Head lice, small parasitic mites also known as Pediculus capitis, infest the hair and scalp of humans and feed on their blood. Although they primarily affect children, anyone can become infested with lice through person-to-person contact or shared articles of clothing, furniture, hair brushes or bed linens. Several home remedies may help kill lice and their eggs, also known as nits, although they may require more effort than standard over-the-counter treatments. Successful treatment also requires thorough cleaning or heating of bedding, toys, clothes and other items that have come in contact with infected individuals. If lice are still present after one week of using home remedies, consult your physician for further treatment.
Custard Apple Seeds
The seeds of the custard apple, or Annona squamosa, may kill lice and their nits, according to a study published in 2000 in the Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. In the study, a cream made from the seeds was applied to the hair of school children infested with head lice. After three hours, more than 95 percent of lice were killed. To use at home, grind fresh custard apple seeds in a food mill or blender until you have a fine powder. Combine the powder with half as much water to form a thick paste, apply to the scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap and towel to keep the mixture in place, and leave on overnight. Repeat again if necessary, though one treatment should kill all the lice and their nits.
Tea Tree Oil
A common home remedy for head lice, tea tree oil kills the parasites and their nits on contact, according to Theresa Roberts in her book "ABC's of Bumps and Bruises: A Guide to Home & Herbal Remedies for Children." To use, add 1/4 tsp. tea tree oil to 1/2 cup mild baby shampoo, and wash your hair with the solution as usual. Rinse thoroughly and comb through the hair with a metal lice comb to remove dead lice and nits. Avoid getting the solution in your eyes, as it can cause significant irritation. Repeat the treatment daily until the infestation subsides, which may take up to one week, depending on severity.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly suffocates lice and prevents oxygen from getting to the nits, according to Joe and Teresa Graedon in their book "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." To use, cover the hair and scalp in petroleum jelly, making sure to thoroughly saturate every strand of hair. Cover with a plastic shower cap, and allow the jelly to remain overnight. Shampoo and rinse the hair as usual in the morning, twice if needed, to remove all the petroleum jelly residue. Comb with a fine-tooth comb to remove dead lice and nits.
Anise
In her book "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child," Andrea Candee suggests using anise seed oil to kill lice and nits. Its antimicrobial properties are believed to interfere with the cellular metabolism of the parasites, causing them to suffocate. To use, combine 1 part anise seed oil with 2 parts olive oil or another light vegetable oil, and massage the mixture into the hair and scalp. Leave on for at least two hours or overnight for a heavy infestation. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual, and then comb through with a metal lice comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
References
- PubMed.gov: Anti-Headlice Activity of a Preparation of Annona Squamosa Seed Extract
- "ABC's of Bumps & Bruises, a Guide to Home & Herbal Remedies for Children"; Theresa Roberts; 2008
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, Teresa Graedon; 2002
- "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child"; Andrea Candee, David Andrusia; 2003
