7 cups per day. I did colostrum, detox massage(Ayruveda) drink hydrogenized water, lots of antioxidants (pomegranate) minimal diet. ( no grains, no milk, no process food) sounds like prison right? Yes that’s right . My quality of life was more important so I made the sacrifices. I use a special cooking technique. I soak my beans for 3 days and then I pressure it in a pressure cooker. I did this with the organic brown rice and also with the turkey burgers. Why, because pressuring kills most of the pesticides and lectin ( major Endocrine disrupters) in our food. I was 100lbs now 133lbs starting to gain my weight back. Just some bulge in eye but working on. I don’t drink coffee, I have protein in the morning and carbs for lunch carbs dinner ( carbs takes 7 hours to break down so when you wake up you already have fuel) I have no issues with energy or problem with sleep. I emphasized with all of the struggles but together we can help in small ways. My take away do your homework and as Elizabeth says we live in our body 24/7 so you know all too well the feeling.

  21. Jessie says:

    Hello, my name is Jessie Scott. I was diagnosed with Chronic fatigue due to EBV in 2011. I struggled with it for about 3 years, and eventually was able to regain full health (although I am not sure that my titers ever fell in to the inactive category). I have been healthy/asymptomatic for the past 9 years. I have just recently had a reactivation of symptoms which has been confirmed with a blood test. I am interested in talking with you because our stories sound similar and also because it sounds like you are from Seattle. I also live in Seattle and am hoping that you could recommend a dr in the seattle are that I could see. I looked up the practice that you mentioned in your blog, Advanced Medical Therapies, and they have permanantly closed due to the strains of COVID. Sad! I am 34 and have two beautiful and energetic girls that deserve a momma who can keep up with them. I am currently really struggling with major fatigue, sleep disturbances, and weakness. Anyway, I would really love to talk with you!

  22. Patti McMillian says:

    I tried many does of ozone therapy while in the worst of my EBV reactivation which actually, for me, made things worse. My co-infections flared and I cannot say that the treatments did anything for the EBV except for making me next to bankrupt. No kind of care is “One size fits all” and I wish I’d realized sooner that the ozone was BAD for me. Just an fyi for those of you who may try it. Make sure that things get better before you invest too much time and money.

  23. Grace Keller says:

    This was extremely helpful, I contracted mono when I was 2 and was violently ill for weeks. In my case, my doctors have monitored my EBV levels frequently and every time I get low, the titers were up, and diagnosed me with chronic fatigue syndrome. All of your said suggestions have worked for me, especially structured sleep, a good diet, and constant exercise, not strenuous but enough to keep my energy up. It’s been 22 years now, and I’m back in my bed all day, this post gave me the motivation I needed to get back on the horse and get this under control. Thank you.

  24. Joanne Walden says:

    Thank you for sharing your story and protocol that has worked for your EBV. Can you tell me how much echinacea and lemon balm supplements you are taking? Thanks.

  25. Mary says:

    Oh man! I would love an update on how your feeling and what your test looks like now. I think I need to get tested. My EBV test was high but I may do the more sensitive test. Thanks!

  26. SSB says:

    Have your numbers gone down with these treatments? Also I’m wondering why you haven’t added L-lysine to your supplements?

    Thank you for this informative post. I have a child who is suffering from EBV for years now and I’m researching to try and help her.

  27. Nicole s says:

    Hi Elizabeth,

    Thank you for this blog series! I had mono (HARD) in 6th grade and adrenal fatigue in 2006 and just recently got diagnosed Hyperthyroid:( The hyperthyroid came as somewhat of a shock to me as I consider myself a super healthy person and even have spent most of my career in the realm of holistic health (former health coach and juice company owner). I read the Medical Mediums thyroid book two months ago, did the cleanse for a month and have been adhering to the food reccos and the supplementation religiously. My thyroid numbers have not yet shifted:( I have chosen to get on medication to help normalize my tsh as I want to get pregnant and I have been advised not to do until my tsh is normalized. I’m going to stick to all of my current current protocols and hope to week off the meds at some point.

