Home Remedies for Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands located near your ears, causing them to swell. This condition can lead to symptoms such as pain, fever, headache, muscle aches, and difficulty swallowing. While there's no specific treatment for mumps other than supportive care, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

1. Rest and Hydration

Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated are essential for recovery from mumps. Rest helps your body fight off the infection, and fluids help maintain hydration and reduce fever.

• How to use: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths. Avoid acidic beverages like citrus juices which can irritate the swollen glands.

2. Cold and Warm Compresses

Applying cold or warm compresses can help reduce gland swelling and relieve pain.

• How to use: Use a cold pack or a warm towel and apply it to the swollen area for 10-15 minutes several times a day.

3. Salt Water Gargle

Gargling with salt water can soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.

• How to use: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat several times a day.

4. Turmeric Milk

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

• How to use: Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk. Drink this mixture once or twice a day.

5. Ginger Tea

Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

• How to use: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey if desired. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day.

6. Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Vitamin C boosts the immune system and can help the body fight off infections.

• How to use: Include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe swollen glands and reduce pain.

• How to use: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the swollen glands. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Repeat 2-3 times a day.

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda can help neutralize the acidic environment in the mouth and reduce swelling.

• How to use: Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply this paste to the swollen area for a few minutes and then rinse off. Do this once a day.

9. Neem Leaves

Neem leaves have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight the mumps virus and reduce symptoms.

• How to use: Crush fresh neem leaves to make a paste and apply it to the swollen glands. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat 2-3 times a day.

10. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain and swelling.

• How to use: Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day. You can also use the cooled tea bags as compresses on the swollen glands.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Acidic Foods: Acidic foods and beverages can irritate the swollen glands. Stick to soft, bland foods that are easy to swallow.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent secondary infections. Brush your teeth twice a day and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean.
• Isolation: Mumps is highly contagious, so avoid contact with others until you are no longer infectious, usually about 5 days after the onset of symptoms.

Conclusion

While home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of mumps, it's essential to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management. In most cases, mumps resolves on its own within a few weeks. Combining these natural remedies with plenty of rest and hydration can aid in a quicker and more comfortable recovery.