Mumps
Definition:
Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands one of three pairs of saliva-producing (salivary) glands, situated below and in front of your ears. If you or your child contracts mumps, it can cause swelling in one or both parotid glands.
Signs & Symptoms:
Some people infected with the mumps virus have either no signs or symptoms or very mild ones. When signs and symptoms do develop, they usually appear about two to three weeks after exposure to the virus and may include:
Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of your face (parotitis)
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of appetite
Pain while chewing or swallowing
The primary and best known sign of mumps is swollen salivary glands that cause the cheeks to puff out. In fact, the term “mumps” is an old expression for lumps or bumps within the cheeks.
Cause:
The cause of mumps is the mumps virus, which spreads easily from person to person through infected saliva. If you’re not immune, you can contract mumps by breathing in saliva droplets of an infected person who has just sneezed or coughed. You can also contract mumps from sharing utensils or cups with someone who has mumps.
How To Cure:
- Chebulic Myrobalan
Chebulic myrobalan, also known as Terminalia Chebula, is considered a miracle herb that can effectively treat mumps. The herb has anti-inflammatory as well as antibiotic properties that help reduce the swelling that occurs with mumps.
Put one or two Chebulic myrobalan fruits in the sun for five to six hours.
Grind the dried Chebulic myrobalan in a mixer with a little water to make a paste.
Apply the paste externally on the areas of the throat and neck where there is swelling.
Follow this remedy two or three times daily for a week to get relief from the symptoms.
- Sacred Fig
The leaves of sacred fig can be used to control the symptoms of mumps. The leaves contain antiviral properties that help kill the virus that causes mumps. Plus, they have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation, two of the most common symptoms of this infectious disease.
Clean one or two large sacred fig leaves and then smear them with clarified butter or oil.
Warm the leaves and apply them over the affected area.
Secure them in place with tape or a bandage and leave them on for at least half an hour.
Do this twice daily for about a week for best results.
- 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.
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.
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.
