Home Remedies and Herbs for Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are small growths that form on the heels or soles of your feet. While plantar warts aren’t a serious medical condition, they can become a nuisance. If left untreated, plantar warts can begin to harden from too much pressure on the feet. Over time, this can cause more pain. 

Plantar warts are easily mistaken for calluses or corns, but they are something different entirely. Because they are caused by a viral infection, they can spread easily and can be difficult to control. Additionally, plantar warts can often recur even after treatment.
 
What Causes Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are caused by a type of HPV (human papillomavirus) viral infection. The HPV infection enters the foot through small cracks or tears in the skin. The skin on the bottom of the feet can be exposed to all kinds of surfaces that carry the HPV virus, exposing your feet to infection and eventual plantar warts.^1,2

It’s important to know that HPV is an incredibly common virus, and there are over 100 different kinds. But not everyone who comes into contact with the HPV virus will become infected and develop warts. Some people’s immune systems are just more susceptible to infection and developing plantar warts.¹

Plantar warts infections can be transmitted especially in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, gyms and locker rooms. It’s important to wear sandals or shoes in these environments to prevent spreading and contracting plantar warts.^1,2

Plantar Warts Symptoms

Plantar wart symptoms affect the bottoms of the feet, heels and toes. Plantar warts symptoms include:

• Small, fleshy growths that have a rough texture
• Thick, callused spots on the bottom of the feet
• Black pinpoints (wart seeds)
• Pain and soreness when standing or walking

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Plantar Warts

Natural remedies for plantar warts include:

• Banana Peel - Placing the inside of a banana peel over plantar warts can help reduce inflammation and heal the infection.
• Fig Leaf Sap - Applying fig leaf sap to plantar warts can help dissolve and remove them from your feet.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Using apple cider vinegar as a topical remedy can help dissolve plantar warts.
• Echinacea - Echinacea is a natural antiviral remedy that can boost the immune system to help fight plantar wart infections.
• Goldenseal - Goldenseal has antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system and heal plantar wart infections.

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352691
2. https://draxe.com/plantar-warts/