Mumps
Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands. Sometimes it also affects the sub-mandibular and sub-lingual glands too. It most often affects children, although many are now vaccinated for this disease. When mumps occur, these glands become swollen and sore.
Mumps Symptoms
First one gland in the throat will become swollen, with the opposite one becoming infected by the next day or so. They become very tender. The infection may spread to nearby glands over the next few days. A fever is common, usually hovering around 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Centigrade). The fever will last for 3 or 4 days. The jaws may feel stiff during this time and eating may be difficult and painful. The pulse may slow down. Other symptoms may include headache, earache, sore muscles, loss of appetite, light sensitivity, lethargy, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, lower abdominal pain in women, or seizures.
Causes
Mumps are caused by the myxo virus. This is contagious, so it is more prevalent in schools or other situations where large groups are together frequently. It is transmitted primarily through infected saliva or urine. The saliva is capable of spreading the virus for six days before any swelling is seen and the infected individual may be contagious for up to two weeks after the onset of swelling. One infection with mumps usually makes a person immune to any future infections by this virus.
Cautions
Mumps can spread to inflame the meninges, the brain, pancreas and gonads. Orchitis (inflammation of the testes) in males and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries) in females may occur in severe cases when the gonads become involved. Rare complications include bronchitis, arthritis, pericarditis, myocarditis, meningitis, encephalitis and nephritis.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Echinacea this herb is an immune stimulant. It will help the body fight off the virus. Take this herb as a tincture, capsule or tablet.
- Lemon balm this herb is a good antiviral remedy. A soothing herbal tea may be the best way to take it with swollen glands in the throat, but it is also available as tincture or as tablets.
- St. John's wort this anti-inflammatory, antiviral herb is available as a tincture or as tablets. Take according to the directions on the package.
- Shiitake mushroom use this herb to boost the immune system. Add these mushrooms to the diet or use supplements.
External Applications
- Ginger make a paste of powdered ginger and water to apply over the swollen areas. As the paste dries, the swelling is reduced and pain is relieved.
- Mullein make a tea from mullein flowers and leaves and apply a cloth that has been soaked in this solution to affected areas. This will help relieve swelling.
- Clove use the essential oil from cloves to relieve pain from any swelling. Mix a few drops of clove oil with olive oil and rub it inside the cheeks for relief.
- Neem make a paste from the leaves of this herb and apply it to any affected areas. Turmeric can be added to the paste to make it more effective.
- Arnica rub a tincture into the temples or forehead to treat headache associated with mumps.