Neem oil is derived from the neem tree. Drugs.com explains that it has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments ranging from worm infections to persistent diseases. Research is lacking in supporting the efficacy of this oil for the treatment of most ailments. Neem oil is sold in various forms, including the original oil and even shampoo products for the treatment of head lice.
Significance
Neem oil is said to have insect repelling and antifungal properties, according to Drugs.com. The clinical support for these uses is limited. Drugs.com does point out that its use as a head lice treatment has been shown to be 80 to 97 percent effective in both adult and egg lice treatment.
Function
Neem oil should only be used under the advice of a health-care professional, even for the treatment of lice. The oil itself can have some side effects, including irritation to the skin. It should only be used topically. Specialty hair shampoos or lotions made with neem seed extract can be used as directed by applying the solution to the scalp of lice infected hair.
Treatment
Application of the neem oil can be done once every three to four days or as directed by a health care professional or the manufacturer of the specific treatment product. Typically, the product is worked into the scalp and allowed to rest over night. In the morning, the hair is combed to remove nits, or lice eggs, and dead lice. Regular cleansing with shampoo follows. Repeated treatment is necessary to entirely rid the scalp of lice.
Considerations
Neem can be used directly from the tree, when available. The Neem Foundation suggests boiling a handful of leaves in four cups of water, cooling it, filtering the leaves and particles, and then pouring it over the lice-infested hair. The smell of neem can have repelling properties that ward off various pests, including lice. The problem with this aspect of treating lice is that the intent of traditional treatment is to kill the lice to prevent reinfection or passing of the bugs from one person to another.
Warning
Eradicating lice requires not only killing them and getting rid of the eggs but also destroying lice that are residing on objects that have been in contact with the hair, such as a pillow or hair brush. To kill the lice, the items that can be washed should be washed in hot water and completely dried. Other items can be sterilized in hot water and rubbing alcohol. Things that can't be washed or wet can be kept in an air tight bag for several days to starve the lice of food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends freezing items for two or more days to kill lice.
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