Head lice, tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp, spread easily by close contact with other people. Traditional treatments consist of washing the hair in shampoo containing permethrin or other pesticides. Individuals looking for a more natural approach also have options. Regardless of the treatment you try, however, you'll have to work hard to completely rid the head and home of lice. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends combing the hair with a metal lice comb dipped in olive oil after treatment to remove nits, which can hatch later and cause another infestation.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, a popular natural insect repellent, may help git rid of head lice. A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2007 found that tea tree oil worked more effectively than DEET, a widely used ingredient in chemical insect repellents. For best results, add 15 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of warm water, then rub into the scalp before combing through the hair with a metal lice comb. Alternatively, combine 20 drops tea tree oil with 1 cup olive oil, massage into the scalp and hair, cover with plastic, and allow the mixture to remain for about an hour before rinsing with cool water.
Anise and Olive Oil
In her book "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child," Andrea Candee recommends using a combination of anise seed oil, believed to have antimicrobial properties, and olive oil to get rid of head lice. Combine 1 tbsp. anise seed oil with 2 tbsp. olive oil and rub into the scalp and hair. Comb with a metal lice comb, then rinse with cool water. Repeat this treatment up to twice per day until no lice remain, which may take several days to a week, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Tobacco
A popular folk remedy for getting rid of head lice, tobacco may repel the parasites and prevent them from returning. In her book "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies," Jude C. Todd suggests pouring 4 cups of boiling water over 1 cup of tobacco leaves. You may use the tobacco from a pack of cigarettes, though fresh tobacco leaves appear to work best. Allow the mixture to steep for several hours, then strain. To use, hold your head over a large basin to catch the tobacco water. Pour the liquid through the hair at least 15 times, then comb thoroughly. Allow the mixture to remain for up to three hours before rinsing with cool water. Do not use this remedy on children.
Other Remedies
Though no evidence exists to prove the efficacy of many home remedies for getting rid of head lice, herbalists and natural healers still recommend them. Applying mayonnaise, olive oil, baby oil, mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the hair and scalp, covering with a shower cap, and allowing the substance to remain overnight may smother the lice. Another home remedy consists of saturating the hair with white vinegar, which dissolves the glue holding nits to the hair and makes removing them easier.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Head Lice Treatment
- PubMed: A Comparison of Botanical and Synthetic Substances Commonly Used to Prevent Head Lice (Pediculus Humanus var. Capitis) Infestation
- "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child"; Andrea Candee, David Andrusia; 2003
- "Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living"; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Williams, Jude Todd; 2002
