Common warts, or skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus, occur when skin cells rapidly accumulate on the outer layer of skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, warts occur most frequently on the hands and fingers, though they can appear anywhere on the body. Although usually harmless, warts can cause embarrassment, and you may want to remove them quickly. In most cases, warts eventually disappear of their own accord without any treatment. This can take months or even years, however, depending on the severity of the condition. Luckily, several herbal wart remedies exist, although they often take longer to work than conventional over-the-counter or prescription treatments.
Raw Garlic
Garlic may help speed the healing of warts. A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that patients treated with garlic extract experienced complete disappearance of small warts and partial disappearance of larger warts after 30 to 60 days of treatment. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends making a homemade raw garlic patch to treat warts. Apply a thin layer of castor or olive oil to the wart and surrounding skin, cover with a thin slice of fresh garlic, and tape in place. Repeat nightly for 3 to 4 weeks or until the wart disappears. For added antibacterial benefit, place 2 to 4 drops of tea tree oil on the wart before adding garlic.
Banana Peel
Banana peels contain salicylic acid, a common ingredient in over-the-counter wart removers, which may dry out warts and expedite their disappearance. In her book "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living," Janet Zand recommends making a homemade banana peel patch to treat warts naturally. Cut a small piece of banana peel, and lay the inner surface against the wart before going to bed. Secure in place with adhesive tape, and change the dressing once or twice per day, as needed. Repeat the treatment for about two weeks, or until the wart disappears.
Dandelion
Although no evidence exists to prove the efficacy of dandelion, herbalists and natural healers commonly prescribe the herb for removing warts. In her book "The Herbal Drug Store," Linda B. White recommends picking a dandelion and squeezing out the milky latex from the stem directly onto the wart and surrounding skin. Repeat two or three times per day until the wart completely disappears, which may take several weeks, depending on the size of the wart.
Herbal Supplements
Several antifungal and antibacterial herbal supplements may help speed the disappearance of warts. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 250 to 500 mg of green tea extract per day for its antioxidant effects; 20 mg of cat's claw three times per day for its antifungal, antibacterial and anti-viral activity; 150 to 300 mg of reishi mushroom three times per day for its antiviral and immune strengthening properties; or 250 to 500 mg of olive leaf extract three times per day for its antiviral activity. Always consult your doctor before taking any new herbal supplement, as side effects or drug interactions may occur.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Warts
- Mayo Clinic: Common Warts Definition
- Cab Abstracts Plus: Healing Effect of Garlic on Warts and Corns
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, Steven Foster; 2000
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen, James B. LaValle; 1999
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