Dear Annie, do you know of any natural solutions for HPV and Genital warts? After being diagnosed with HPV I have been working at it for some time. I have researched quite a lot of holistic literature on the topic and implement what I can. I am mindful and proactive about remaining alkaline, active, and take MSM and a multi vitamin. Despite this, I fear I’ve developed some genital warts from the virus. I’ve used a calendula, echinacea and arbor vitae ointment. Nothing seems to clear it completely. I wanted to know more about additional natural solutions before doing any invasive medical procedures. I’m worried and just want to be in control of my health.
Thank you for reaching out, it’s wonderful to hear from you. There are natural solutions for HPV and genital wars that may help your situation. Let’s start with a basic understanding of Human Papilloma Virus.
About Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Up to 80% of all sexually active adults, will either be exposed to or contract HPV during their lives. The ages of peak exposure are between 20 and 29, then between the ages of 50 to 59.
A papilloma, as defined by the Webster Medical Dictionary is “a small benign epithelial tumor, such as a wart, consisting of an overgrowth of cells on a core of smooth connective tissue.” Papilloma’s are benign growths. This means that they do not grow aggressively, and they do not spread around the body. They grow on the skin and on the mucus membranes. that is, the soft, moist linings or internal skin inside of the body.
The good news is that only about 5% of those exposed develop symptoms. 90% of all cases clear up on their own with no intervention, in about 2 years.
HPV is caused by a virus and can be passed by those who have the virus even if they have no symptoms. Condoms are the best suggested form of protection.
HPV Strains and Health Risk
There are over 100 strains of HPV, about 60 of which cause warts on the skin. Typically these kinds of warts appear on the hands and feet, but can happen anywhere.
The remaining 40 strains are sexually transmitted and occur in the gentile areas, or on mucus membranes anywhere in body. HPV, genital warts and HPV related cancers can happen in the genital areas including around and inside the vagina, anus, cervix and vulva and the penis. HPV lesions and warts can even occur in the lungs, bladder and the colon.
Knowing the strain or type of Human Papilloma Virus infection is important, because different strains can produce different long and short term symptoms. Visit your doctor for confirmation of infection and strain type. Knowledge allows us to make informed decisions about how aggressively to pursue treatment.
Types of HPV Strains
- Types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of the genital warts.
- Strains 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 are strongly associated cancerous and precancerous conditions of the cervix.
- According to some authorities, stains 16 and 18 account for up to 70% of all cervical cancers.
- HPV strain 16 is associated with a rapidly growing type of oral cancer. Oral cancers can occur on the head, neck, throat, tonsils and tongue and is three times more prevalent in men than women.
HPV can resolve on its own
How the infection progresses, or resolves seems to depend on several factors including the overall health and age of the person, immunity, the type or strain involved and smoking status. The body seems to be able to resolve the virus more easily when young. Folks have a more difficult time resolving HPV infection, without intervention, as they age. This could be because hormones naturally decrease as we age. Smokers have a higher risk of HPV progressing. Researchers have found a strong link between HPV spurred bladder cancer and smoking.
Medical intervention for HPV and Genital Worts
In the modern biomedical model, there is no “cure” for HPV. Intervention focuses on the removal of warts. This slows the progression or mutation of the abnormal growths into cancerous tumors. Removal can also slow the spread of HPV when the lesions or warts are soft and filled with liquid. Removal will not prevent lesions from re-growing.
As a preventive measure, there is now a vaccine available for young people 14 to 26 years old. The vaccine has many pros and cons that are beyond the scope of this writing.
Natural Solutions For HPV and Genital Warts.
Herbal remedies often have better long-term results than medical interventions when it comes to this virus. And, they take time to work. Sometimes as long as 3 to 12 months. Further, treatment protocols are likely to change, progressing along the way.
Several people choose to supplement natural solutions and botanical treatments with more invasive medical procedures.
As a treatment strategy we’ll be looking to support the system in a variety of ways. We will want to;
- Clear toxic build up from the system
- Address the viral infection
- Enhance the immune response
- Prevent or decrease abnormal growths
- Support and/or heal mucus membranes
- Rejuvenate the system.
“Cleansing” the blood
The skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body. When a lesion, wart, or rash is present it is an indication that the blood, liver and kidneys need to be supported. For this purpose alteratives, lymphatics, and tonic herbs may be combined to create a protocol designed to bring balance to the blood, skin and mucus membranes.
Alterative herbs
Alterative herbs clear toxins from the system by supporting and stimulating the liver, kidneys, large intestines and lungs. Some botanicals operate on all these levels, but most have an affinity to one or more body systems.
These are gentle herbs and tend to work slowly, over a period of time. It’s not uncommon to work with an alterative protocol for 3 to 6 months, changing the herbs as needed for the best results.
