Warts are bumpy growths caused by one of the more than 100 types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are several varieties of warts: common warts often break out on the outer layer of skin on your hands, arms and face; plantar warts show up under your toes or on the soles of your feet; and genital warts infect the outer tissues in your genital area. Most warts are unsightly but harmless, except genital warts, which can lead to cervical cancer. Herbs may help remove some types of warts. Consult your health care practitioner before starting herbal therapy.
Black Birch
Black birch, or Betula lenta, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Traditional healers use the bark to treat parasites, fevers, diarrhea, kidney stones, rheumatism, sciatica, skin diseases, burns and wounds. Active ingredients include tannins, volatile oil, methyl salicylate, betulin and betulinic acid, and the herb has astringent, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster state that the bark contains ingredients similar to those in commercial antiwart preparations. They recommend taping the inner bark to the wart, or using the powdered bark diluted with water to make a paste. Methyl salicylate may be toxic in small doses, so do not use this herb internally.
Aloe
Aloe, or Aloe vera, is an ancient herb with thick, fleshy leaves. It originated in North Africa, but is now cultivated throughout North and Central America. Traditional healers use the gel from the leaves to treat wounds, skin disorders, constipation, burns, diabetes, high cholesterol and cancer. Active ingredients include polysaccharides, glycoproteins, amino acids and salicylic acid, and the plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immune-stimulating and laxative properties. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend aloe for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They suggest applying the gel to the wart two or three times each day. Aloe gel may sting mildly when applied to skin.
White Cedar
White cedar, or Thuja occidentalis, is an evergreen tree also known as American arborvitae. Traditional healers use the young branches to treat warts, bronchitis, fever, colds, rheumatism, bladder infections, psoriasis, thrush and ringworm. Active ingredients include volatile oil, flavonoid glycosides, mucilage and tannins, and the plant is expectorant, antimicrobial and astringent. Clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that thujone, the main chemical in the volatile oil, may be effective against warts. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster note the antiviral compounds in the bark and recommend applying a tincture to the wart two or three times each day. Do not use this herb internally. Thujone has uterine-stimulating properties, so do not use it during pregnancy.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, MD, Steven Foster; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing": Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, MD; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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