Immune System

Chronic Viral & Epstein-Barr (EBV) Reactivation

Suppress reactivated Epstein-Barr, CMV, HHV-6, and other latent herpesviruses behind chronic fatigue, brain fog, swollen glands, and long-COVID-style symptoms with antiviral herbs and immune nutrients.

Prevention

Key nutrients: Vitamin D, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, lysine, monolaurin, NAC, glutathione, B12, magnesium.

Eat regularly: Wild salmon, sardines, eggs, leafy greens, garlic, onion, mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, reishi), berries, citrus, Brazil nuts (selenium), bone broth.

Sleep, stress reduction, and gentle pacing are non-negotiable — viruses reactivate when cortisol is chronically high or when sleep is poor. Avoid arginine-heavy foods (chocolate, peanuts, gelatin in excess) during flares.

Monolaurin

OtherModerate evidence

1500–3000 mg/day (start low and titrate) — coconut-derived antiviral that disrupts lipid envelopes of EBV, CMV, herpes, and other enveloped viruses.

L-lysine

OtherStrong evidence

1000 mg 2–3×/day during flares, 1000 mg/day for maintenance — competes with arginine and suppresses herpesvirus replication.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

HerbModerate evidence

Tea (1 tbsp dried herb in 1 cup hot water) 2–3×/day or 300–600 mg extract — antiviral against herpes-family viruses and calming to the nervous system.

Licorice root (DGL or whole)

HerbStrong evidence

Whole licorice root tea or 500 mg extract 1–2×/day — glycyrrhizin has direct antiviral activity against EBV and supports adrenal function. Limit to 6 weeks at a time.

⚠ Cautions: Whole licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium — avoid in hypertension, pregnancy, or kidney disease; use DGL form if a concern.

Selenium

MineralStrong evidence

200 mcg/day (or 2–3 Brazil nuts) — critical antioxidant cofactor; selenium status correlates strongly with antiviral immunity.

Zinc

MineralStrong evidence

20–30 mg/day with food — supports T-cell function and viral suppression.

Vitamin D3 + K2

VitaminStrong evidence

5000 IU D3 + 100 mcg K2/day to a serum 25(OH)D of 60–80 ng/mL — low vitamin D strongly correlates with EBV reactivation.

Reishi mushroom

OtherModerate evidence

1–3 g dual-extract daily — immune-modulating adaptogen with antiviral activity and benefit for fatigue and sleep.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine)

OtherStrong evidence

600 mg 2×/day — replenishes glutathione, the body's master antiviral antioxidant.

A note of caution. Natural doesn't mean risk-free. Herbs and supplements can interact with medications, affect pregnancy, or worsen certain conditions. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you take prescriptions.