Genital Warts
Genital warts are raised bumpy clumps that grow in the genital region. The clumps resemble a cauliflower. The virus that causes the warts may be carried by people who do not have visible signs of warts themselves.
Symptoms
Not everyone who has the virus that causes genital warts has signs or symptoms. Sometimes the virus can be detected with tests. Some people may have painless growths that are on or around the sex organs or the anus. Warts may vary in size and be flat or bumpy. They may be difficult to find. A vinegar wash can make them easier to see. Vinegar turns the tops of the warts white in about two minutes. The warts are soft to the touch and are usually not painful. They may itch occasionally. Warts may be located on the tip or shaft of the penis in males, in the anal area of both sexes and in the vagina, on the vulva, cervix and urethra of females. There may be increased vaginal discharge or abnormal vaginal bleeding after intercourse.
Causes
Genital warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV 6 and HPV 11). These viruses pass from person to person through skin to skin contact during sexual activity.
Cautions
Warts located on the cervix may cause problems with Pap smears and they may create changes that have been previously linked to cancer. Anyone who thinks they have genital warts should contact their medical doctor for more information. A person can be diagnosed with genital warts when instead they may have Fordyce spots, lymphoceles, Tyson's glands or pearly penile papules.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Astragalus – use the tincture or capsules to boost the immune system so it can fight the HPV infection.
- Echinacea – this herb can boost the immune system and stimulate it to begin fighting the virus.
- Lemon Balm - take before meals 3 times a day. Lemon Balm can also be applied as a compress to the affected area up to 3 times a day.
External Applications
- Aloe vera – the gel has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can make it effective against warts.
- Bloodroot – use a tincture or paste to remove warts. This herb removes the wart through irritation.
- Comfrey – apply a cream or infusion to the warts to remove them. Applications can be repeated until the warts are gone.
- Goldenseal – this herb is a natural antibiotic and antiviral remedy. It can defeat many types of infections when applied topically.
- Garlic – apply garlic oil or raw garlic to the wart to promote white blood cell activity. Garlic can also be taken internally to boost the immune system.
- Dandelion – apply the sap from a dandelion to the warts using a circular motion. Do this two or three times per day until the wart is gone.
- Lemon – apply lemon juice to the wart and rub it in gently two or three times per day.
- Milkweed – apply the sap of milkweed to the wart daily until it is gone.
- Calendula - apply a cooled infusion of calendula to the affected area 3 times a day.
Essential Oils
- Thuja – the essential oil from this herb can help eliminate warts. Like most essential oils, this one should be diluted into carrier oil before applying it to the wart.
- Tea tree – the essential oil of tea tree can also be applied to genital warts. This essential oil can be added to the thuja oil for even more potency.
- Sandalwood oil - dilute 2-3 drops of essential oil in 150ml water. Apply to affected area 3 times a day.