An infestation by the tiny parasites known as head lice, or Pediculus humanus capitis, may cause intense itching on the scalp and neck, leaving open sores that can crust and ooze. Conventional treatment usually involves applying neurotoxins like pyrethrin, permethrin and lindane, but these chemicals can cause burning and pain if applied to broken skin. Lice are also becoming resistant to these chemicals, requiring repeated application that can be dangerous in children. Herbs may offer a natural and safer alternative treatment for head lice infestation. It is important to consult a health care professional before starting herbal therapy.
Indian Beech Tree
Indian beech tree, or Pongamia pinnata, is a deciduous tree with white, pink and purple flowers that is native to Asia. Traditional healers use the seed oil topically to treat rheumatism, scabies and skin diseases and the leaves for coughs, colds, diarrhea, digestive disorders and gonorrhea. The dried leaves also make an effective insect repellent, and indigenous groups in Malaysia use the plant to treat head lice. A study by A. J. Sunilson, et al., published in the December 2009 issue of "The Korean Journal of Parasitology" tested five different leaf extracts of Indian beech tree on head lice in the adult, nymph and nit stages. The study found that one of the extracts was 100-percent effective against all stages. Indian beech tree leaves contain sterols, plant hormones that enable the active toxic ingredients to penetrate the parasite's body. This study supports the traditional use of Indian beech tree for treating head lice. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and verify the safety of this herb on humans.
Peppermint and Eucalyptus
Peppermint, or Mentha piperita, and eucalyptus, or Eucalyptus globulus, are aromatic herbs that contain potent essential oils. The active ingredient in the oils is 1,8-cineole, also called eucalyptol, which is a powerful pediculicide. A study by A. P. Gonzalez, et al., published in the October 2007 issue of the "Archives of Dermatological Research" tested the essential oils of lavender, peppermint, orange and eucalyptus for their action against head lice collected from children. The study found that a combination of peppermint and eucalyptus oils had the strongest effect, and a lotion with those ingredients was as effective as commercial lotions. The researchers also found that adding a fatty alcohol known as 1-dodecanol, which comes from palm kernel or coconut oil, to the essential oils enhanced their effectiveness. Further studies are needed to test the safety of a peppermint-eucalyptus lotion on humans.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit, or Citrus paradisi, is an evergreen tree that produces a bitter citrus fruit. The fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties. A study by F. Abdel-Ghaffar, et al., published in the January 2010 issue of "Parasitology Research' tested a grapefruit extract shampoo on 20 children with heavy infestation of head lice in all stages. The study found that after being exposed to the extract for 10 minutes, all but two of the more than 250 lice were killed. The shampoo works by penetrating into the respiratory system of the lice and blocking their oxygen supply. The children reported that they did not experience any burning or other side effects of the grapefruit extract shampoo. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
References
- "The Korean Journal of Parasitology"; In Vitro Screening of Anti-lice Activity of Pongamia pinnata Leaves; Anbu Jeba Sunilson, John Samuel, Suraj Radhamani, Rejitha Gopinath, Anandarajagopal Kalusalingam, Anita Gnana Kumari Anbumani Vimala, and Hj Azman Husain; December 2009
- "Archives of Dermatological Research"; Effectiveness of lotions based on essential oils from aromatic plants against permethrin resistant Pediculus humanus capitis; Gonzalez Audino P, Vassena C, Zerba E, Picollo M; October 2007
- "Parasitology Research"; Efficacy of a grapefruit extract on head lice: a clinical trial; Abdel-Ghaffar F, Semmler M, Al-Rasheid K, Klimpel S, Mehlhorn H; January 2010
