Natural Health: Genital warts

Q. I have just discovered that my ex-boyfriend has given me genital warts.

I have had them frozen off at the doctor, but would like to know if there is any treatment to help get rid of them forever, or will I have to keep getting them frozen?

A. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is responsible for genital warts, also known as venereal warts. Unfortunately they are highly contagious, so you will need to notify any sexual partners that you have had since your previous boyfriend. It is also worth noting that many people don’t exhibit symptoms, but are still able to spread the virus.

There are a few supplements that can help in this situation. The first is a combination of both folic acid and coriolus versicolor. Coriolus is an Asian mushroom that contains a substance called polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which has been shown to stimulate the immune system. A deficiency in folic acid is thought to increase the likelihood of contracting the virus in the first place, and triggering an outbreak of symptoms if genital warts are present.

The dosage of coriolus is 500mg taken as two tablets or capsules, three times daily with food for a fortnight, followed by one 500mg tablet/capsule three times daily until the warts are no longer present. Take 400mcg (µg or micrograms) daily of folic acid. It is worth noting that this combination has also been shown in clinical trials to eliminate the virulent strain of HPV responsible for cervical cancer.

The other supplement that helps prevent HPV from further spreading and developing is vitamin B12. Vitasorb B12 from Biocare is available from health stores, where 15ml costs €5.50. Take 10 drops daily in water or juice.

Coriolus can be difficult to source in Ireland. If you are unable to purchase it from your local health store, then I suggest that you buy it online from revital.co.uk, where 90 x 500mg tablets cost £22.95. Folic acid is available from health stores, 100 x 400mcg tablets cost from €5.

Q. My mother has trouble with fluid retention, particularly in her ankles and feet which are very swollen, She has problems with indentations as well. She is taking Lipitor for her cholesterol levels as well as Calcichew for calcium.

A. It is likely that your mother is being treated for issues with hypertension, as a daily calcium supplement not only helps to address bone density issues but is often prescribed to help regulate blood pressure. The hypertension and the fluid retention are very likely to be linked, and there are a few dietary changes that will help with both conditions.

Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and cutting back on processed and fatty foods will help. Your mother would do well to take five or six small meals daily rather than three regular meals to reduce the discomfort and swelling in her extremities.

Lipitor does have fluid retention listed as a side effect, so your mother should discuss this with her doctor. While she is there, it would be a good idea to check as to whether or not drinking more water could help. This works well in most cases, but there are rare individuals where water intake must be kept to a minimum, so it is important to check. I also wonder if she has had her thyroid function tested — low thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause the cells to release a large number of water-binding molecules into the connective tissues, leading to the fluid retention, puffiness, and indentation marks you describe.

Asparagus, chard, alfalfa, bananas, cabbage, unsweetened cranberry juice, and yoghurt are all natural diuretics, as are the herbs parsley, juniper berry, dandelion leaf, and yarrow. Dandelion leaf will help with fluid retention, detoxification, and can also reduce blood pressure. Yarrow tea taken cold works well as a diuretic (note that it doesn’t have this property when you drink it hot).

Remind your mother to elevate her legs when resting, and not to cross her legs or ankles. Regular movement will help to get the blood and lymph flowing.