Homeopathic remedies for warts
Homeopathic remedies for warts involve the use of highly diluted substances aimed at treating these benign skin growths, which are typically caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can be spread through direct contact with skin or surfaces in communal areas. Various homeopathic treatments, including remedies like Antimonium crudum, Thuja occidentalis, and Nitric acidum, are traditionally used based on a person’s specific symptoms and characteristics. However, scientific studies evaluating the efficacy of these homeopathic approaches have generally found little evidence to support their effectiveness, often showing results comparable to placebo treatments.
Despite the array of remedies suggested in homeopathy, including options tailored to specific symptoms and skin types, the outcomes from clinical trials have been underwhelming. Traditional alternatives such as apple cider vinegar and garlic have also been mentioned as natural treatments, although they lack robust scientific validation. While some individuals report subjective benefits from these remedies, the consensus in clinical research highlights a need for caution when relying on homeopathic treatments for warts. Overall, those considering these options should be aware of the limited scientific backing and explore a variety of perspectives on wart treatment.
Homeopathic remedies for warts
DEFINITION: The use of highly diluted remedies to treat a common, benign skin growth caused by a viral infection.
- STUDIED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: Antimonium crudum; Calcarea carbonica; Causticum; combination treatment of oral A. crudum plus topical Thuja and Nitric acidum; Natrum muriaticum; Nitric acidum; Sepia; staphysagria; sulfur; Thuja occidentalis
Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies
Warts are benign skin growths that occur on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They transfer between people through genital contact or by contact with surfaces in locker rooms, swimming pools, or other communal areas. While the list of classical homeopathic treatments for warts is rather long, there is little evidence that any of them are effective. One large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 174 participants tested a fixed homeopathic treatment plan for plantar warts (warts on the soles of the feet). The trial involved a six-week course of treatment consisting of one tube of Thuja 30c (centesimal) weekly, five pellets of Antimonium crudum 7c daily, and one tube of Nitric acidum 7c daily. The results of this complex protocol were not encouraging: at the end of the treatment period and the post-treatment follow-up, homeopathic treatment of plantar warts had not proved itself any more effective than placebo.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a negative outcome enrolled seventy children with warts on the backs of their hands. These children were assessed according to classical homeopathy for assignment to one of ten preselected remedies. Each participant was then randomly treated either with the remedy indicated by the assessment or with a placebo. Once more, the results were disappointing. Finally, a similar study conducted in 2020 came to similar conclusions in that the treatment of patients’ warts with homeopathy and placebo had no statistical difference.
Traditional Homeopathic Treatments
Classical homeopathy offers possible homeopathic treatments for warts. These therapies are chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment.
People who can be described as romantic, gluttonous, sleepy, weary, peevish, and sulky and who have horny warts on the hands and feet or flat warts fit the symptom picture for A. crudum. Those who have cold hands, feet, knees, and heads, whose hands are clammy, and who sweat on the top of the head at night fit the picture for Calcarea carbonica. This treatment is often used for babies and children. Homeopathic practitioners use N. acidum to treat large jagged warts that bleed when washed and Thuja occidentalis to treat warts that are large, seedy, and pedunculated (meaning they have a stalk at the base).
Natrum muriaticum might be the right classical remedy for responsible, reserved people who have hot, moist palms but skin that is drying and cracking around the nail beds; who do not like direct, prolonged exposure to the sun; who have headaches; and who have skin conditions such as warts, fever blisters, or eczema.
Sepia (the ink from a cuttlefish) is a remedy used for many skin conditions. The skin of a patient needing sepia is described as blotchy, dry, rough, cracked or crusty, and pigmented with freckles, moles, sun spots, and age spots. The warts of a person who could use sepia may, over time, also develop pigmentation.
The warts of a person who may fit the picture for staphysagria are said to look like figs or cauliflowers on stalks. Itching is another characteristic of the skin symptoms indicating this remedy.
The homeopathic indications for sulfur are numerous. Among its many other uses, sulfur is traditionally used to treat skin symptoms, including warts. The skin of a person who might respond well to sulfur is typically dry, warm, and red. However, this remedy has a reputation for aggravating some people's skin symptoms.
Graphites and Lycopodium clavatum are also believed to be an effective homeopathic remedy for some warts. Finally, persons who have warts located on the tips of their fingers or nose might benefit from Causticum. The warts described for this remedy are large and jagged and bleed easily.
Other natural treatments for warts include apple cider vinegar, banana peels, garlic, orange peels, pineapple, potato, dandelion weed, aloe vera, aspirin, clear nail polish, vitamin C, vitamin E, bee propolis, castor oil, Duct tape, and tea tree oil. These remedies lack scientific evidence, but some people report benefits with their use. Minimal evidence supports the use of grapefruit seed extract (Citrus paradisi), probiotic supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, and daily multivitamins to help speed recovery and prevent warts.
Bibliography
Dey, Samit, et al. “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Pilot Trial of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines for Cutaneous Warts.” Homeopathy, vol. 1, no. 10, 2021, pp. 149-159. Thieme, www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0040-1722232.pdf.
Doheny, Kathleen. "Warts: Treatments and Home Remedies." WebMD, 11 Sept. 2024, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/warts-treatments-home-remedies. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Kainz, J. T., et al. “Homeopathic Versus Placebo Therapy of Children with Warts on the Hands.” Dermatology, vol. 193, 1996, pp. 318-20.
Labrecque, M., et al. “Homeopathic Treatment of Warts.” CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 146, 1992, pp. 1749-53.
Nunez, Kirsten. "16 Natural Home Remedies for Warts." Healthline, 13 Feb. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-warts. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Sharma, Vikas. “Homeopathic Medicine for Warts - Homeopathy Treatment.” Homeopathy at DrHomeo.com, 2023, www.drhomeo.com/warts/homeopathic-medicines-for-warts. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.
Simonart, T., and V. D. Maertelaer. “Systemic Treatments for Cutaneous Warts.” Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 6 Nov. 2010. doi.org/10.3109/09546634.2010.500324. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.