Some alterative herbs include Red Clover blossoms (Trifolium pratense), Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Nettle leaves (Uritica dioica), Yellow Dock root (Rumex crispus), Violet (Viola tricolor) and Burdock root (Arctium lappa).
Lymphatic herbs
The lymph system eliminates waste and toxins from cells and controls the flow of bacteria-fighting immune cells throughout your entire body. One of the many benefits of a healthy lymph and immune system is healthy skin.
Some lymphatic herbs include; Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Echinacea (Echinacea spp), Poke root (Phytolacca decandra), Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), Red Root (Ceanothus spp), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Osha root (Ligusticum porter), Violet (Viola tricolor), and Usnea (Usnea spp)
Use caution when using a new herb
Some lymphatic herbs should be used with caution. Small amounts should always be taken initially to gauge your personal reaction. Sometimes the reaction can seem unrelated to the issue at hand. For example, when I started taking Ocotillo for a gut issue, I had a strong emotional response. I felt emotionally rung out and cried for 2 days. After I lowered the dose and combined it with complementary herbs, I was able to achieve the desired action. Stronger is not always better when working with healing botanicals.
Tonic Herbs
Tonics tone lax tissues. These herbs help effected tissues return to a healthy pre-problem state. They are often lightly astringent, vulnerary (skin healing and soothing) and anti-inflammatory in action. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica) and Calendula (Calendula officinalis) fall into this category
Address the viral infection
Botanical antiviral agents work by supporting and vitalizing the system. They discourage viral and microbial growth. Some herbs that have strong anti-viral actions include Chaparral (Larrea tridentate), Tea Tree (Meleluca alterniflora), Thuja (Thuja occidentalis), Osha root (Linguisticum porter), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), and Usnea (Usnea spp.)
Improve immune response
Immune boosting herbs include herbs like Echinacea (Echinacea spp), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceas), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Rieshi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidium).
Prevent the formation of new or abnormal growths
Herbs that prevent or dissolve growths are called Neoplasics. These kinds of remedies often have a caustic nature and are best applied directly to affected skin in small, comfortable amounts several times per day. Herbal Tinctures, washes, salves and ointments are all appropriate for application to moist tissues and sensitive areas.
Suppositories are excellent for internal herbal application to the cervix, vagina and anus. Always test the formula to be sure there is no irritation before daily use.
Herbs that prevent or resolve abnormal growths include Thuja (Thuja occidentalis), Poke (Phytolacca decandra), and Blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis).
Heal the Skin and Mucus Membranes
Mucosal vulneraries or demulcent herbs have a slippery quality that support and heal internal mucus membranes and external skin. They are cooling and soothing in nature, softening, tightening and healing tender or irritated tissue. I like to add these into a formula to modify its overall energy as needed.
Vulnerary herbs also make application of a formula more comfortable and easy to assimilate. Herbs like Marshmallow root (Althaea Officinalis), Wild Oats (Avena sativa), Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) and Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica) fall into this category.
Rejuvenating the system
True healing is more than decreasing symptoms or eliminating diagnosis. To reach our optimal state of health we must provide nourishment to our tissues. Nourishing herbs that provide tons of vitamins, minerals and trace elements to help our bodies to thrive are Maca (Lepedium Meyenii), Nettles (Uritica dioica), Wild Oats (Avena sativa), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinale), Violet (Viola tricolor), and Parsley (Petroselinum crispum).
Support mental, emotional health
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or HPA axis is responsible for how we deal with mental, emotional and physical stress. The HPA axis is the biomechanical mechanisms identified with our fight or flight vs. rest and relax responses. Many medical issues either stay the same or escalate based on our resilience to stress. Herbal remedies that help us deal with and process stress are called adaptogens. Handy adaptogens to use when dealing with skin, viral, reproductive and mucus membrane related issues include Rieshi (Ganoderma lucidium), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Tulsi or Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiforum), Milky Oats (Avena sativa), American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceas).
Possible protocols for HPV and Genital Warts
This type of protocol, especially if your infection has been long lasting may include several formulas. These formulas are likely to be added little by little to be sure they are doing what we want and there are no side effects.
Listed below are some ideas for formulas that might be used.
Recipes
Possible Blood Cleansing or Alterative Formula
Mix Equal Parts
- Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
- Yellow Dock root (Rumex crispus)
- Echinacea (Echinacea spp)
- Marshmallow root (Althaea Off)
Add 1/2 part each
- Poke Root (Phytolacca decandra)
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Suggested dose
Tincture – 1-2 dropper fills 3x per day
Decoction or boiled tea – 1/4 to 1/2 cup dose 3 to 4 times per day.
To make a decoction add 16 oz of cold water to 2 oz herb. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat. Let cool. Strain and add water to return the liquid to 16 oz.
Immune and Antiviral Support
The Next formula may include more immune boosting and vitalizing herbs to raise the bodies defenses and ability to heal and rebuild itself. This is a good time to add herbs to support the whole person including nervines, adaptogens, and specific herbs to target the virus.
