At any one time, according to "Healing Remedies," 10 million Americans have head lice. It spreads easily, and almost every elementary student has had their head inspected by the school nurse. Prescription shampoos can be harmful to children or pregnant and nursing women, and they often kill only the adult lice. Understanding the parasite's life cycle and using natural remedies can help take care of the infestation without using harsh chemicals.
Life Cycle
Lice have a three-stage life cycle. They begin life as an egg, taking seven to 10 days to hatch into a nymph, where they must feed within 24 hours on human blood. They will molt three times before becoming adults, a process that takes three weeks. Adult lice live approximately 30 days, with females laying 50 to 150 eggs in their lifespan. Because lice on the head will be in various stages of development, it is important to repeat shampoo treatments and continue to comb hair thoroughly for a few weeks to ensure that eggs, nymphs and adults have been removed.
Neem Oil
Neem oil comes from the neem tree, a native of India and Burma. Studies have shown this oil to be effective in killing insects and parasites, including head lice. Dr. Weil lists neem as part of an effective remedy for lice. A study done in Egypt used neem seed extract to treat 60 cases of head lice in children with great success. Published in Parasitology Research in 2006, the study used 30 mL of a neem-seed-based shampoo, leaving it on for intervals of 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes. The neem shampoo was highly effective against all stages of head lice and had no side effects. The amount of time the shampoo stayed on the hair did not seem to affect the results.
Tea Tree Oil
According to "Healing Remedies," tea tree oil can also be effective against lice. This book recommends mixing equal parts distilled white vinegar and water and rinsing hair, and then applying the tea tree oil, combing it through the hair with a lice comb. After the tea tree oil has had time to sit on the hair, from root to tip, rinse again with the vinegar and water solution. This process should be repeated daily for two weeks or longer if needed.
Other Recommendations
Check with your pharmacist or pediatrician about over-the-counter remedies and shampoos, as they will know which are nontoxic. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website suggests avoiding shampoos that contain lindane, which is highly toxic and can harm you and your child. The site also states that blow-drying hair after using lice shampoos can be dangerous, as some substances in the shampoos are flammable.
Household Cleaning
The New York City Department of Health website also recommends that all bedding, towels and clothing be cleaned with soap and hot water and placed in a dryer for at least 20 minutes to help kill any remaining lice. Seal any exposed stuffed toys in a plastic bag and leave them for 10 days to allow all lice to die of starvation. Be sure to dispose of or soak combs and hairbrushes in rubbing alcohol and throw out any hair accessories. Thoroughly vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture. Pets cannot be infested with lice, so no precaution is needed.
References
- "Healing Remedies"; Wilen, J and Wilen, L; 2008
- Dr. Weil Website, Neem for Lice Removal
- New York City Deparment of Health and Mental Hygeine's website
