Plantar Warts

Plantar warts (also known as cystic warts or plantar epidermoid cysts) occur on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papilloma virus. Naturopathic medicine treats the body wholistically and will look to address this condition both internally (antiviral supplements) and topically for best results. Often many types of warts will disappear on their own accord within 6 months, once the virus has been eradicated.

Diet tips for plantar warts

  • Support liver function by increasing foods such as broccoli, garlic, onions, ginger, cauliflower, green beans as these contain sulphur amino acids to kill off virus’
  • Herbal teas such as green tea, dandelion, chicory, peppermint and ginger to support liver function and blood cleansing
  • Decrease foods such as tea, coffee, alcohol, preserved and processed foods, dairy, wheat and sugar
  • Ensure adequate hydration (2 litres of water/ day)
  • Begin each day with a small glass of warm water with ½ lemon squeezed in it. This cleanses the bowel, increases liver detoxification, contains vitamin C and promotes digestion

Lifestyle factors for plantar warts

  • Ensure that you wear comfortable shoes as ill fitting shoes may exacerbate the pain caused by a plantar wart

Natural remedies for plantar warts

  • The homeopathic remedy Thuja 6x has been used historically for the treatment of warts. You should be able to purchase this from your local health food store.
  • Antiviral herbs Echinacea, Golden Seal, Honeysuckle, Forsythia, Andrographis and Licorice
  • Improve your antioxidant status as it may help to reduce the frequency of out breaks. Herbs such as Polygonum, Turmeric, St Marys Thistle, Green Tea, Grape seed or nutritionals such as Vitamin E, Zinc, B Vitamins, itamin A, Vitamin C and Selenium
  • An old folk remedy is to wrap a banana skin topically over the area and bandaging overnight. This treatment can be continued for a couple of weeks
  • Colloidal silver taken internally or applied topically is a potent antiviral
  • For relief of itch and swelling the following can be diluted and used topically, tea tree oil, Melissa oil aloe vera gel, chickweed ointment or lavender oil