Tea tree essential oil, a common home remedy for getting rid of head lice, is reported to have antiseptic and insect repellent properties. Obtained through steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil is used externally to treat a variety of conditions, including skin problems and parasite infestations like lice and scabies. A study published in the 2007 edition of the "Journal of International Dermatology" found that tea tree oil was more effective than DEET, a common chemical insect repellent, in getting rid of head lice.
Simple Tea Tree Home Remedy
Applying diluted tea tree oil to your hair and scalp several times per day makes an effective home remedy for head lice, according to Linda G. Rector-Page in her book "Healthy Healing." Try combining 25 drops of pure tea tree essential oil with 1 pint of water, then rubbing it into your hair and scalp three times per day. Rinse your hair thoroughly after the third application. After rinsing, combing your hair with a fine-toothed comb removes dead lice and their eggs. Never apply undiluted tea tree oil to your hair or body because this may cause irritation.
Combination Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Combining tea tree oil with other essential oils may add an extra boost to your head lice home remedy, according to Malcolm Clark in his book "What's the Alternative?: Orthodox & Complementary Remedies for Common Complaints." Try combining 20 drops lavender oil, 10 drops geranium oil, 20 drops rosemary oil, 20 drops eucalyptus oil and 2 tsp. tea tree essential oil with 1 cup olive oil. Rub the mixture into your hair and leave overnight. Sleep with your head on a towel to prevent damaging your bed linens. Rinse your hair thoroughly in the morning and comb through it with a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and eggs. Repeat daily as necessary until you're completely lice free, which may take up to one week.
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Adding tea tree oil to your shampoo creates a potent head lice home remedy. In her book "Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook," Cynthia B. Olsen recommends adding 10 to 20 drops tea tree essential oil to an ounce of your regular shampoo and massaging it into your hair and scalp. Allow the mixture to remain for at least 20 minutes, then rinse and comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and nits. Repeat the procedure once per day until your hair is completely clear, which may take up to one week, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Treating Brushes, Combs, Linens and Clothing
Olsen also suggests soaking combs and brushes in a solution made of ½ oz. tea tree oil, 1 oz. glycerin, 2 oz. 190 proof vodka and 1 oz. water to kill lice and their eggs. Adding about 20 drops tea tree essential oil to the water in the washing machine when cleaning your linens and clothing may also help kill head lice and eggs and prevent reinfestation.
References
- Medline Plus: Tea Tree Oil
- "Journal of International Dermatology"; A Comparison of Botanical and Synthetic Substances Commonly Used to Prevent Head Lice (Pediculus Humanus var. Capitis) Infestation; D. V. Canyon and R. Speare; April 2007
- "Healthy Healing"; Linda G. Rector-Page; 1997
- "Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook"; Cynthia B. Olsen; 1999
- "What's the Alternative? Orthodox & Complementary Remedies for Common Complaints"; Malcolm Clark and Terry Robson; 2005
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