Warts are dermal or skin structures that are manifestations of viral infections particularly of the human papillomavirus. Warts may look like skin protuberances, small crown like blisters or skin extensions that may occur singly or in groups. Lines of the skin avoid warts, not running through them but breaking off and resuming in another area. Warts may last for several weeks, but may frequently occur throughout a person’s life. Boosting one’s immune system could help prevent viral infections and prevent frequent wart outbreaks.
Wart removal can be done because of pain, chafing or aesthetic considerations. It should also be done when located in sensitive areas like near the eyes, mouth, anus and the genitals. There are numerous remedies that can remove warts:
Aloe vera can be used to remove warts. Application of several drops of aloe vera gel over the area every morning and evening may remove warts after a couple of days. Scraping off the fleshy white portion of the aloe vera plant and applying it to the warts would also work.
Potato extracts applied three times a day for several days can remove warts. Potato extract is made from squeezing the juice out of grated or crushed potatoes. Potato peelings can also be rubbed on the warts.
Citrus fruits are also effective in removing warts. Their peel can be used to scrape off, or soak warts for several days. Their acidic juice rich in vitamin C can kill off the HPV virus present in the area. Calamansi, oranges, and lemon fruits are highly effective wart removal agents.
Banana peel can be used by applying a piece over the warts and securing with tape or bandage. It can be changed daily, or every morning and evening.
Garlic is another great herbal remedy for warts. A garlic section can be applied overnight to an area with warts. It would lead to the blistering, which would remove the warts upon drying. Alternatively, obtaining the juice from garlic cloves and applying a cotton wad soaked from it over the wart area would also work.
Milkweed juice can also be applied to warts for effective relief.
Unripe black walnut juice is a highly effective wart herbal remedy. The juice can be obtained by slicing open a portion of the shell and squeezing the juice over the wart.
Radishes can also be used to remove warts. A thin slice can be used to cover the warts.
Grape seed extract is a remedy not only for warts but for other infections as well.
Dandelion sap is also an effective home remedy for warts.
A tincture derived from Thuja, containing thujanone can be used to remove warts. Simply apply a drop of this potent substance on the wart.
Papaya latex can be applied to warts for removal within a week.
Guava leaves, chewed and then applied to wart areas may hasten their removal. The same method could be done using cashew nuts. Rubbing the masticated plant parts into the warts would improve their removal.
Cabbage is a very effective herbal remedy. Simply cover or wrap a piece of cabbage over the area, for couple of minutes twice a day and wait for the wart to disappear after few days.
Castor oil can be applied to warts to facilitate their removal by either rubbing, soaking or puncturing the wart using a toothpick tipped with castor oil.
These are only among the numerous herbal remedies for warts. Choosing what to use is determined on availability of the plant/herb, allergic reactions, and personal preference. Wart removal can be easily achieved by either using these remedies singly or trying a combination of them. However, warts can and do come back, so to prevent that, proper nutrition, rest, and exercise should be done to boost one’s immune system.
Reference
- Sterling, J. C.; Handfield-Jones, S.; Hudson, P. M. (2001). Guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts. British Journal of Dermatology. British Association of Dermatologists.