Glandular fever (Jeerna Jwara / Granthi Jwara)

Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).

Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis or "mono," is a viral infection primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It most commonly affects teenagers and young adults and is frequently referred to as the "kissing disease" because it spreads through saliva. While it can cause debilitating fatigue and severe throat pain, the condition usually resolves on its own without specific medical treatment.

Common symptoms

High temperature (fever)
Severely sore throat
Swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits, or groin
Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
Headache and muscle aches
Swollen tonsils with white patches
Skin rash
Pain or tenderness in the upper left abdomen (swollen spleen)
Puffy or swollen eyes
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in rare cases

Possible causes

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Spread through saliva via kissing
Sharing drinks, food, or utensils
Exposure to airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes

Medical treatment

Getting plenty of rest and sleep
Staying well-hydrated with fluids
Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Gargling with warm salt water to soothe the throat
Avoiding contact sports or heavy lifting for at least one month to prevent spleen rupture
Avoiding alcohol while the liver may be weakened by the infection

Ayurvedic perspective

Glandular fever is understood as a form of 'Jeerna Jwara' (chronic or lingering fever) and 'Abhishanga Jwara' (exogenous fever caused by external pathogens). It involves the accumulation of 'Ama' (toxins) and 'Kapha' (lymphatic congestion) in the 'Rasa' and 'Rakta' Dhatus (plasma and blood). This leads to the swelling of 'Granthis' (lymph nodes) and an imbalance in 'Pitta', causing inflammation and high temperature. As the disease progresses, 'Vata' becomes vitiated, resulting in the characteristic deep fatigue and exhaustion.

Ayurvedic dietary guidelines

Consume warm, light, and easy-to-digest foods like Mung Dal Khichdi and soups
Include carminative spices such as Cumin, Ginger, and Coriander to kindle Agni
Avoid cold, raw, heavy, and oily foods that increase Ama
Eliminate refined sugar and processed foods to reduce systemic inflammation
Hydrate with warm water or herbal teas throughout the day

Ayurvedic medicinal herbs

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - For immunity and fever reduction — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) - Antiviral and respiratory support — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) - To detoxify the liver and lymph — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Pippali (Piper longum) - To clear Kapha and respiratory congestion — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - To manage post-viral fatigue — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) - To alleviate 'brain fog' and cognitive drain — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb

Classical Ayurvedic formulations

Turmeric Urine — Classical Ayurvedic formulation
Honey — Classical Ayurvedic formulation

Traditional home remedies

Turmeric and Honey Paste
Ginger-Lemon-Honey Tea
Warm Saltwater Gargle

Yoga asanas

Legs-Up-The-Wall (Viparita Karani)
Supported Child's Pose (Salamba Balasana)
Cat-Cow (Bitilasana Marjaryasana)

Dosha imbalance

Kapha (Lymphatic congestion and swelling)
Pitta (Inflammation and high fever)
Vata (Post-viral fatigue and neurological symptoms)

Lifestyle tips

Prioritize complete physical and mental rest during the acute phase
Practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama to balance energy and reduce stress
Ensure early bedtimes to support the body's natural rejuvenation cycles
Avoid strenuous exercise until energy levels are fully restored to prevent Vata aggravation

Classical & Scientific References

Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana & Chikitsa Sthana) — Classical Ayurvedic internal medicine compendium.
Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana & Uttara Tantra) — Surgical and foundational therapeutic treatise.
Ashtanga Hridaya (Vagbhata) — Core clinical principles and therapeutic pharmacology.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) & Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Ministry of AYUSH.