6 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Genital Warts

Genital warts are fleshy skin growths or skin changes that occur in and around the genital area in both men and women. These warts are linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 100 different strains of HPV and around 30 of them can affect the skin around the genital area. Of these, types 6 and 11 cause 90% of all cases of genital warts.1

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease (STD). After being infected by the HPV virus, it may be days or even weeks before you exhibit any symptoms. This is important to know because your HPV infection may have nothing to do with your current sexual partner. To a certain extent, condoms are effective against HPV, but not completely.

The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and contact cannot be completely avoided with a condom.2 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.

# Green Tea

Green tea has been found to be effective in treating genital warts. Polyphenon E is a registered extract of green tea. When they used it in a 10%–15% concentration, over half of all patients with genital warts reported fewer warts. Ointments made from green tea extracts are also available.

# Mayapple

When applied in gel form, extracts from the root of the mayapple plant have helped treat genital warts. Topical application of mayapple products is quite safe, but do not consume – it can be poisonous.

# Vitamin A

You can also apply vitamin A or beta-carotene extracts on the warts a few times daily. Results improve by adding 3–4 drops of herbal extracts of echinacea, lomatium, and thuja to the mix. It’s best to use commercial products that are prepared specifically for such use. Vaginal treatments must be avoided if you are pregnant, except under expert advice.

# Olive Leaf

Olive leaf has such potent antiviral properties that some researchers are even studying its effects on the HIV virus. Drinking a tea made of dried olive leaves in warm water has been found to help combat viral illnesses at a systemic level and stimulate the immune system.8 About 250 to 500 mg of standardized olive leaf extract can be consumed up to three times daily.

A tea may also be prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon of leaves per cup of hot water. Steep for 5–10 minutes for best results. You can drink 2–4 cups of olive leaf tea per day for best results.

# Witch Hazel

Scientific reports of treating genital warts with witch hazel are scarce. However, it appears to be a popular homemade cure. You can apply distilled witch hazel on the warts and leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing off. The witch hazel helps dry out the warts. The process can be repeated twice a day until the warts clear up. Please remember that witch hazel is for external use only. Internal consumption could cause damage to the liver and digestive tract.

# Homeopathic Remedies

A professional homeopath assesses several factors before prescribing medication and determining the appropriate dosage for a patient. 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.