The treatment of human papillomavirus, or HPV, an\hd cervical dysplasia (abnormal cervical cells) are fraught with controversy. HPV refers to hundreds of types of sexually transmitted skin-to-skin contact viruses that pose a health risk. There are 13 HPV types that are known to cause cancer (CDC, 2024). Nearly 80 million people in the United States have some form of the virus, but most do not experience any symptoms, and women experience symptoms more than men. For most people, the virus poses no problems. In a small percentage of people, it can lead to genital warts or to cervical cancer, which can be terminal. It is not always obvious that a sexual partner has the virus.
- By age 50, about 80% of women will have been infected with HPV.
- HPV types are classified as:
- Non-oncogenic – causes warts.
- Oncogenic – can lead to cancer.
(CDC, 2024)
Integrating Conventional Care and Self-Care
Effective treatment should combine professional treatment and self-care at home. Like many health care options there are pros and cons to each, and elements that may factor into your individual situation, include time, resources, and health beliefs.
Regular Papanicolaou tests, or Pap smears, can identify any cervical cell changes and a program to enhance immune function. Many women who wish to bear children want alternatives that reduce risk of conventional treatments and yet herbal and natural medicines also pose some risks.
Self-care methods at home that use herbal medicines and foods should complement care and oversight provided by a conventional professional where cervical dysplasia is present due to HPV. After appropriate screening is in place, attention can shift toward strengthening the immune system, which is crucial to suppress HPV activity.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immune Support
Traditional Chinese Medicine can identify systemic imbalances, including the use of specific herbs to support your ability to suppress and counteract the effects of a virus. The foundation of any treatment of cancerous cells or prevention of abnormal cell progression to cancer can include the use of high-dose oral pancreatic enzymes, preferably as part of a protocol under the care of a professional. Within TCM, certain herbal categories are traditionally used to address the patterns often associated with HPV-related conditions.
Heat-Clearing and Dampness-Eliminating Herbs for HPV
- Huangbai (Phellodendron chinense) – clears heat and toxins, dries dampness.
- Kushen (Sophora flavescens) – clears heat, reduces inflammation, and kills pathogens.
- Daqingye (Isatis indigotica) – clears heat, detoxifies, and supports immune function.
- Zicao (Arnebia hispidissima) – clears heat, cools the blood, and promotes healing of sores.
- Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis diffusa) – clears heat, reduces inflammation, and detoxifies tissues.
- Banlangen (Isatis tinctoria) – clears heat, detoxifies, and supports antiviral activity.
- Huzhang (Reynoutria japonica) – clears heat, reduces dampness, and supports blood circulation.
- Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) – strengthens immunity and supports overall vitality.
(Bravo et al., 2023)
These herbal preparations help to address systemic imbalances while localized treatment can help address specific infection sites.
Topical Ointments and Suppositories for HPV
Green tea extracts applied topically in ointments limit the progression of HPV as well as cervical dysplasia, and green tea suppositories can also be helpful. A probiotics-rich diet rich in garlic and onions enhances the function of the immune system. Viral clearance involves the
Liver Support and Virus Suppression
Indian gooseberry fruit (Phyllanthus emblica) is a valuable Ayurvedic fruit and herb that can be eaten pickled, fresh, or dried and is available in capsule form. It may be used daily for liver and immune support, and it has shown inhibitory activity against the virus HPV. Licorice root also supports immune health and targets HPV. The active compound Glycyrrhiza glabra, is shown to trigger apoptosis (cell death) in abnormal cervical cells and reduce the levels of two HPV proteins, E6 and E7, which are linked to uncontrolled cell growth (Huang et al., 2023).
Foods That Suppress HPV
Eating raw or slightly cooked foods from the Brassica genus (broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower) may suppress the HPV virus. Indole-3-carbinol is one of the metabolites formed during the breakdown of glucobrassicin, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables that is associated with anticancer activity. Indole-3-carbinol supplements have been explored in the treatment of cervical/vulvar cancers and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Because the effects are strongest in raw brassicas, most daily servings should be raw and consumed along with a small amount of lightly cooked vegetables daily.
Escharotic Treatment or Loop Electrical Excision Procedure for HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention
Escharotic treatment refers to applying an herbal escharotic agent to the cervical lesion topically that burns the lesion and destroys cancerous or precancerous cells. Proteolytic enzymes and a variety of herbs are applied directly to the lesions. This treatment is often done instead of the loop electrical excision procedure, which has potential complications as well as benefits. There is a significant debate about the utility and dangers of escharotic treatment, and some herbalists and naturopath advocates are vehemently opposed to it. Like most medical choices where risk is involved, the decision becomes a matter of personal philosophy. Finances may affect options and since there are risks inherent in both methods, the risk benefits should be addressed with health care providers. Trusting an intervention is often linked to trust in the provider and feeling heard and understood by her. There is no easy answer to choices for treatment but obtaining several expert opinions can help you decide your next steps.
Adapted from Natural Women by Dr. Leslie Korn, this blog draws on her expertise.
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