Introduction
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These small, skin-colored growths can appear on the genital area, anus, thighs, or mouth. While genital warts are not dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may spread easily through sexual contact. Thankfully, there are several effective natural remedies to get rid of genital warts or speed up their removal. In this post, we’ll explore 5 of the best natural treatments for genital warts.
What Are Genital Warts?
Genital warts (also called condyloma acuminata) are soft, skin-colored growths that appear on the genital area, anus, thighs, or mouth. They are a sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of HPV, such as types 6 and 11.
Genital warts can vary in size, shape, and number. They may appear alone or in clusters resembling cauliflower. Some people only have one or two small genital warts, while others may have many large warts covering a wider area.
For many, genital warts do not cause any pain or discomfort. But they can sometimes itch, bleed, or feel tender. They can also cause distress due to their appearance.
Genital warts are commonly transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anal sex with someone who has the virus. Using condoms reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of transmission. Genital wart treatment options include prescription medications, natural remedies, cryotherapy, laser removal, and surgical excision.
Why Try Natural Remedies?
Conventional treatments for genital warts include prescription medications and procedures like freezing, surgical removal, or laser therapy performed by a doctor. However, these options can be expensive, painful, or come with side effects.
Natural remedies provide an accessible, affordable, and low-risk alternative. While natural treatments may take longer to work, they can eliminate genital warts without the pain, scarring, or other downsides of conventional therapies.
Combining natural remedies with prescription treatments (under a doctor’s supervision) may also help enhance results. Here are 5 of the most effective natural options for getting rid of genital warts.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy for all kinds of skin ailments, including genital warts. This essential oil contains powerful antiviral and antibacterial compounds that can help get rid of HPV infections.
To use tea tree oil, dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil, using 1-3 drops of tea tree per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply this mixture directly on genital warts using a cotton swab 2-3 times per day. The oil may sting briefly when applied.
Be sure to do a patch test before applying tea tree oil mixes to larger skin areas. Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation in some people. Never ingest tea tree oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another effective natural remedy for genital warts. It contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Apple cider vinegar may help eliminate HPV while also relieving itching and irritation.
Dip a cotton ball in organic raw apple cider vinegar and apply it directly on genital warts. Repeat 2-3 times per day. You can also dilute the vinegar with a bit of water if it stings. Avoid using apple cider vinegar on open wounds or irritated skin.
Garlic
Garlic is an antiviral herb that may help get rid of genital warts faster. It contains a compound called allicin, which has demonstrated antiviral effects against HPV. Garlic also boosts immunity to help the body clear HPV infections itself.
To use garlic, eat 2-3 cloves per day with meals. You can also mince 1-2 cloves and apply it directly as a paste on the genital warts, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes before washing off. Raw garlic generally works best.
Banana Peels
Banana peels contain enzymes that can help remove genital warts. Simply rub the inside of a ripe banana peel on the affected area for 2-3 minutes. Do this 2-3 times per day until the warts disappear. Make sure to use a new banana peel each time.
You can also try blending or mashing a banana peel to make a poultice and apply it to genital warts overnight. The enzymes may help dissolve the warts. Just be sure to protect the surrounding healthy skin to avoid irritation.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is a powerful essential oil that exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a compound called carvacrol which can fight all strains of HPV.
Mix 3-4 drops of food-grade oregano oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut or olive oil. Apply this directly on genital warts 2 times a day. Oregano oil may sting when applied, so test it first on a small area. Never use oregano oil undiluted or orally.
Other Tips for Removing Warts Naturally
In addition to these remedies, here are some other ways to help get rid of genital warts naturally:
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and avoid foods that may weaken immunity, like sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and caffeine
- Stay hydrated and get regular exercise to keep the immune system strong
- Avoid touching, scratching, or irritating warts, which can spread them further
- Get enough sleep and manage stress, as high stress weakens immunity
- Take antiviral herbs and supplements like echinacea, astragalus, zinc, and vitamin C
- Practice safe sex to avoid contracting different or more potent strains of HPV
- Consider different wart removal treatment options like cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical excision if natural remedies are ineffective
When to See a Doctor
While natural remedies can be very effective, it’s important to see a doctor if:
- Warts spread or increase in size or quantity
- New warts appear frequently
- Warts change color, become painful, or ooze/bleed
- Natural treatments do not cause warts to start improving after 2-3 weeks
Persistent, worsening, or widespread warts may require medical treatment like cryotherapy, surgery, prescription creams, or laser removal. Be sure to get any new or suspicious genital growths examined promptly.
The Bottom Line
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by HPV. Although benign, they can cause discomfort and may spread easily to partners. Natural remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, banana peels, and oregano oil can help get rid of genital warts safely and effectively. However, it’s important to see a doctor if warts persist, worsen, or spread. With a multi-pronged approach, it is possible to eliminate genital warts without harsh medications or procedures.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of genital warts?
Genital warts may appear as single or clustered soft, skin-colored bumps in the genital area, thighs, or anus. They rarely cause pain, though some people experience itching, tenderness, or discomfort.
How do you get rid of genital warts fast?
Prescription creams like imiquimod, laser removal, freezing with liquid nitrogen, and surgical excision can get rid of genital warts quickly. Natural remedies work more gradually but can boost the effectiveness and healing process of medical wart removal.
Can genital warts go away on their own?
In some cases, genital warts may go away without treatment after several months or years. However, it's best to use medications or natural remedies to get rid of them faster and decrease the chances of transmission.
Can you get rid of HPV completely?
There is no cure for the HPV virus that causes genital warts. However, most HPV infections clear from the body on their own. Getting rid of all genital warts does not guarantee the virus is gone. Safe sex practices remain important.
Are genital warts dangerous?
Genital warts themselves are not dangerous and do not turn cancerous. However, some strains of HPV can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, or throat. So it's important to get persistent genital warts examined promptly.
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