Head lice are tiny parasites about the size of a sesame seed that live on the human head as well as in the eyebrows and eyelashes. Head lice are extremely contagious and are easily transferred via contact with infested people or through items such as hairbrushes, combs and hat wear. Though there are many pesticide-based shampoos available to treat head lice, oil of oregano is a natural, highly powerful antiparasitic that works just as well without the toxic risks of chemicals.
Facts About Head Lice
Head lice are difficult to see and are sometimes mistaken for flakes of dandruff. Head lice survive on the blood sucked from your scalp, surviving no more than 48 hours away from their food source. Symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling feeling in the hair, uncontrollable itching and frequent scratching of the scalp. In spite of stereotypes that associate head lice with poor hygiene or low socioeconomic status, anyone can contract head lice. The Centers for Disease Control estimates "between 6-12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children 3 to 11 years of age." Head lice have a total lifespan of 32-35 days.
Oil of Oregano Shampoo Treatment
Dampen hair and scalp with warm water. Select a plain shampoo free of chemicals to control dandruff, hair color or lice. For each tablespoon of shampoo add 30 drops of Oil of Oregano. Massage shampoo into hair and scalp thoroughly, then allow to sit for a few minutes to kill the adult lice. Be sure to position your head to protect your eyes as essential oils are highly concentrated and may sting and burn your eyes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
To remove the unhatched eggs (nits) from the hair, separate hair into small sections and remove all lice and any nits still attached to hair using a nit comb and your fingernails. Continue shampooing/combing procedure until all lice and nits are removed from hair. Add ten drops of Oil of Oregano to approximately one half-gallon of hot tap water. Soak all hair combs, scrunchies, brushes, headbands and barrettes.
Also wash sheets, blankets, pillow cases and any clothing worn recently in hot water after adding 60 drops of Oil of Oregano.
Oil of Oregano Alcohol-Based Treatment for Head Lice
Though a common treatment procedure, there is some controversy that the shampoo treatment may be less effective due to the fact that the shampoo becomes diluted due to the additional water required to wash the hair. Many report having much better success using a water, conditioner or alcohol base to mix with the Oil of Oregano.
Biologist Lowana Veal has conducted research on using a variety of essential oils. Results of a research project published on Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives (AGORA) found that oil of oregano successfully eliminated 100 percent of adult lice and nits when it was dissolved in a 40-percent alcohol (vodka or grain alcohol) or even a water base.
The oil should be diluted as a ratio of 10 drops for each 50 mL of fluid (about 1.70 U.S. ounces). Rub the mixture into your hair and scalp, cover hair with a plastic cap, and leave it on overnight. Wash your hair normally in the morning with your regular shampoo. Finish the treatment with a hair rinse made with two ounces of vinegar, two ounces of water and 2 drops of Oil of Oregano. Remove remaining nits with nit-comb and fingernails as required.
Repeat the process one week later.
Member Comments