how to get rid of plantar warts? - #31724
I have three plantar warts on my left foot and want to know what to do to get rid of them. Two of them are on the ball of my foot and one is in the middle of my big toe. I know it's a virus and that the location means different things but I can't really figure out what to do about it.


Doctors’ responses
In Ayurveda, plantar warts are viewed as a result of imbalances, often linked to vitiation in the kapha and pitta doshas. Addressing these means not just focusing on the symptom but the underlying cause, the digestive fire, or improper metabolism in tissues (dhatus). Considering the location, especially on the feet, look at lifestyle and dietary habits as a key element.
Start by optimizing your diet to balance kapha and pitta. Avoid heavy, oily, and cold foods that can increase kapha, such as dairy, red meat, and overly processed foods. Incorporate more warm, light meals, like soups with spices known to balance kapha and pitta, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Favor warm water over cold drinks, which can stabilize digestion and cleansing effect.
Externally, applying a paste made of turmeric and honey, or turmeric and aloe vera can be beneficial. Turmeric’s antiseptic properties combined with honey’s soothing effect can minimize wart growth. Use paste twice a day, covering the area for about 30 minutes at a time before rinsing it off with warm water.
Consistenly improve your skin’s health by soaking your feet in warm water with a pinch of sea salt occasionally. This softens skin and helps cleanse the area. After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly – moisture can exacerbate the condition.
Incorporate regular skin hygiene and moisturization. Massage gently both feet with sesame oil, a practice can which reduce stress on feet. Vary walking styles and foot pressures to limit irritation from walking.
Ensure you consider seeing a medical professional, as advanced or widespread growth require medical care. Regular meditation and breathing exercises may also contribute to overall well-being, balancing stress responses.
Monitoring your daily stress, digestion, overall immunity, and skin condition are crucial in holistic healing. These practices should ideally be maintained over weeks for best effect. Any major persistence in symptoms or significant changes prompt a doctor visit promptly.
Plantar warts, known in Ayurveda as parshukashool, involve a viral infection that impacts the skin layers and can be tricky due to their stubborn nature. They might also reflect an imbalance in the body’s agni and increased kapha, which causes this stagnation. An effective solution would be to boost your body’s natural ability to combat them while addressing the root imbalance.
First, you could consider regular sesame oil massages. Warm some sesame oil and gently massage the affected area. This not only nourishes and softens the skin but also enhances circulation, aiding the body’s healing capacity. The oil can penetrate the skin, helping in alleviating kapha accumulation and reducing the size of the warts. Do this once daily, preferably before bedtime.
Incorporating internal remedies can be beneficial too. Turmeric has antiviral properties that might help in reducing the viral load. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water and consume it daily. If you find it more palatable, adding it to milk or your meals can work just as effectively.
Dietary practices play a critical role. Consuming lighter, easily digestible foods aids in balancing kapha dosha. Favor warm, cooked foods, and incorporate spices like black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon to kindle your digestive fire or agni.
External application of a paste made from saindhav lavana (rock salt) mixed with a little water, applied directly on the wart, can help in shrinking the wart over time. Leave this on for 20-30 minutes daily before washing it off.
If you notice any changes in pain intensity, sensation, or if the warts multiply, it may warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional, as delays in addressing infectious conditions might make them harder to treat. Following these practices consistently and monitoring changes can assist gradually in reducing the warts.

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