A goiter (or goiter) is a lump in the neck caused by swelling of the thyroid gland. Mumps sometimes causes problems swallowing, breathing, or speaking, and also affects appearance. You can reduce mumps with natural treatments, although many are not supported by scientific evidence. However, get a proper diagnosis before treating mumps and make sure these natural treatments are safe for you. Also, seek immediate treatment if mumps makes it difficult to breathe or swallow.
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Method 1 of 4: Adjusting Iodine Intake After Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. Use iodized salt if you are deficient in iodine
In the past, iodine deficiency was the main cause of cases of mumps worldwide, but now it is rare because many countries add iodine to table salt (iodized salt). However, if you don't consume iodized salt regularly, your doctor may ask you to increase your intake to about teaspoon (5 grams) of salt per day (enough to get 150 micrograms of iodine).
- If you follow a low-sodium diet, use sea salt more often, or buy non-iodized table salt, you may have an iodine deficiency.
- In some cases, such as if your body has trouble processing iodine so it reaches your thyroid gland, your doctor may prescribe a daily supplement of iodine.
Step 2. Increase your iodine intake by eating seaweed and shellfish
If you're following a low-sodium diet for medical reasons and don't want to increase your salt intake, try taking iodine in other ways. Seawater is a natural source of iodine. So, seaweed (kelp) and shellfish (especially shrimp) are good sources of iodine.
- If you want a delicious source of seaweed/kelp, try susyi. Seaweed and iodine from seaweed are also available in supplement form.
- For example, you could try eating shrimp 2-3 times per week and taking a daily kelp supplement for a few weeks, then see your doctor again to see if there's any improvement.
Step 3. Eat iodine-rich foods grown or farmed in coastal areas, if possible
Foodstuffs grown near the sea take up iodine from the soil, and dairy products from livestock there also contain higher amounts of iodine. If you live near the coast, “eating local produce” will be good for your thyroid and help reduce goiter.
If you live far from the sea, try to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables that are high in natural iodine content, such as oranges, strawberries, lettuce, onions, and garlic
Step 4. Reduce your iodine intake if advised by your doctor
This suggestion may be contradictory, but some cases of goiter occur because the thyroid is receiving too much iodine, not a deficiency. In this case, you should reduce iodized salt, shrimp and shellfish, seaweed, and other high-iodine foods.
That's why you should get a medical diagnosis, not try to treat mumps on your own. If not, you can increase your iodine intake so that the problem gets worse
Method 2 of 4: Trying Alternative Treatments
Step 1. Apply dandelion leaf or other natural paste
If you want to try a low-risk, but not scientifically proven, method of reducing mumps, try heating dandelion leaves in ghee until soft, then placing them on the mumps for 5-10 minutes. Do it once a day for 2 weeks.
- Alternatively, you can make a paste of watercress or crushed sorrel leaves mixed with olive oil, then apply it on the mumps and let it sit for 5-10 minutes every day for 2 weeks.
- There are also people who recommend pastes of activated carbon.
- Keep in mind that while this method may reduce goiter, this method does not help treat the problem that underlies it.
Step 2. Use ginseng or another hormone balancing supplement
Mumps is often caused by a hormonal imbalance (an enlarged thyroid due to overproduction of hormones). So, the doctor can prescribe medical hormonal treatment. However, you can also try natural supplements that are believed to balance hormones (but are not medically proven). For example, ginseng is the most common supplement in this category, and several studies suggest that ginseng can regulate thyroid hormones.
- There is no “standard” dose for ginseng, either in the case of mumps or other conditions. It is best to buy a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer and follow their dosing instructions. You can also seek advice from a licensed naturopathic medicine specialist.
- Consult with your doctor before using supplements because supplements may interact with other medications you are taking.
Step 3. Use turmeric as a natural anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is a contributing factor to the formation of mumps, so doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. Alternatively, turmeric also has anti-inflammatory (but not yet proven) properties. For example, take 1-3 capsules (usually 350 mg) of turmeric supplements per day.
