Head lice are tiny flat wingless insects of between 2 and 4 mm in length, which cling onto the hair at the root. These insects feed on human blood from the scalp, and can cause intense itching and tiredness. They also lay small white eggs known as nits. Lice are highly contagious; they cannot jump but pass from head to head by running from hair to hair when heads are close together or touching.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (Latin name Melaleuca alternifolia) is the safest oil to use against head lice. Known as one of the first aid oils, it is an essential part of any natural first aid kit. According to Jane Ellwood of Aroma Caring, tea tree kills 83 percent of eggs and 93 percent of adults. There are other oils, such as oregano and cinnamon leaf, which may be more effective, but tea tree is safer for use on children. It is also more readily available in local stores.
Eucalyptus Globulus
Another essential oil to use against head lice is the eucalyptus globulus variety of eucalyptus oil. Known as blue gum, or Tasmanian blue, eucalyptus is a tall tree originally found in Australia, but now naturalized to many countries across the world, most notably Spain and California. The main constituent of eucalyptus is cineol which is an expectorant and local anaesthetic. Says Ali Headeach, aromatherapist of Margate, United Kingdom, "the oil destroys the lice by suffocation, making them easier to comb out."
Method of Application
There are two ways in which the oils can be applied. The most effective is to mix four drops of tea tree and four drops of eucalyptus to 20 ml of olive oil. Massage into the scalp and leave for half an hour before washing out. All the lice and nits should then be carefully combed out using fine tooth comb.
If your child has sensitive skin or greasy hair which might be irritated by the application of neat oil, an alternative method is simply to add the four drops each of eucalyptus and tea tree oils to your normal amount of conditioner after shampooing. Again, leave for half an hour before combing out the conditioner and removing all lice and nits.
Preventative Treatment
Both of the above methods should be followed by daily combing to make sure all of the lice and nits have been removed. Adding a couple of drops of tea tree to a handful of shampoo each time you wash the hair should ensure that any strays are destroyed. Once the infestation is cleared, you must be vigilant, as recontamination can recur at any time.
Advantages of Using Essential Oils
The main advantage of using essential oils over pesticides is that they are more effective as lice are often resistant to pesticides. Pesticide treatments also contain strong insecticides which can be toxic in large amounts, making repeated treatments inadvisable, whereas the oils can be used daily if necessary.
Member Comments