Sarah EatonMumps, a contagious disease caused by a virus, passes from one person to another through saliva, mucus, or through close proximity with a contagious person. There are a number of risk factors when it comes to contracting the mumps virus, such as poor hygiene and low immune function. And as mumps is a virus, it doesn’t respond to antibiotics. (1) However, there are mumps treatment methods you can try to help you get better faster.
Risk factors for the mumps virus include the following:
- while you should thoroughly research vaccinations yourself, not having been vaccinated against mumps or only receiving one dose out of two can increase your chance of contraction. The vaccine prevents about 80 percent 95 percent of the cases (2)
- direct contact with someone else who has the virus (for example, through sex, kissing or touching)
- having low immune function, for example, due to eating a poor diet and taking certain medications
poor hygiene
Mumps symptoms include: (3)
- swollen glands, particularly in the throat, front of the neck and around the salivary glands
- pain and tenderness around the neck, throat, jaw, upper chest, armpits and groin. This is where other main
- lymph nodes are located.
- earaches
- difficulty chewing and swallowing
- fever
- headaches
- general aches and muscle pains
- trouble moving, along with bone or joint pain
- dry mouth
- trouble sleeping, fatigue and being more tired than usual
- changes in appetite and digestive discomfort
To help you get better, try these natural treatments for mumps:
1. Get Sufficient Rest
Getting enough rest is a crucial part of mumps treatment. Rest is beneficial in two aspects: one, it keeps the virus from spreading, and two, it allows your immune system to beat the virus at a more efficient rate. Depending on how severe of a case it is, rest for seven to 20 days might be the best route. Bed rest isn’t usually necessary, but get plenty of sleep at night and stay away from strenuous activities.
The CDC recommends that children as well as adults stay home from school or work for at least five days after their glands start swelling. Children should remain home until symptoms have disappeared. And adults should let their employers or colleges know that they’ve contracted the mumps virus. (4)
2. Drink More Fluids and Consume Electrolytes
Another important mumps treatment is making sure you get plenty of water. Even though mumps symptoms can make you lose your appetite, due to the pain in your throat, it’s important you consume ample fluids, especially while you are sick. Drinking enough water will keep you from getting dehydrated and will prevent electrolyte imbalances.
To avoid chewing, try beneficial foods like liquid soups, smoothies, vegetable juices, or coconut milk. You can also try hot water with lemon, honey and cinnamon, or homemade ginger tea with raw honey.
3. Stop the Virus from Spreading by Sanitizing Your Home
When someone in your household is sick, it’s crucial you disinfect surfaces and fabrics. For example, try cleaning with antiviral essential oils, such as lemon or oregano. Furthermore, be sure to wash your hands on a regular basis, and do not share a bed with the infected party. Similarly, do not share drinks with someone who has the mumps, and be sure they cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing.
4. Control Aches and Pain Naturally
Temporarily, for a mumps treatment, you can try over-the-counter pain killers for extreme symptoms. However, there are also natural ways to manage pain and lower inflammation. For example, you can make your own homemade muscle rub with essential oils, olive oil and a few other ingredients. (5)
Additionally, try an ice pack or cold compress to lower inflammation and tenderness. You might also try an Epsom salt bath. Dilute two cups into a gallon of water, then pour it into your bath. Consider adding essential oils such as lavender. You will likely feel better instantly!
5. Take Antiviral Herbs
In addition to rest, fluids, and good hygiene, you can use certain herbs as mumps treatment. Antiviral herbs can boost the immune system and inhibit as well as stop the spreading of viruses.
Try the following herbs to help you overcome the mumps: (6)
- Elderberry
- Echinacea
- Calendula
- Astralagus root
- Garlic
- Oregano oil
- Olive leaf extract
You can use these items in herbal teas, rubs for the skin, and even soups or smoothies.
6. Boost Your Immunity through a Healthy Diet
While a healthy diet can be helpful in preventing such viruses like the mumps, eating a healthy diet now can also be beneficial, even if you’ve already been diagnosed. For example, a nutrient-rich diet can help lower the risk of complications from mumps, such as other infections and ear damage.
Chewing is likely difficult, but you can puree fruits and vegetables or make your own smoothies and soups. Furthermore, foods that are easy to eat include various cooked fruits and vegetables. For example, you might try mashed sweet potatoes, cook apples, or cooked carrots. Additionally, avocados and raw nut butters are easy to consume and full of nutrients.
You can also try probiotic foods to improve your gut health, which is linked to immunity. (7) Examples of probiotics include cultured veggies and kombucha.
If you can, avoid inflammatory foods such as added sugars, synthetic additives like artificial sweeteners, or meat loaded up with hormones and unnatural chemicals.