Herbs for Genital Warts

Herbs for Genital Warts
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Genital warts is a common sexually transmitted disease that appears as small bumps that have an appearance similar to cauliflower. The warts themselves, caused by the human papillomavirus, can be treated with surgery or medication; however, the more significant danger associated with the disease is for women who have an increased risk of acquiring cervical cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic website. For women, genital warts occur on the vulva or the walls of the vagina. For men, the warts may occur on the shaft or tip of the penis. About 30 percent of genital warts heal without treatment, but for the majority of cases that require medical intervention, herbal treatments are available to manage the outbreaks.

Thuja

Thuja is considered an effective topical medication for genital warts, according to the San Francisco Herbal Medicine Clinic. The clinic's website recommends applying a thuja ointment to the affected areas three times per day for several months in order to control the disorder. For the treatment of acute breakouts of genital warts, prepare a solution with 30 drops of thuja tincture in a cup of water and soak a tampon with a plastic applicator in the solution and insert. Repeat several times a day as needed.

Green Tea

The green tea plant, camellia sinensis, is native throughout Asia and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Green tea's high levels of antioxidants have been shown to be effective against genital warts, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The recommended dose of the green tea standardized extract is 250 mg to 500 mg per day. An ointment made from green tea extract has also been shown to be effective against genital warts.

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms have been used for more than 4,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine to fight viruses and support the immune system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, reishi can be used to treat genial warts effectively. The recommended dose is 150 mg to 300 mg, taken two to three times per day for antiviral action and immune system support. If you have a condition related to blood pressure or blood thinning, be sure to consult a physician prior to taking reishi as it can impact these health issues.

References

Article reviewed by Tina Boyle Last updated on: Nov 23, 2010

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