Possible Immune and Antiviral tincture formula
- 2 parts Astragalus
- 2 parts Reishi
- 2 parts Goldenseal or Yerba Mansa
- 1 part Echinacea
- 1 part Usnea
Suggested Use Take 5 ml (3 to 4 droppers) 2x per day for up to 6 months. Then, to stabilize and maintain healing or for post treatment take 2 dropper fills 2 times per day for up to 6 months
Nourishing Tea
Nourishing tea acts to vitalize the system. It is a good source of trace minerals and vitamins.
Additionally, nourishing tea acts as an astringent, a mucosal vulnerary and include herbs to support the reproductive membranes. You can then add personalized herbs like nervines, digestive herbs and adaptogens to your formula as as needed.
Nourishing Tea or infusion
Mix Equal parts
- Nettle Oat straw
- Red Raspberry leaves
- Calendula flowers
- add 1/4 part Licorice
Steep 2 oz herb per 16 oz water for a minimum or 20 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Topical Treatment as Natural Solutions for HPV and genital warts
Topical treatment tincture from Aviva Romm
- 3 parts Thyme
- 2 parts Goldenseal or Barberry root
- 2 parts Myrrh
- 2 parts St. John’s Wort
- 1 part Thuja
Combine the following tinctures and apply them to lesions 2 to 3 times per day with a cotton swab for 6 to 12 weeks.
Possible Essential Oil Blend
- 2 parts Tea Tree Oil
- 2 parts Lavender essential oil
- ½ part Lemon Balm essential oil
- ¼ part Thuja essential oil
Blend oils together. Add 10 drops eo blend to 1 teaspoon carrier oil such as calendula infused oil. Apply to genital warts with a cotton ball 3 to 4 times per day.
Suppositories as part of the plan for Natural Solutions for HPV and genital warts
Michael Moore suggests Vaginal and or Anal HPV suppositories.
- 30 ml Echinacea Fluid extract
- 175 ml Vegetable Glycerin
- 25 grams Gelatin
- 5 ml Thuja Oil
Heat the glycerin on a double boiler, add the Echinacea. Maintain at a low temperature for at least 30 minutes to evaporate off some of the alcohol. Add the gelatin (preferably finely powdered) and whisk (or egg beat) until the gelatin is THOROUGHLY dissolved in the liquids. Don’t leave any little gelatinous solids…continue stirring until the liquid is a clear grey brown syrup. Fill a plastic roll of disposable 3- or 5-ml suppository molds up to the top of the form line. A small turkey baster is the easiest tool for this.
To Use: Insert the suppository at night into the vagina and as close to the cervix as practical. It may also be inserted into the rectum if anal warts are present. The suppository will melt slowly over 8 to 12 hours. This maintains the herbs presents for long enough to facilitate resolution and stimulate regeneration of tissues. Herbal treatment may need to continue for 30 days or more. For the best results internal herbs and nourishing teas may be taken at the same time.
For more information about the above formulas or to schedule a personalized consultation contact Annie Jones here.
ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO WHATS GOING ON FOR YOU
Always pay attention to how you feel when you begin or continue herbal treatment. If it causes inflammation or aggravates tissues, stop. This is true for all the suggested formulas. Listen to the wisdom of your body and you’ll know if it’s working or not. When in doubt talk to a qualified herbalist or natural health care practitioner. Remember, not all herbs work the same for everyone. Variables are many and are personal to your constitution, history, level of health, diet and much more.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. It is my bliss to have the opportunity to share my experience and research with you. I hope you find it helpful. Please reach out if you have and comments or questions. I would love to hear from you. Please contact me by e-mail or message about your thoughts, ideas and experiences you’d like to share.
Suggested Products from Wonderment Gardens
Further Reading
Healing the causes of suffering – A four-step model for healing
References
Boardwine, Theresa; Human Papilloma Virus an Herbal Protocol; 2012 Medicines of the Earth herbal conference lecture notes.
Moore Micheal; Herb Formulas for Clinic and home use; 1995, SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF BOTANICAL MEDICINE, Bisbee, AZ
Romm, Aviva MD; Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Second edition; 2018, Elsevier Inc. Saint Lois, MO
https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
Disclaimer
The statements and ideas presented here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. They have not been evaluated by the FDA. All ideas presented are for the sole purpose of education. To help you take control of your own health. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. We suggest that you always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.
These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.
Herbs taken for health purposes should be treated with the same care as medicine. Herbal remedies are no substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are serious about good health, you’ll want to combine diet, exercise, herbals, a good relationship with your doctor and a generally healthy lifestyle. No one of these will do it alone.
This information is designed to be used as part of a complete health plan. No products are intended to replace your doctor’s care, or to supersede any of his/her advice or prescriptions.