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Effective Home Remedies for Treatment of Mumps

SHAFAQNA- Mumps is viral disease that is caused due to the mumps virus. It can infect many parts of the body and is usually spread through the saliva. Mumps targets the parotid salivary gland in the body that is found at the back of the cheeks and its function is to produce saliva. The parotid gland is located between the jaw and the ear and during an attack of the mumps; these glands will swell up and will be painful. It was a disease that was very common in children, but after the mumps vaccine was discovered, the number of children who suffer from mumps has declined substantially. However even today mumps are found in children that are between the age of 5-14 and the number of children getting infected is on the rise again. Even adults can suffer from it.

Causes of Mumps

Mumps is caused due to a virus called paramyxovirus and is usually transmitted through the saliva. It is a very contagious disease and can spread from a person who is infected to others through tiny droplets of saliva that other people may come into contact with while sneezing, coughing, talking, if food, drinks or cutlery that is used by the infected person is shared. Mumps is contagious for about 15 days and can be transmitted about a week before the glands swell and for about 9 days after that.

Symptoms of Mumps

The first symptoms of mumps are generally fever, headache, fatigue and the loss of appetite. There may be some ear pain that one might experience and about a day after the onset of fever, the parotid gland will start to swell and will cause pain. The pain will be there while chewing and swallowing or while yawning. The appearance of the swelling in the parotid gland that we associate with mumps usually occurs only after 1 to 3 days. The swelling can extend downwards or to the jaw and will last for about a week. Fever can subside in about 3 days, but in some cases will persist till the swelling subsides.

Mumps is one of those infectious diseases that runs its course and resolves naturally. While few antibiotic medications are available to treat mumps, you can try some natural home remedies to promote faster recovery and prevent complications. Here are some effective home remedies for mumps.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another very effective home remedy for mumps. The antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera do wonders to reduce inflammation and pain.

1. Peel off a piece of an aloe vera leaf and extract its gel. Mix a little turmeric with the gel and then rub it over the swollen area of the throat. Leave it on for half an hour and then clean the area with a warm washcloth. Follow this simple remedy two or three times daily for at least a week.

2. Also, drink at least two ounces of aloe vera juice daily to stimulate the immune system and speed up the healing process.

Note: If you are taking diuretics or have diabetes, avoid consuming aloe vera juice as it could lower your blood sugar level.

Asparagus

Asparagus contains many essential minerals and nutrients that can help your body fight the virus that causes mumps. For the treatment of mumps, use the seeds of the asparagus.

1. Mix three teaspoons each of asparagus seed powder and fenugreek seed powder. Add a little water to make a thick paste.

2. Apply the paste on the swollen area.

3. Allow it to dry on its own and then clean the area with a wet washcloth.

4. Follow this remedy twice daily for seven to 10 days.

Ginger

Ginger is an excellent home remedy for mumps due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It will help get rid of the virus that causes this infectious disease, while also relieving the pain and swelling. 1. Dry fresh ginger root in the sun and grind it into a powder. Alternatively, you can get dry ginger powder from the market. 2. Mix one tablespoon of the ginger powder with a little water to make a thick paste. 3. Apply the paste to the cheeks and under the jaw line. 4. Allow it to dry on its own and then clean the area with a wet washcloth. 5. Follow this remedy three or four times daily for a week to reduce pain and swelling. Also, include ginger in your meals to speed up the healing process.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling associated with mumps. Also, the alkaline properties of baking soda help restrict the growth of the virus that causes mumps.

1. Mix a pinch of baking soda and a little water to make a smooth paste.

2. Apply the paste on the area where there is swelling.

3. Leave it on for two minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

4. Do these two or three times daily for a week.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds can also be used to treat mumps as they have strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

1. Grind one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds into a fine powder and add a little warm water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area. Leave it on for about half an hour and then clean the area with a wet washcloth. Do this two times daily for a week.

2. Alternatively, you can add one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds to a glass of lukewarm water and drink it twice daily.

Avoid acidic food or citric Juices

You should avoid any acidic food during mumps. Even curd or citric juices should also be avoided.

These remedies will bring much relief from the swelling and pain caused by mumps and will help you recover faster. Remember, mumps is a contagious disease, so it is important to stay in bed and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the disease.

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