Holistic Cures for HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) sounds frightening, but it is really just a scientific name for a very common virus. There are cases of HPV causing cervical cancer, but most frequently the virus causes nothing more than a few warts. That being said, there are holistic ways of attacking the virus by boosting the immune system. These statements have not been evaluated by doctors or the FDA; exercise cautions when using a new dietary or supplemental method.
Boost the Immune System
There are several herbs and vitamins you can use to boost the immune system, making it harder to invade by viruses. A Chinese herb called huang qi or astragalus can boost the immune system by increasing the levels of immune-stimulating compounds like interferons. The herb goldenseal contains berberine, a compound that helps to stimulate immune function. Vitamin C in either supplement form or in the form of citrus fruits can help improve immune-system effectiveness, though there is no need to take several tablets that have more than 100% of the FDA recommended amount per day. Zinc is used in many immune-system supplements. Take zinc in supplement or lozenge form. Probiotics have been connected to an improvement in digestion and immunity. Last and certainly not least is to fill your diet with raw fruits and vegetables to increase fiber content, healthy enzymes, vitamins and minerals to ensure your body is at its best.
The Anti-Viral Method
By using herbs and supplements that inhibit and cause cell death in viruses, you can keep HPV from spreading in your body. Echinacea has been used for immunity-boosting for years, but the most verifiable property it has is anti-viral. There is a compound in echinacea called chicoric acid, which is thought to inhibit an enzyme in viruses called integrase. Stopping this enzyme stops the virus from multiplying. Croton lechleri (dragon's blood) has been used to treat the herpes virus and heal wounds more quickly than the body could on its own. Garlic has been used as an anti-viral and an antibacterial supplement in both its natural and capsule form. The juniper plant contains an anti-viral compound called deoxypodophyllotoxin, which has been used on herpes, flu and other viruses. Other herbs that have been linked to anti-viral properties are lemon balm, licorice, shiitake mushrooms, eucalyptus, honeysuckle, ginger and turmeric.
Warts at the Source
If your HPV has manifested as a single wart or a group of warts, there are a few natural treatments you can use to improve your condition. Pure aloe vera extract has been used for years for skin conditions, and warts will become less inflamed after use. A piece of moistened birch or willow bark secured to the skin area of the wart can help with irritation and can heal the wart area as well. These barks can also be made into a tea and then rubbed onto the wart. Bloodroot contains enzymes that can help to dissolve warts; look for lotions that contain the herb. Extracts from dandelion plants and lemons work wonders when applied to a wart a few times a day. Vitamin C can also be ground into a powder and applied directly to a wart to help it naturally break down.
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