Mumps is a viral infection that spreads rapidly. It causes a swelling in the neck and throat. The affected person is unable to speak and swallowing becomes difficult. It is best to quarantine the affected person, wash their utensils and garments separately and avoid intimate contact with them to avoid the spread of the infection. The person must get ample of rest, refrain from speaking and keep warm (wrap the neck with a scarf if you affected in the warm months).

Diet for the affected person

A person suffering from mumps is unable to swallow; hence an all liquid diet is important. Boil a cup of rice in approximately 2 cups of water and give the patient the water from the rice. It is rice in starch and forms a healthy nutritious meal.

Add a spoon of clarified butter to the water and to add taste a pinch of salt may e added. Avoid spices completely. Fruits juices are a good meal option as well; however citrus fruits are acidic and must be avoided as they burn the throat when you are suffering from mumps.

Spices such as ginger, garlic and black pepper help to relieve the pain in the throat. You may add these spices to any liquid preparation.

Herbal remedies

Fenugreek seeds powder mixed with asparagus powder with a few drops of water if applied to the neck and throat cures the infection. It reduces the swelling and kills the bacteria.

Aloe Vera is beneficial here. Take the leaf of the Aloe Vera plant and rub the juice of it all over the swollen area. You will notice the swelling subside within a few minutes. It will also relieve the pain that the infection causes.

Applying fresh ginger paste externally on the affected area also helps to relieve the pain and the swelling almost instantly.