When an unexpected wart appears, it can be a real nuisance. But before you panic-buy an over-the-counter treatment or book an appointment with a dermatologist, why not consider using a natural remedy?
Various essential oils can provide an effective holistic treatment for warts without the need for costly (and often inferior) remedies. And if you’re not sure which of these all-natural products can help you, then read on as we talk you through our favourite essential oils for targeting annoying, unappealing warts!
What Causes Warts?
Warts are a common infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) resulting in raised bumps on the skin. They usually appear in clusters or singularly around the face, feet and hands.
While most warts won't typically harm you, they are highly contagious and can easily spread around the body as well as to other people via skin-to-skin contact. In non-severe cases, warts may go away on their own without interference, however, it is recommended to seek treatment to prevent them spreading. Also, they can cause pain and discomfort infor some people, so it’s important to treat warts if you happen to find one on your body.
Over 100 types of warts exist today, with common, plantar and flat warts the types usually found on the body.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Warts
With warts being so common, it has led to many treatments developing over the years to combat them. Conventional methods for wart removal include over the counter and prescription medications, freezing methods and salicylic acid peels. Some dermatologists even offer laser treatment and minor surgery to remove warts, but these can be unnecessary – not to mention costly.
If your warts are not severe, consider using a natural remedy to help combat and treat your warts at home – and put pure and natural essential oils for warts at the top of the shopping list!
Among the many natural wart remedies, several essential oils stand out due to their powerful ingredients that can help fight viruses like HPV and boost the immune system, which can prove helpful as a preventative measure against the virus returning.
Various essential oils contain antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties that are known to do the following:
- Boost the immune system
- Relieve pain and discomfort
- Prevent bacteria growth
- Promote healing
- Inhibit viral activity
- Help fight against infections
Best Essential Oils For Warts
So, among the hundreds of essential oils supporting health and well-being, which are the most effective HPV wart treatments? Here are some of the best essential oils that are known to combat warts at home naturally.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
When you want a natural wart remover, you have to give Tea Tree Essential Oil a try!
With a strong, cleansing aroma, Tea Tree is one of the best essential oils to ward off bacteria and viruses while targeting wounds and infections. Its Terpinen-4-ol constituent helps draw countless manufacturers of soaps, shampoos, and antibacterial gels towards Tea Tree, highly valued for its ability to fight against common pathogens. It’s also an effective immune booster, activating the white blood cells to help fight against viral infection – including warts.
Is Tea Tree Oil beneficial for treating HPV warts? Yes! What's more, you can use Tea Tree Oil for face warts, flat warts and plantar warts (verrucas) to help combat the spread.
How to use: Dilute a few drops of Tea Trea Oil with a carrier oil, apply a few drops of the blend directly to the wart twice daily, covering it with a bandage.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Another incredible oil known to ward off warts naturally is Frankincense.
A natural pain reliever and antioxidant, Frankincense Oil is packed with antiviral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It not only soothes the skin but is known to help boost the immune system and promote healing. It has been highly valued for its use in remedies and rituals for generations and has astringent and healing properties that can help remove warts naturally while protecting against further bacteria growth.
How to use: Dilute Frankincense Oil with a carrier oil following our safe dilution guide and dab a drop of the blended oil on the wart daily.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano, a fresh herb frequently used in cooking, also produces a powerful, potent essential oil - but also proves to be a winner at removing warts naturally.
Oregano Essential Oil has long been valued for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has been seen to help with warding off viruses, reducing irritation and bacteria growth while boosting the immune system to promote overall well-being. Together, these powerful properties may make Oregano Oil helpful for combating warts. And, with its beautifully herbaceous, warm and deeply aromatic scent, you’ll appreciate a sense of relaxation while it’s working hard on fighting your warts.
How to use: After dilution, apply Oregano Oil blend to the wart and cover it. Do this twice a day.
Clove Bud Essential Oil
Here is another pure and natural oil with a dislike for warts: Clove Bud Oil.
Native to the Indonesian Maluku islands, Clove Bud Oil is best known for its rich antioxidising, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It’s all down to its key constituent, Eugenol, a formidable warrior against bacterial and fungal infections. For this reason, Clove Bud is among the essential oils most highly valued for their ability to ward off all kinds of viruses, including warts.
How to use: After diluting Clove Bud Oil with a carrier oil, apply the blend directly to the wart once daily.
Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
Don’t let its spicy and sweet aroma fool you; Cinnamon Oil is a potent powerhouse against warts!
Cinnamon Essential Oil is well known for its rich antioxidising, antiviral and antimicrobial properties, mostly due to the presence of Cinnamaldehyde. This key constituent in Cinnamon Bark helps to inhibit the growth of the human papillomavirus, which causes the warts, and promotes healing when applied topically. So, it doubles up as both a holistic treatment and a prevention method for keeping nasty warts at bay.
How to use: Dilute Cinnamon Bark Oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the wart daily.
Castor Oil
Here’s a bonus natural remedy – not an essential oil but a powerful carrier oil for treating warts, Castor Oil.
With a high content of Ricinoleic acid, packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it is said that Castor Oil removes warts easily. Its ability to deeply penetrate the skin helps to soften the wart tissue, making it easier for the body to break down and eliminate growth. Additionally, the oil's moisturising properties keep the surrounding skin healthy and prevent dryness and irritation.
How to use: Apply Castor Oil directly to the wart twice daily, covering it with a bandage to keep it moisturised.
Dilution Guidelines
Essential oils are extremely potent, so we recommend that they are first diluted in a carrier oil. Our favourites include Coconut Oil, Castor Oil and Almond Oil, although you can choose any carrier oil you like to make your essential oils less potent and safer on the skin.
We recommend performing a skin patch test before your first application to assess for any potential allergic reactions. If you experience a reaction within 24 hours, we recommend you discontinue using your oil.
In the case of genital warts or more severe cases, it is not recommended to use essential oils as the primary treatment. Please consult with your GP or dermatologist when considering implementing essential oils into your treatment plan.
Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before using essential oils for wart treatment.
Other Home Remedies for Warts
Using essential oils to remove warts naturally can be highly effective although it’s just one of many ways to consider reducing those unsightly growths to nothingness. Next time you’re looking to cure a wart, how about trying one of these other natural remedies for yourself?
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart, securing it with a bandage overnight.
- Banana Peel: Rub the inside of a banana peel on the wart daily, using the natural enzymes to help dissolve it.
- Garlic: Apply crushed garlic directly to the wart and cover it with a bandage, leaving it on overnight to harness its antiviral properties.
- Orange Peel: Rub the inner side of an orange peel on the wart every day, allowing the citric acid to gradually break it down.
- Pineapple: Apply fresh pineapple juice to the wart several times a day, utilising its natural enzymes to eat away at the wart.
- Dandelion Weed: Apply the milky sap from a dandelion stem directly to the wart a few times daily.
- Aloe Vera: Apply pure aloe vera gel to the wart daily, benefiting from its soothing and healing properties.
Where to Buy Essential Oils for Warts
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these products will vary. This is why we recommend buying from a reputable supplier like us!
AWO keeps a wide selection of essential oils and carrier oils all available at affordable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities, our costs are significantly less - and we pass this goodness on to our customers. What's more, we are based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
While essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential Oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils for Warts’ section.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.