10 Surprising Home Remedies for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

The most important home remedies for human papillomavirus include the use of echinacea, goldenseal, calendula, oregano oil, astragalus, garlic, tea tree oil, thuja oil, mushroom, and curcumin.

Human papillomavirus is a DNA virus that affects the skin. Normal treatment for human papillomavirus includes the use of broad antiviral medications, but there is no specific “cure” for this infection. In fact, the human body appears to lower HPV to undetectable levels in the body, effectively clearing it up by itself. However, there can be resurgences in HPV in the first two years after symptoms have been “diminished”. However, given that premalignant lesions from high-risk HPV varieties may significantly increase the chances of developing cervical cancer, it should not be taken lightly. You should regularly consult with a medical professional, particularly if you believe that you have been infected, and if you detect warts or other lesions. [1]

Some antiviral products are in development, but due to the natural way that HPV can often be cleared up, home remedies are often recommended. So let us look at some of the home remedies for HPV.

A flat wart found on a boy's little finger suffering from human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that’s passed between people through skin-to-skin contact. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Home Remedies for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Home remedies for human papillomavirus include:

Echinacea

This well known antiviral herb is one of the most popular and relied upon treatments for HPV. You can make tinctures or teas from echinacea, both of which are highly effective in boosting the immune system and reducing the appearance of warts. The phytosterols and other antioxidant compounds in echinacea are able to boost white blood cells and improve the antiviral impact of the immune system. [2]

Goldenseal

There are two different ways to use goldenseal to combat HPV. This herb can be made as a tincture to be applied directly to genital warts, or you can take goldenseal in supplemental form, which is widely available at health food stores and from trained herbalists. This herb has long been known as an antiseptic, but its antiviral properties are what makes it so valuable for HPV home treatment. [3]

Calendula

Like many essential oils, calendula essential oil is very effective at clearing up skin conditions, including warts and inflammation that occur as a result of HPV. The most popular way of using calendula is by consuming it or taking it as a suppository. [4]

Oregano Oil

The essential oil of oregano is chock full of antiviral and antioxidant components that make it very effective for the treatment of HPV. Since this herb is so widely available, it is one of the most inexpensive home remedies, but the oil should be slightly diluted before use, as it can be an irritant on sensitive areas of the body, despite its antiviral and wart-reducing abilities. [5]

Astragalus

With antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, astragalus is directly linked to the elimination of HPV, as it induces the production of interleukin-2, which has known antiviral properties. [6]

Garlic

As always, garlic is a popular suggestion for the natural treatment of HPV. The powerful effects of allicin, which is the active ingredient in garlic, include antiviral activities. You can soak garlic overnight, and then use the infused water directly on genital warts for quick effects. [7]

Tea Tree Oil

Not only does tea tree oil have powerful antiviral effects when applied directly to the affected areas, but it also boosts immunity in the body, increasing the number of white blood cells and attacking the HPV virus from two sides. [8]

Thuja Oil

Although not the most commonly recommended remedy, thuja oil is a preferred remedy in Ayurvedic practices. This oil can actively seek out and neutralize infected cells and eliminate virus symptoms, including warts. Unfortunately, thuja oil can be an irritant, particularly in the delicate areas where HPV attacks, so dilute the oil before use. [9]

Mushrooms

There are a number of antiviral and antimicrobial properties of mushrooms that make them valuable in the treatment of HPV. Adding these to your diet can be a simple and delicious way to combat viral infections throughout the body. [10]

Curcumin

There are proven anticancer and antiviral properties of curcumin, which is the key ingredient of the herb turmeric. By adding this spice to your meals, you can significantly boost the strength of your immune system and protect your body from HPV. [11]

Word of Caution: Again, some varieties of HPV are essentially harmless, many can lead to dangerous premalignant lesions and increase your chances of various types of cancers. You should always speak with a trained physician if you believe you are developing HPV or have signs of genital warts. These home remedy treatments are suggested as complementary treatments, but should not completely replace formal medical attention.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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