Green tea, mayapple, olive leaf, witch hazel, tea tree oil, castor oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar are some of the home remedies for genital warts. Using homeopathic medicines and making changes in lifestyle will also help in treating genital warts.
Certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes sexually transmitted skin infection called genital warts. These warts are fleshy skin growths or skin changes that occur in and around the genital area in both men and women. It may be days or even weeks before you exhibit any symptoms after being infected by HPV. This is important to know because your HPV infection may have nothing to do with your current sexual partner.
Condoms are effective against HPV, but not completely. Skin-to-skin contact causes spread of the virus, and contact cannot be completely avoided with a condom. While genital warts are generally painless, they can become itchy and inflamed in some people. Because it is an STD, and due to the stigma often associated with it, they can also cause the sufferer a great deal of psychological distress.
Natural Remedies To Treat Genital Warts
As because of their anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties, natural products work on genital warts.
Green Tea
Green tea has been found to be effective in treating genital warts. Higher than half of all patients with genital warts reported fewer warts, when they used it in a 10%–15% concentration. Ointments made from green tea extracts are also available.
Mayapple
Extracts from the root of the mayapple plant is applied in gel form have helped treat genital warts. It can be poisonous to consume mayapple. It’s topical application of mayapple products is quite safe
Vitamin A
Extracts of vitamin A or beta-carotene can also used to apply on the warts a few times daily. By adding 3–4 drops of herbal extracts of echinacea, lomatium, and thuja to the mix can improve results. Vaginal treatments must be avoided if you are pregnant, except under expert advice. Commercial products prepared specifically for such use are best to use.
Olive Leaf
This has such potent antiviral properties that some researchers are even studying its effects on the HIV virus. Dried olive leaves in warm water use to make tea which has been found to help combat viral illnesses at a systemic level and stimulate the immune system.
Witch Hazel
Treating genital warts with witch hazel as mentioned in scientific reports are scarce. However, it appears to be a popular homemade cure. Distilled witch hazel on the warts and leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing off can also be applied . It helps dry out the warts. Please remember that witch hazel is for external use only. Damage to the liver and digestive tract is caused by internal consumption.
Homeopathic Remedies
The individual’s physical, intellectual, and emotional makeup is studied and analyzed in detail. This makes it very important for an individual to consult an experienced homeopath before beginning any treatment.
Tea Tree Oil
This oil has been found to be effective against warts caused by certain HPV virus. Even so scientifically documented reports of its use on genital warts are scarce, there are individual cases that report successful treatment with tea tree oil.
Castor Oil
Traditional treatment and most studies methods recommend castor oil for non-genital warts. However, there are a few recommendations and reported success with castor oil for genital warts too. Apply oil mix 2–3 times a day. Patients have reported success in treating genital warts with this mix of oils.
Garlic
Garlic is also usually recommended for non-genital warts. However, since garlic has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, garlic may work on genital warts. Garlic can be crushed or chopped into cloves and then can be applied on the warts and covered with a gauze or bandage. Garlic and castor oil can be applied together too. There is no adverse effect on the skin cells but fresh garlic may sting the skin a little. To treat warts garlic oil or garlic pills can also be consumed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There is a lot of debate around apple cider vinegar as a treatment for genital warts. Forums and sources suggest dipping cotton pads in apple cider vinegar and applying it to the warts for extended periods of time, others have reported chemical burns and worsening symptoms with prolonged usage. Given the lack of clear scientific evidence – and that you’re dealing with a sensitive area – we wouldn’t recommend this.
Lifestyle Changes
Most warts disappear by themselves with adequate care and hygiene. It is best to leave the warts alone and give them time to heal if any alternative remedy is doing more harm than good. To prevent secondary infections around the warts keep the genital area dry can go a long way.