What is the treatment for mumps?

There is no specific treatment. Supportive care should be given as needed. If someone becomes very ill, they should seek medical attention. If someone seeks medical attention, they should call their doctor in advance so that they don't have to sit in the waiting room for a long time and possibly infect other patients.

How do I protect myself (my kids/my family)?

Mumps vaccine (usually MMR), is the best way to prevent mumps. Other things people can do to prevent mumps and other infections is to wash hands well and often with soap, and to teach children to wash their hands too. Eating utensils should not be shared, and surfaces that are frequently touched (toys, doorknobs, tables, counters, etc) should also be regularly cleaned with soap and water, or with cleaning wipes.

Some important home remedies for mumps includes: 

Don't be tart:  Avoid giving your child citrus fruits or juices, or any other food that is high in acid, when he or she is suffering from mumps. 

Ginger powder:  A paste made with dry ginger powder and water is applied on the visibly swollen parts. 

Mullein tea:  Apply a cloth soaked in mullein tea to affected areas to help with swelling. 

Herbal treatment for mumps: 

Here are some important herbal treatments for mumps: 

Indian Aloe:  The use of the herb Indian aloe is a well known remedy in the indigenous system of medicine for any inflamed and painful part of the body. 

Asparagus:  The seeds of asparagus are valuable in mumps. These seeds, combined with an equal proportion of fenugreek (methi) seeds, should be ground together to the consistency of a paste. This paste can be applied over the swellings. 

Herbs:  An acute attack can be managed using the mixture of concentrated extracts of the herbs Rosehips, Hypericum, Phytolacca, Fennel and Chamomile with the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. This is taken at a dose rate of 15 drops three times daily in water and continued for 6 to 8 weeks.