With the rising rates of HPV, people are seeking out more natural options to manage their symptoms and prevent recurrences. That’s why we’ve put together our top 10 list of herbs for HPV!
Lifestyle changes can really help support your immune system against viral infections of any kind, not just HPV!
Read below to know more about HPV, if you should be worried, and how to manage it using natural methods!
Herbal Remedies
Human papillomavirus is highly contagious and is responsible for warty growths in human beings with some strains having also been linked to cancers of cervix and penis.
If you are looking for natural treatments, herbs are one way to help treat HPV. These herbs are not only effective against HPV but almost all types of viruses can benefit from herbal remedies as most of them carry strong antiviral properties.
There are many antiviral herbal remedies for HPV that can also boost the immune system; we’ve included some of the best studied ones below:
Thuja Oil and Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree and thuja oils are natural antibacterial, antifungals and antivirals. The oils broad-spectrum properties can be used to treat a number of skin ailments, including HPV warts.
A drop of pure tea tree oil applied to affected areas daily has been found to be an effective topical treatment to clear warts.
Tea Tree Oil
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is one of the best anti-microbials, commonly known as a natural antibiotic. The herb is one of the top selling botanical medicine in North America, often taken to prevent cold and flus.
An alkaloid component of goldenseal, called berberine has been found to inhibit certain tumor promoters and inhibit angiogenesis.
More research is needed on the direct impact of berberine on HPV infections but its actions in stimulating the immune system are thought to improve viral clearance.
Goldenseal
Astragalus
This herb appears to increase antibodies and interferon levels in the body. It enhances the immune-system activity by stimulating the activity of helper-T cells and is therefore helpful in the treatment of immune deficiency-related problems.
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It works so well that it’s not recommended long term as it can overstimulate your immune system. It’s available in the form of daily supplements for whole body benefits and can also be applied topically.
Astragalus has also been specifically studied for its inhibitory effect on cervical epithelial cell growth (cervical cancer cell growth).
Astragalus
Reishi Mushroom Extract
Medicinal mushroom enhances the activity of T-helper cells or CD4 cells, both of which are immensely important for immune function.
It also stimulates the production of interferons, IL-1 and IL-2, involved in quickly initiating the immune system to react. This helps fight serious conditions by not only supporting but also regulating the immune system.
Clinical studies have also shown that the use of Reishi can dramatically impact the clearance of HPV.
Reishi Mushroom
Green Tea Extract
This herb contains polyphenols, catechins, and flavanoids. These are potent anti-cancer compounds. Results of a controlled study confirmed that a botanical supplement containing green tea extract is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for external genital and anal warts.
In viral infections, the active compound called epigallocatechinagallate (EGCG), has been found to inhibit the early stage of infections, through attachment, entry and membrane fusion by interfering with viral membrane proteins.
Read our latest post about green tea extract and cervical cancer to find out more!
Green Tea
Echinacea
A popular botanical used to fight colds and flu has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties. Numerous studies have also shown the extract to possess significant antiviral activity, with virucidal effect against influenza, herpes, and coronaviruses.
The herb works by inhibiting initial contact with the virus at the beginning of infection and preventing further transmission to infected cells.
Echinacea has been found to reduce the relapse risk and induce a protective immune response to viral clearance in patients with HPV lesions over a period of 12 months.
Echinacea can be taken as a supplement, tonic, and can also be used for topical application.
Echinacea
Curcumin
This is the active ingredient in Indian spice turmeric. It contains a class of compounds called curcuminoids that act by suppressing regulatory molecules and signaling pathways involved in upregulating cancers and other diseases.
The compound has been found to suppress cell growth and tumor formation and induce phase II metabolizing enzymes and antiangiogenic effects.
Curcumin has an effect on enhancing the clearance of high risk HPV 16, and downregulating the HPV oncogene expression against cancers.
Cucumin derived from Turmeric
Garlic
Garlic has long been supported for its role in preventing disease and supporting health. The herb is said to have pharmacologic effects based on its ability to be hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, anticoagulant, antimicrobial, and an immune system modulator.
Garlics immune boosting and anti-viral properties provide benefits to HPV clearance, through enhancing natural killer cells that destroy viral pathogens and other immune molecules that target infected cells.
The herb can be taken orally through food, applied topically to warts, and also ingested in high doses for immune functioning.
Garlic
Birch
Willow bark, or birch bark can be used as an astringent in wound and wart healing. The extract contains salicin, as acid that helps dissolve warts.
Birch can be applied topically to break down the hard coverings of the warts.
Birtch Bark
Ginkgo Biloba
This herb is a potent antioxidant and also helps improve circulation, particularly the circulation of blood to your brain. It has been used for years in traditional medicine.
Ginkgo contains ginkgolic acids with alkylphenol constituents that have been shown to have antitumor effects through disrupting cellular function and viral entry into a variety of viruses.
There is limited research on ginkgo on HPV but the underlying mechanisms found in exisiting research suggest it would be useful in clearing HPV infections as well.
Ginkgo Biloba
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf contains a high quantity and variety polyphenols that are anti-inflammatory and protect against DNA damage.
The leaf has been shown to be useful against many viral illnesses, the olive leaf induces cell death of cervical cancer cells, a common outcome of high risk HPV strains.
Olive Leaf
Herbs for HPV: Special Mentions
Bayberry, Horehound, Red clover, Fenugreek and Hawthorn can also be useful herbal remedies for HPV as these enhance the immune system’s response to viruses.
These herbal remedies for HPV are available as supplements (to act internally), tonics, and can also be applied topically. Herbal remedies for HPV have little to no side effects.
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Conclusion
So there you have it! Our top 10 herbs for HPV!
If you are interested in finding out our recommendations for herbal antiviral remedies in general, please take a look at our antiviral herbs article!
For a supplement that packs essential ingredients to help you better respond to HPV, why not check out Papillex and make a positive change today!
