Natural Treatment for Warts Using Plant Oils
Warts can be annoying and even embarrassing, especially if they show up on your hands, face, or feet. But did you know that there are natural ways to treat warts at home using plant oils? These oils come from herbs, trees, and flowers, and many have been used for centuries to help with skin problems. In this article, we’ll explain what warts are, what causes them, and how you can use plant oils to get rid of them naturally.
What Are Warts?
Warts are small, rough bumps that grow on the skin. They are usually not dangerous, but they can spread and sometimes hurt, especially on the feet (these are called plantar warts). Warts are caused by a virus called HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus.
There are different types of warts:
Common warts – usually found on fingers, hands, or knees
Plantar warts – found on the bottoms of your feet
Flat warts – smoother and smaller, often on the face or legs
Filiform warts – long and narrow, usually around the mouth, eyes, or nose
Periungual warts – found around fingernails and toenails
Warts spread when you touch something that has the virus on it, like a shared towel or public shower floor. If you have a cut or scrape, the virus can enter your skin more easily.
Why Use Natural Plant Oils?
Doctors can freeze warts or burn them off, but those treatments can be painful, expensive, and may leave a scar. That’s why some people prefer using natural plant oils. These oils are gentle on the skin, often smell nice, and many have virus-fighting (antiviral) and skin-healing properties.
Let’s take a look at some plant oils that have been used to treat warts in natural and safe ways.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Where it comes from: The leaves of the tea tree, which grows in Australia.
Why it works: Tea tree oil is known for its strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It can help fight the virus that causes warts and dry out the wart over time.
How to use it:
Clean the area with warm water and soap.
Use a cotton swab to apply a drop or two of tea tree oil directly on the wart.
Cover it with a small bandage.
Repeat this once or twice a day.
Note: Some people have sensitive skin. If tea tree oil feels too strong or burns, you can mix it with a little coconut oil or olive oil to make it gentler.
2. Oregano Oil
Where it comes from: The oregano herb, which is used in cooking but also has healing power.
Why it works: Oregano oil contains a compound called carvacrol, which helps fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It may help break down the wart and stop it from spreading.
How to use it:
Mix 1-2 drops of oregano oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil (because oregano oil is very strong).
Apply the mixture to the wart with a cotton swab.
Cover with a bandage.
Do this once or twice a day until the wart disappears.
Caution: Don’t use oregano oil on sensitive areas like your face or near your eyes without asking an adult or doctor first.
3. Thuja Oil
Where it comes from: The leaves of the Thuja tree (also called arborvitae), often used in herbal medicine.
Why it works: Thuja oil is especially known in homeopathy and herbal traditions as a remedy for warts. It helps stimulate your immune system to fight the virus.
How to use it:
Apply one drop of thuja oil directly to the wart.
Let it soak in or cover it with a bandage.
Repeat once or twice daily.
Note: Don’t swallow thuja oil. It’s only for use on the skin.
4. Castor Oil
Where it comes from: The seeds of the castor plant.
Why it works: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which may help shrink warts and soften tough skin. It also keeps the skin moist, which helps with healing.
How to use it:
Apply a few drops of castor oil to the wart.
Gently rub it in.
You can leave it uncovered or put a bandage on top.
Repeat 2–3 times a day.
Extra tip: Some people mix castor oil with baking soda to make a thick paste, which they apply overnight for extra power.
5. Lemon Essential Oil
Where it comes from: The peel of fresh lemons.
Why it works: Lemon oil contains citric acid and other natural chemicals that may help fight viruses and break down wart tissue.
How to use it:
Dab one drop of lemon oil on the wart.
Be careful not to get it on healthy skin—it can make skin sensitive to sunlight.
Cover with a bandage and reapply daily.
Tip: Use lemon oil at night to avoid sun exposure during the day.
6. Frankincense Oil
Where it comes from: The resin of the Boswellia tree, often used in perfumes and incense.
Why it works: Frankincense has been used for centuries for healing. It’s anti-inflammatory and may help break down wart tissue gently.
How to use it:
Apply 1 drop to the wart.
Cover with a bandage.
Use once or twice a day.
7. Eucalyptus Oil
Where it comes from: The leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which smells fresh and minty.
Why it works: Eucalyptus oil has antiviral and soothing properties. It helps dry out the wart and keeps the area clean.
How to use it:
Dilute it with a little coconut oil or olive oil.
Apply the mix to the wart.
Repeat every day.
Helpful Tips for Using Plant Oils
Be patient. Natural treatments can take a few weeks to work.
Wash your hands before and after touching the wart.
Don’t pick or scratch the wart. This can spread the virus.
Use a bandage after applying oils to keep the area covered and clean.
Test for skin reactions by putting a tiny amount of oil on your wrist first. If it itches or burns, stop using it.
What If Natural Oils Don’t Work?
Most small warts go away on their own, but sometimes they don’t. If the wart gets bigger, spreads, or becomes painful, talk to a parent or doctor. You may need stronger medicine or a medical treatment like freezing or laser therapy.
Also, if you’re not sure if the bump is really a wart, it’s best to ask a doctor before trying anything.
How to Avoid Getting Warts
The best way to deal with warts is not to get them in the first place! Here’s how you can protect yourself:
Wear flip-flops in public showers, locker rooms, and pools.
Keep your feet dry—warts like moist places.
Don’t share towels, shoes, or razors with others.
Cover cuts and scrapes with a bandage.
Don’t bite your nails or pick at hangnails (this can let the virus in).
Fun Fact: Banana Peels and Garlic Too!
While this article focuses on plant oils, some people also use other natural items like:
Banana peel: Tape a piece of peel (inside part) over the wart at night.
Garlic: Crush a clove and place it on the wart for a few hours a day.
These aren’t oils, but they come from plants and might be worth a try!
Conclusion
Warts might seem scary, but they’re common and usually harmless. Natural plant oils like tea tree, oregano, and castor oil can be safe, gentle ways to treat warts at home. Just remember to be patient, stay clean, and protect your skin.
If you ever feel unsure or if the wart doesn’t go away, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your body has a great way of healing itself—with a little help from nature.