Warts are a common viral infection, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Although warts will eventually heal by themselves over time, essential oils help to speed up the healing time. Some essential oils contain the necessary properties to heal warts; they are antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Dilute essential oils for warts in a carrier oil or lotion such as wheatgerm or apricot kernel oil. Do not use essential oils for the treatment of genital warts before consulting a doctor.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is an extremely effective treatment of warts, says Patricia Davis in her book “Aromatherapy An A-Z.” Patrica Davis recommends using tea tree oil undiluted on a wart, but only if you are experienced in the use of essential oils 12. Tea tree oil may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Lemon Essential Oil
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Lemon essential oil is an antiseptic, astringent and anti-bacterial oil; it can be used as an alternative to tea tree oil in the treatment of warts. Lemon oil has a fresh, uplifting aroma and is a top note oil. Take care in the use of lemon oil in the sun and ultraviolet light as it is a phototoxic oil; it might also cause some skin sensitization.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is an astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic oil, which is good for treating many skin conditions. Frankincense oil is a base note oil with a rich, balsamic aroma. According to Julia Lawless, in her book “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils,” frankincense essential oil does not have any known side effects 3.
Lavender Essential Oil
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Lavender essential oil is antiseptic and anti-microbial, and is excellent in the treatment of many skin conditions. It is a gentle oil which is suitable for use by the majority of people. Close relatives of true lavender essential oil include spike lavender and lavendin essential oil, which can be substituted for the same use, in the majority of cases.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is an antiseptic and anti-viral oil. It is a native Australian oil, like tea tree oil, and is generally non-sensitizing and non-irritating to the skin, if used correctly. However, its camphor aroma might be too harsh for some people.
Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress essential oil is antiseptic and astringent. Valerie Ann Worwood, in her book “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy,” suggests combining cypress oil with lemon oil in the treatment of warts 2. Cypress oil is suitable for use by the majority of people.
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References
- “Aromatherapy An A – Z” Patricia Davis; 2005
- “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy”; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils”; Julia Lawless; 1995
- de Groot AC, Schmidt E. Essential oils, part IV. Contact allergy. Dermatitis. 2016;27(4):170-175. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000197
- Posadzki P, Alotaibi A, Ernst E. Adverse effects of aromatherapy: a systematic review of case reports and case series. International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine. 2012;24(3):147-161.
- University of Minnesota. How do I choose and use essential oils?
- University of Minnesota. Are essential oils safe?
- Nath S, Pandey C, Roy D. A near fatal case of high dose peppermint oil ingestion- Lessons learnt. Indian J Anaesth. 2012;56(6):582-. doi:10.4103/0019-5049.104585
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Essential oil poisoning. Updated June 2017.
- Bowles, Joy E. Case study – possible interaction of herbal sleep remedy containing Lavender essential oil and anxiolytic drugs. Updated 2018.
Writer Bio
Sharon Falsetto is a certified aromatherapist who founded her own aromatherapy practice in Arizona in 2007. She has been writing professionally since 2008 and has been published in a variety of professional journals and e-zines. Falsetto is the Arizona regional director for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and she has a degree in business from the U.K.