Can You – or Should You – Use Oregano Oil for Warts?

Freedom from those aggravating bumps is just an herbal essence away.

Listen, getting warts is a perfectly natural part of being a human – but that doesn’t make it any more pleasant. If you or your child has a wart, you’re probably looking for any (safe) solution to make it go away.

Fear not – did you know that many people have success using oregano oil for warts? Oregano oil contains antiviral compounds that help suppress the virus that made it appear in the first place. It’s also far more affordable than a weekly or monthly trip to the dermatologist.

Read on to learn how you can use oregano oil for warts, and prevent them from spreading.

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, flesh-colored bumps that commonly form on the hands, feet, and face. They’re caused by the incurable but ubiquitous Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Warts are typically benign. They tend to go away on their own after a few days if left untreated. However they can be a frustrating nuisance, and most want to get rid of them ASAP instead of waiting for them to go away on their own.

The American Association of Dermatology recommends getting your warts treated by a dermatologist if they’re painful or especially stubborn. However, the cost of medically treating warts on a regular basis can be prohibitive. Furthermore, treatments like chemical freezing and injections can be harsh on your skin, and tend to be more painful. 

Instead, you can opt for homeopathic treatments. Using a plant-based treatment like oregano oil may help warts disappear faster. This means that treating your warts at home could save you money and time.

What Does Oregano Oil Do to Warts?

Oregano oil is an especially potent essential oil. Compounds in oregano oil for warts contain antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiviral properties. That’s pretty impressive for one drop of plant oil!

HPV is a virus; that’s why oregano oil’s antiviral component is so important against warts. The main antiviral property of oregano oil for warts comes from a compound called carvacrol.

So far, carvacrol has been shown to relieve symptoms caused by a wide range of viruses in humans and cows. However, more research needs to be conducted to determine its efficacy on the strains of HPV that cause common warts.

At this point, the research is promising enough to make oregano oil a go-to home remedy for warts.

How to Use Oregano Oil for Warts

Oregano oil is easy to use, but it is extremely concentrated. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tells us that oregano oil is a safe option, but you always want to be sure to take proper precautions.

First, always talk to your doctor before trying a new homeopathic remedy. Second, women who are pregnant should not use oregano oil. Oregano oil may be an emmenagogue, meaning it may have an effect on estrogen. 

Once you’ve cleared those hurdles, you can get started. Here’s how to use oregano oil for warts!

Choose a High Quality Oregano Oil

Essential oils are more popular now than ever before. That means some faux and impure oils are popping up. Be sure to research brands before you buy to ensure you’re purchasing from a trusted company. The effect of oregano oil for warts won’t work with impure or pre-diluted oil.

Aura Cacia 100% Oregano Oil and Majestic Pure Oregano Oil are two cruelty-free, vegan, and high quality options.

Dilute with a Carrier Oil

We know you want to ensure your warts disappear, but don’t overdo it. Start by diluting your oregano oil with coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, or another carrier oil at a 1:4 drop ratio.

If your skin doesn’t have an adverse reaction, you can try 1:3 or 1:2 drop ratios. We don’t advise using pure oregano oil or using a 1:1 ratio.

Apply the Mixture with a Q-tip

You want to apply your oregano oil wart solution with the utmost precision; dip a cotton swab into your mixture, then apply it directly to the top of your wart.

Cover the Wart with a Bandaid

After applying the oil, cover your wart with a bandage. This will help keep the oregano oil from rubbing off, and help prevent the spread of warts to yourself or other people.

HPV is virtually everywhere and is highly contagious. The American Association of Dermatology notes that HPV can infect microscopic wounds, injured cuticles, and soft, wet skin. In fact, board-certified dermatologists suggest that you can develop more warts simply by shaving over a wart, and then continuing to shave the rest of the area (legs or face).

What we’re trying to say is that by covering the wart, you’ll decrease your risk of getting more warts or spreading the virus to others.

Repeat as Needed

You can repeat this application two to three times per day, depending on how sensitive you are to oregano oil. Simply start the process at the first sign of a wart and stop when it’s gone.

Does Oregano Oil Get Rid of Warts?

So, does using oregano oil for warts actually work? Unfortunately, dermatologists have yet to give a solid yes or no to the question. However, ample anecdotal evidence shows that warts disappear faster when treated with oregano oil.

Other Homeopathic Wart Remedies 

Oregon oil isn’t the only plant-based remedy for warts. If you’re allergic to oregano, here are some other options you can try:

Tea Tree Oil for Warts

Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil with strong antibacterial and antiviral effects. You’ll find tea tree oil in natural anti-acne facial cleansers and soaps, and as a key component in skin tag treatments.

After diluting in a carrier oil in a 1:5 solution, apply tea tree oil directly to the wart. Never ingest tea tree oil, and avoid it if you are pregnant or nursing. As mentioned with oregano oil, you can experiment until you find a suitable ratio for your skin – but never apply any essential oil directly onto skin without diluting first.

Clove Oil for Warts

Clove oil is an excellent choice for painful warts. Clove oil is an analgesic, meaning it has a mild numbing effect. It’s been used for warts for hundreds of years. Studies indicate that it may have some antiviral properties, making it a good option for warts.