As Dr. Maree Simpson reports on the Pharmacy News website, head lice tend to afflict pre-teen children and their families. Many parents prefer not to subject their children to harsh chemical treatments for head or body lice, but they may wonder about the effectiveness of gentler, natural alternatives, such as orange oil. The good news is that orange oil--especially in combination with other essential oils or natural ingredients--often can be an effective solution for lice infestations.
Lice Basics
According to the Your Chemist Shop website, head lice are insects that live only on the human scalp. Adult lice can cause intense itching as they bite the skin and suck the blood they need to survive. They are small, though visible to the naked eye as tiny white or gray worm-like creatures with six legs. Female lice lay eggs on the scalp that hatch in one to two weeks, producing nymphs that will become adult lice in another one to two weeks. Head lice typically spread from person to person through close head contact or sharing hats, combs, brushes, pillows or similar items. Curing a lice infestation can require multiple treatments to destroy lice at the various stages of the life cycle.
Orange Oil Basics
Orange oil is an essential oil derived from the glands in the rinds of sweet oranges, also known as Citrus sinensis, according to the Organic Facts website. Orange oil can be produced by steam distillation or cold compression of orange peels. The resulting essential oil is highly aromatic, with a sweet, citrus scent that belies its bitter taste.
Health Benefits of Orange Oil
According to the Organic Facts website, in addition to its various industrial uses, orange oil is a popular substance used in aromatherapy and various forms of herbal home remedies. It is known especially for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, as well as its potential to ease anxiety, reduce stress and serve as a general bodily tonic. While orange oil is generally safe and non-toxic, it can irritate the skin or cause adverse reactions in concentrated form, and you should consult a doctor before using it in home recipes or remedies.
Orange Oil to Repel Insects
The Bird Mites website describes the benefits of orange oil as a natural, generally non-toxic insect repellent. Orange oil consists nearly entirely of limonene, a substance common in many citrus peels and oils that has been proven to repel a wide variety of insects. Alone or in combination with other oils, vinegar, or commercial insect repellents, orange oil can repulse insects, such as lice, fleas, ticks and mites.
Orange Oil to Eradicate Lice
In her article for Pharmacy News, Simpson recounts the results of several studies of plant oils and natural extracts used to combat head lice. While the specific efficacy of orange oil has not been clearly established, the studies did indicate that natural remedies of this kind have great potential. Tea tree, eucalyptus and peppermint oils, in particular, seemed to have a strong effect on head lice. Simpson points out that the most effective remedy may require a combination of multiple ingredients. The Your Chemist Shop suggests a similar approach, indicating that orange oil and other natural oils can enhance the effect of natural and synthetic insecticides.
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