Head lice infestations fall just below the common cold on the list of communicable diseases frequently spread in the school systems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lice are tiny insects that attach eggs to the base of hair shafts. Although an over-the-counter or prescription medication may be a good choice for curing this infection, a natural solution might include some essential oils. The website Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives states that oils such as tree oil, rosemary and eucalyptus appear repeatedly in aromatherapy books as a cure for head lice. Despite the lack of scientific proof that essential oils eliminate lice, for a chemical-free approach, they may be worth a try.
Step 1
Pour 100 ml of carrier oil, such as olive or almond, into a spray bottle or bowl.
Step 2
Add drops of all oils into the bottle or cup. Stir the oil mixture thoroughly.
Step 3
Apply the oil compound to the child's hair and scalp. Massage the oil with your gloved fingers. Wear gloves to protect against transferring the lice to your own body. Discard the gloves after each application. Do not touch your body with the gloves.
Step 4
Leave the oil in place for one to two hours, then rinse the hair well with warm water. Rinse several times to remove as much oil as possible. Shampooing may remove too much oil and affect the process. Just rinse with water to remove excess oil and dead lice.
Step 5
Repeat the application every two days for 10 days. Apply once more in two weeks to kill any remaining eggs and avoid new growth.
Things You'll Need
- 100 ml carrier oil
- 25 drops tea tree oil
- 15 drops geranium oil
- 15 drops eucalyptus oil
- 20 drops lavender oil
- Disposable gloves