    Wondering if you were ever able to ween off your meds?

    • Tammy says:

      Hello. You mentioned only TSH. From my experience with NDs and functional doctors, the whole panel needs to be tested. Especially want T3 and free T3 to be in range. My TSH is always very low, but my other numbers are just right. Traditional doctors only looking at TSH cannot provide the correct diagnosis or monitoring. Blessings.

    • Liza says:

      Have you try metmorfin or apple cider vinegar?? And L lysine?? Just do your search about those I ingredients and see if they can help..

  28. Melissa says:

    Thank you for this information. For years, I’ve been able to manage my (what I call) “mono thing” with oregano essential oil on my feel and liver. This last time though has been hard. I am 38 and have found myself literally in bed for about 5 weeks now. I have had a fever for the first time (for 3 weeks), and it has been a struggle. Just when I think I’m better (and I unload the dishwasher or decide to cook dinner for my family), I end up in bed the next day feeling as if the virus has overtaken my body again. I have no spleen, and I also have a form of hereditary hemolytic anemia. I have never been to the doctor for this issue, long term, I just go in when it’s out of control, get a blood test, and he confirms. But I suspect I have an outbreak twice per year. I hope that this doesn’t get worse as I age. Even with an Ayurvedic/yogic lifestyle, I am struggling. I hope to use the Virattack and Lauricidin. I already use a number of products from Banyan Botanicals.

  29. Maria Sue says:

    My Mother was diagnosed with ALS in 2018 following a year of doctor visits and tests aimed at finding a cure for her slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and weakening limbs. By the time she was diagnosed, she had developed pneumonia and was put on a respirator. A family friend visits us and told us about Kabuma Herbal center and their successful ALS TREATMENT, I am happy to report the treatment effectively treated and reversed her Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), most of the symptoms stopped, she is able to walk and able to ride her treadmill again, she is pretty active now and can do everything again. if you need the help of the doctor you can write him on this website: www . kabumaherbalcenter .com

  30. Amy r says:

    Hello,
    Could you please make some suggestions on supplements/dietary changes for my 6 year old daughter? She has been battling cysts on her face (under her eyes and now on her cheek) the Chalazion cysts required surgery last year because of their severity (Despite a myriad of natural treatments). We recently spoke with a medical intuitive and she strongly recommended starting her on a Epstein Barr natural treatment protocol. She said the cysts were viral in nature and starting such a protocol could help her from developing more cysts (ultimately because it would help the virus go dormant again) and help prevent autoimmune issues in the future. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! My daughter is only 6 and we dearly want to support her health and happiness!

  31. Theresa Kaul says:

    Theresa says:
    September 28, 2020 at 6:47 pm
    Hi
    Could you please tell me how often you had to do ozone i.v. initially? I am told once a week, & I can barely afford it. But Ive started. What if I can only do it 3x a month? Do my illnesses, like ebv grow back the week I have to skip?
    Also Im starting with 2 passes, then going to 4 passes & up ea. week…once I reach 5 passes they charge me more money.

    Reply

  32. Thank You for your blog. I was diagnosed with EBV in 2018. Once I saw my levels 500/600 IgG 13.5 & learned what exactly EBV was as I had never heard of it. I knew I have had it for 30yrs. with my first reaction after my first child was born. With 4 more pregnancy’s I always felt great while pregnant & terrible when not. So for yrs. trying to find out “why do I feel like I keep getting hit by a truck head on” Dr.s looked @ me strangely. Glad I finally have my
    answer. My gut is a mess with having EBV for so long. Prior to EBV diagnosis I found out I was GF/DF/EF
    so that helped with very healthy/clean eating now for
    7yrs. I have been on a SIBO diet. I start my day with celery juice& ginger. I’m taking Monolaurin Complex(has Olive leaf in it) have taken the pellets before) T-Cell Balance Px (with cordyceps mushrooms & rosmary) this
    products has really given me alot of energy! Theracurmin
    , CoQ10, Vit. B12complex. Nightly I take Alka Calm to calm me to sleep. I use “warm sock therapy” as I have nerve problems when I go to bed. Just in the past month tested again and my #’s very high still IgG 15.5!! I am frustrated, but encouraged with the recommendions here for Vit.C therapy and ozone therapy Thank You. Not sure if there is anyone in the Vancouver WA or Portland OR area that does those but I will start looking. Praying mostly for healing as I know God cares!

