Head lice are tiny parasites that infest the hair, causing intense itching and discomfort. Anyone can get head lice, but they are especially prevalent among school children. Head lice can be difficult to remove and may become a recurring problem. Conventional treatment may involve pesticides like pyrethrin, permethrin or malathion, but they can have unpleasant side effects and lice are becoming resistant to some of these chemicals. Herbal remedies may be a safe and effective alternative. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Neem
Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is an evergreen tree native to South Asia. Neem is an important herb in Ayurveda medicine. All parts of the plant have medicinal uses: the leaves treat diabetes and acne, the roots treat fever, the essential oils have antibacterial properties and the seeds are used to control parasites, including head lice. The seeds contain meliantriol, salannin and azadirachtin, which are potent insecticides that inhibit insects from feeding. A study published in the September 2006 issue of "Parasitology Research" compared neem seed extract against a commercial chemical product containing the neurotoxin permethrin. After three hours, neem seed had a mortality rate of 94 percent, while the commercial product killed only 74 percent of the head lice. The research found neem seed extract to be a superior alternative to conventional treatment.
Star Anise and Coconut
Star anise, or Illicium verum, is an aromatic herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat rheumatism, flu and indigestion. Coconut, or Cocos nucifera, is a palm tree that produces the fruit known as coconut. Star anise contains insecticidal chemicals such as carvone and estragole, and coconut contains the pesticides capric acid and caprylic acid. A study published in the January 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Pediatrics" compared a coconut-anise spray against the insecticide permethrin, a widely used conventional treatment for head lice. The research found that the spray was almost twice as effective as permethrin. Since head lice are becoming increasingly resistant to permethrin, a natural remedy like coconut-anise spray may be an economical alternative.
Paw Paw, Thyme and Tea Tree
Paw paw, or Asimina triloba, is a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is an aromatic herb with potent essential oils. Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is a tall tree native to Australia that also produces powerful essential oils. Paw paw contains chemicals called annonaceous acetogenins, which help prevent resistance to pesticides. Thyme contains the thymol, one of the most potent pesticidal ingredients in essential oils. The active ingredient in tea tree oil is terpinen-4-ol, which is a powerful but safe insecticide. A study published in the December 2002 issue of "Phytomedicine" tested a shampoo made with paw paw, thymol and tea tree oil. The research found the shampoo to be 100 percent effective in killing lice and nits after three applications, eight days apart. The research also found that the inclusion of paw paw inhibits resistance to this treatment.
References
- PubMed.gov: A new shampoo based on neem (Azadirachta indica) is highly effective against head lice in vitro
- PubMed.gov: Clinical trial showing superiority of a coconut and anise spray over permethrin 0.43% lotion for head louse infestation
- PubMed.gov: Development of a paw paw herbal shampoo for the removal of head lice
