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How Effective Is Oregano Oil for Warts?

A. Gamm
A. Gamm

As with several other homeopathic remedies, many people have been using oregano oil for warts for several years with little scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. In fact, while some research has been done on the antibiotic and antifungal properties of oregano oil, as of 2011 there has been no research done on its use for warts. The research that has been done, however, does suggest that the oregano oil may in fact be at least partially useful for warts — if it does not eliminate them altogether.

Very little research has been done on oregano oil, and as of 2011 there is no research on the effectiveness of oregano oil for warts. Research that has been done on the oil centers on its antifungal and antibacterial properties. The conclusions of the studies suggest oregano oil has potential in fighting both fungal and bacterial infections. Oregano oil may also fight parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal system. As such, according to some medical professionals, the suggestion that oregano oil may be effective in wart removal is not impossible.

It is wise to consult with a doctor prior to using oregano oil for warts.
It is wise to consult with a doctor prior to using oregano oil for warts.

It is the carvacrol in oregano oil that suggests it may be beneficial for treating most types of warts. Carvacrol is a very strong antibacterial that has been shown in some studies to help combat numerous conditions. The level of concentration in this antibiotic needed in order to make oregano oil effective for treating warts is anywhere between 62 percent and 85 percent. Higher concentrations are rare to find and may not be any more effective.

Warts on a hand.
Warts on a hand.

There are many different suggestions for an effective oregano oil dose. One suggestion is to dilute the oregano oil with a carrier oil to lessen the abrasiveness of the oil, which may cause burning when in undiluted contact with the skin. The typical dilution is 1 teaspoon of oregano oil with 8 teaspoons of either sweet almond oil or coconut oil. Typically, the dilution should be applied four times a day, and results are normally seen within a week.

Preliminary research has suggested that oregano oil might help with warts.
Preliminary research has suggested that oregano oil might help with warts.

One other popular suggestion for the most effective use of oregano oil for warts is to apply it directly on the wart, while making sure that as little of the oil goes on the surrounding skin as possible. Some suggest that a couple of drops be applied directly on the warts. Others recommend a cotton ball be soaked in the oil and left on the warts for an extended period of time. Normally, direct application of oregano oil requires only two doses each day with the wart disappearing within weeks. As with all treatments, doctor consultation is recommended prior to any attempts of using oregano oil for warts.

Discussion Comments

anon998896

Oregano oil is not a "homeopathic remedy." The vast majority of homeopathic so-called "remedies" contain supposed active ingredients at such dilutions that, in some cases, such as Oscillococcinum. The odds are extremely remote that there would even be one molecule of the poor duck that they started out with in any of the end product. Oregano oil, on the other hand, contains real amounts of real chemicals, chemicals that are highly active biologically. Carvacrol, which makes up about half to two-thirds or more of oregano oil, is a phenol, which is highly acidic, not as much as stomach acid, but, just its acidity alone should affect warts. The substance is well known for its activity against microorganisms.

anon997615

Keep applying it until the wart goes away.

anon991838

I had a stubborn wart that responded to oregano oil - applied topically to the wart twice a day. I also took two drops a day orally with water. It is a strong substance so one needs to be careful. Do not use with a plastic bandage as the wart will burn through the plastic. If you have sensitive skin, dilute with another oil.

I had tried freezing the wart and using OTC gels, but they did not get rid of the wart. Only oregano oil worked for me.

literally45

A friend of mine said that she cured her warts with oregano oil. But she didn't apply it topically, she said she took an oregano oil supplement.

I'm not sure if that's safe, I guess it is safe since the supplement is sold at pharmacies. I'm going to keep this in mind the next time I get a wart. I had one last year and I had it frozen at the doctor's office, but it left a small scar. Oregano oil does have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, so it might really be effective for warts, especially when taken internally.

I wouldn't give it to my kids though and I'm sure pregnant women shouldn't use it either.

SteamLouis

@ZipLine-- Oregano oil didn't work for me. I diluted it but it was still very strong. It felt like it was burning my skin and my wart looked red and irritated, so I stopped applying it.

ZipLine

I don't know what the studies say, but I'm speaking from experience when I say that oregano oil works for warts.

It takes a while for the wart to disappear this way, but I think it's worth it. I applied diluted oregano oil on my wart daily for two months. There isn't even a scar there now.

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    • It is wise to consult with a doctor prior to using oregano oil for warts.
      By: Remzi
      It is wise to consult with a doctor prior to using oregano oil for warts.
    • Warts on a hand.
      By: Tiler84
      Warts on a hand.
    • Preliminary research has suggested that oregano oil might help with warts.
      By: Okea
      Preliminary research has suggested that oregano oil might help with warts.
    • The ability of oregano oil to treat warts is scientifically unproven.
      By: Arve Bettum
      The ability of oregano oil to treat warts is scientifically unproven.
    • Oregano oil can be used to eliminate the symptoms of genital herpes, which may be spread despite the use of condoms.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Oregano oil can be used to eliminate the symptoms of genital herpes, which may be spread despite the use of condoms.