    I take Monolaurin Complex with Olive Leaf (have taken the pellets before). T-Cell Balance PX (has cordyceps mush

    • Theresa says:

      Hi
      Could you please tell me how often you had to do ozone i.v. initially? I am told once a week, & I can barely afford it. But Ive started. What if I can only do it 3x a month? Do my illnesses, like ebv grow back the week I have to skip?
      Also Im starting with 2 passes, then going to 4 passes & up ea. week…once I reach 5 passes they charge me more money.

      • Michelle says:

        Your practitioner should advise a protocol. The typical one goes something like 2x/week for three weeks then tapered down from there to biweekly, bimonthly, and so on. The goal is to intensely fight it initially then move into management where you go only when you feel your numbers are up.

  33. maggie says:

    As soon as I read “Medical Medium”, I was done reading.
    Such a shame.

  34. Theresa says:

    Hello,
    Did you or anyond you know get arm/shoulder, knee, elbow swelling and joint pain from high level of active epstein barr? I have this, it is painful.
    I am taking herbal drops, vitamen C i.v. once week, supplements lemon balm tea etc.
    Theresa

  35. Laurie says:

    Thank you so much for this!!! I first found your article in February and have taken extensive notes. I read the books and started AIP with a lot of tips from the Thyroid Healing Book and Celery Juicing book. I did my first ozone sauna therapy and the place is adding in the blood one you did in a couple months! I can’t wait! I am taking a LOAD of supplements in addition to infrared saunas, salt rooms, ozone therapies etc. I know we are all different but I want to full believe that I can reverse this damage. My hashimotos antibodies are in the 500’s. After 8 years, I am ready to really take back my life. I know you mentioned you are on a low thyroid med dose and I may have to do that too but do you feel you can/have healed and finally killed of EBV? My thyroid med is at 90mg and I still have a lot of symptoms, probably because my thyroid is fine, its the hashis causing all of this and EBV inflammation. Anyways, I am super committed and hopeful that I can live a normal life one day and at some point get to enjoy other foods without risking my health. Thanks so much for all the great tips!

  36. SARA says:

    Thank you so muchfor this article! I just went to the doctor yesterday and was given the results of my lab work about thr Epstein Barr Virus with my level being at 600.00! I was diagnosed with low thyroid levels in 2016, I started having issues with my lymphatic system in 2010 and just feeling so fatigued all the time. My doctor said that my body just keeps reactivating the virus and didnt tell much else other than the virus had to run its course when I get sick.. I started looking further into this and found yiur article and now I have more information, Thank you so much!

  37. KRIS COLBURN says:

    Hello Elizabeth; Would You please tell me the name of the clinic in Seattle that offers blood oxygen treatments? I live near Seattle, and am currently seeing a naturalpath doctor in Lacey. I would like to present this information to her.
    I sought her out after all of my symptoms were being ignored at the VA. She sent me for lab testing and my reverse T3 was through the roof! I’ve since started on cytomel (therapeutic dose is yet to be reached, I’m at 25 micrograms per day currently). Last week she sent me for virus testing, and all of the Epstein-Barr levels are through the roof! Also herpes virus #6. I am in the process of gathering the supplements she’s prescribed, including some of the ones you’ve mentioned. Having trouble because of COVID-19 shortages.

  38. Taryn Pearce says:

    Have you ever tried the ketogenic diet?

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