No wants wants head lice a second longer than necessary. Fast, effective treatment is important to anyone affected. But what if you don't want to use the very powerful, toxic chemicals used in delousing shampoo treatments? There are effective, natural alternatives with easily found, affordable ingredients.
Natural and Essential Oils
They key to getting rid of lice naturally is to use natural, essential oils which feature high levels of phenols, ketones, oxides or aldehydes.
One of the most powerful options is oregano. Lavender, anise seed and cinnamon leaf have also proven effective. In a 1996 Icelandic clinical trial published in Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery, these oils killed 100% of lice and eggs.
Other essences that work well include bergamot, spearmint, clary sage, petitgrain, pennyroyal, ravenscara, jasmine, benzoin, caraway seed, Roman chamomile, eucalyptus, West and East Indian lemongrass, marjoram and niaouli.
One should apply any of these essential oils mixed in combination with an alcohol (such as vodka). Alcohol will help the essential oils make it further into the skin and follicles.
A typical mixture might be 50 ml of alcohol mixed with 10 drops of an essential oil. Leave the mixture on overnight and then it will wash off with subsequent shampooing.
Other Oils
Tea tree oil has also been proven effective against lice. However the 1996 study also showed tea tree oil kills only 83% of eggs and 93% of adults, so tea tree oil use usually requires two treatments.
Carrier oils are a helpful part of essential oil treatments. Mixing essential oil with another oil that helps permeate the skin often works better than the essential oil alone or with alcohol. In 1999, a group of independent researchers led by Dr. J.H. Price found carrier oils including sesame oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are particularly effective.
Recipes and Warnings
Here are a few preparations that may help:
Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 4 tablespoons of carrier oil; rub in scalp and let sit for 10 minutes before washing and shampooing.
Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with shampoo, work into the hair and let sit ten minutes before rinsing.
Mix one part jojoba oil, four parts olive oil, 10 drops cinnamon leaf oil and five drops tea tree oil; apply to scalp and leave overnight under a shower cap. Rinse, shampoo and condition.
For all of these recipes, finish by using a fine tooth comb to remove any eggs. Then repeat treatment again after eight days to ensure completeness of cure.
Some essential oils and treatments may irritate skin or trigger allergic reactions in some people. Consult a physician before using any treatment.
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