- Turmeric is an important spice in Indonesian and Asian cuisine. So, add turmeric to your food and drink.
- In addition, you can also try packaged turmeric water and turmeric paste, or drink fresh turmeric infusion.
- Talk to your doctor first. There is some concern with the use of turmeric supplements, such as in pregnant women or people with diabetes.
Step 4. Try a neck massage or acupuncture
There is no scientific basis to support massage or acupuncture on the neck can reduce goiter, but it can be considered. If you want to try, find an experienced and qualified alternative medicine practitioner, especially one with experience treating mumps (if any).
Success or not, massage or acupuncture is most likely harmless. However, remember that even if you succeed in reducing the goiter, it will not treat the cause
Method 3 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Quit smoking if you are a smoker
There is no direct connection between smoking and mumps, but at least quitting smoking would be good for your overall health. Perhaps quitting will make it easier for you to balance your hormones, which in turn will reduce the goiter or prevent it from forming.
Regardless of whether the mumps diminishes or not after that, you can be proud of being successful in quitting smoking
Step 2. Reduce stress to balance hormones
Excessive stress can disrupt hormonal balance so that it is suspected (though not yet proven) that it can cause mumps. To be sure, reducing stress will be very good for physical and emotional health.
Stress relief techniques that can be tried are meditation, yoga, enjoying the moment, praying, physical exercise, and spending time with friends. Basically, find the way that works for you the most, and do it whenever stress hits
Step 3. Sleep longer and better
Again, these lifestyle changes are not directly related to mumps. However, adequate and quality sleep is very important for health. So sleep still contributes to the reduction and/or prevention of mumps. In addition, there is evidence that lack of sleep affects thyroid hormone production.
- Sleep quality can be improved easily. Try to create a comfortable atmosphere, establish a bedtime routine, and turn off all electronic screens (TV, cell phones, etc.) at least an hour before bedtime.
- The average adult needs 6–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Step 4. Adopt a healthy diet and focus on small portions
Although there are some foods that should be added and avoided based on the need for iodine, a healthy diet is very beneficial for supporting thyroid health. In addition, it is possible (but not certain) that eating smaller meals with more frequent frequency can maintain hormonal balance so that it can reduce goiter.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Reduce your intake of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed foods
Method 4 of 4: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Get a proper diagnosis before starting treatment
Mumps is caused by various factors, so there are various treatment options. In addition, you could be wrong in concluding. So, check with your doctor to get the correct diagnosis so you can get the right treatment.
- There are several types of goiter, and they form when the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), and sometimes when it's working normally. In rare cases, the thyroid may become enlarged due to a tumor or cancerous lump.
- For example, you may need to increase or decrease iodine, depending on the cause.
Step 2. Ask your doctor if it's safe to try natural treatments first
Once your doctor has determined the cause of the mumps, you will be given treatment options. Let them know that you are interested in trying natural treatments. Depending on the cause and size of the mumps, your doctor may agree that natural treatments can help. However, they may suggest that you opt for medical treatment.
- For example, if you have an illness or cancer, your doctor will recommend starting medical treatment as soon as possible.
- If your ability to swallow, breathe, or speak isn't affected, your doctor may suggest waiting for the mumps to go away on its own. In such cases, they may be more amenable to you wanting to try natural or alternative remedies.
- If your doctor recommends that you take radioactive iodine capsules, have surgery, or undergo medical treatment, listen to their advice wisely. These treatments have proven to be effective, unlike natural or alternative approaches.
Step 3. Treat immediately if mumps makes it difficult for you to swallow or breathe
While nothing to worry about, large mumps can block the throat and make it difficult to breathe or swallow. If so, you will need to be treated to recover. Visit a doctor or go to the ER.
Mumps also causes hoarseness or coughing
Step 4. Consult a doctor before using supplements
While usually safe, not everyone can take supplements. Supplements can interfere with the action of medications or make certain medical conditions worse. Talk to your doctor first to make sure the supplement you want to try is safe.
