Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they are generally harmless, they can be unsightly or uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several natural home remedies that may help reduce or eliminate warts. Below are 10 natural remedies you can try:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- How it works: ACV has antiviral and acidic properties that can help kill the virus causing the wart.
- How to use:
- Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
- Apply it directly to the wart and secure it with a bandage.
- Leave it on overnight and repeat daily until the wart disappears.
2. Garlic
- How it works: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
- How to use:
- Crush a garlic clove and apply it directly to the wart.
- Cover it with a bandage and leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
- Repeat daily for several weeks.
3. Tea Tree Oil
- How it works: Tea tree oil is known for its antiviral and antiseptic properties, making it effective against HPV.
- How to use:
- Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) in a 1:1 ratio.
- Apply the mixture to the wart using a cotton swab twice daily.
- Continue until the wart shrinks and falls off.
4. Banana Peel
- How it works: The enzymes and potassium in banana peels may help dissolve the wart.
- How to use:
- Cut a piece of banana peel slightly larger than the wart.
- Place the inside of the peel over the wart and secure it with a bandage.
- Leave it on overnight and repeat daily.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
- How it works: Aloe vera has soothing and antiviral properties that can promote healing.
- How to use:
- Extract fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf or use pure store-bought gel.
- Apply it directly to the wart and cover it with a bandage.
- Repeat 2–3 times daily for several weeks.
6. Dandelion Sap
- How it works: Dandelion sap contains natural compounds that may combat the HPV virus.
- How to use:
- Break open a dandelion stem and extract the milky sap.
- Apply the sap directly to the wart and let it dry.
- Repeat 2–3 times daily until the wart fades.
7. Baking Soda and Castor Oil Paste
- How it works: Baking soda exfoliates the wart, while castor oil softens it and fights the virus.
- How to use:
- Mix baking soda and castor oil to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the wart and cover it with a bandage.
- Leave it on overnight and repeat daily.
8. Lemon Juice
- How it works: Lemon juice is acidic and contains citric acid, which can break down the wart tissue.
- How to use:
- Dip a cotton ball in fresh lemon juice and apply it to the wart.
- Secure it with a bandage and leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
- Repeat daily until the wart disappears.
9. Pineapple
- How it works: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps dissolve the proteins in the wart.
- How to use:
- Rub a slice of fresh pineapple directly on the wart.
- Alternatively, soak the wart in pineapple juice for 10–15 minutes.
- Repeat daily for several weeks.
10. Vitamin C Tablets
- How it works: Crushing vitamin C tablets creates an acidic paste that can irritate and destroy the wart.
- How to use:
- Crush a vitamin C tablet into a fine powder and mix it with water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the wart and cover it with a bandage.
- Leave it on overnight and repeat daily.
By combining natural remedies with good hygiene practices and patience, many people successfully eliminate warts at home.
