Organic Head Lice Treatment

Ridding a head lice infestation is often difficult, and although there are many pesticides available on the market, many people prefer to use a non-toxic alternative, turning to organic treatments that are less toxic to humans than the pesticide-based over-the-counter medicated shampoos. Not only are these treatments effective against lice and their eggs, many of them also offer benefits for scalp and hair.

Significance

Because of the toxic nature of most pesticides intended to kill lice and their eggs, and the resistance head lice have developed to commercial preparations of head lice insecticides, organic head lice treatments are becoming a popular alternative to modern medicated lice treatments. Not only are they less toxic, but they provide the skin and scalp with beneficial herbal properties that will sooth the scalp and relieve itching from the bites of the small parasites.

Function

The purpose of any treatment of head lice, including organic head lice treatments, is to kill the lice, and most treatments involve killing and removal of the lice eggs with the use of fine-toothed combs. Organic oils such as coconut, olive, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, neem, citronella and rosemary oils all serve as successful insecticides, working to kill the adult lice and kill and loosen the eggs for easy removal. These oils dissolve the exoskeletons of the bugs, as well as the glue that holds the eggs to the hair shafts.

Benefits

Organic oils also have beneficial properties that help condition the skin and hair. Coconut oil is very conditioning and moisturizing to the hair and is a popular ingredient in hair conditioners. Peppermint oil, which is a common ingredient in organic lice treatments, is very invigorating to the scalp. Rosemary is not only soothing to the scalp, but it has been used in many hair and scalp treatments to encourage healthy hair growth.

Prevention/Solution

By applying a preventative organic oils shampoo, lice are repelled from their food supply and will starve within a day or two. Heating clothing and bedding in the dryer for about 30 minutes will help to prevent reinfestation. Organic lice treatment sprays, such as Lice Off, are available to treat large household items, and they can be sprayed on carpet, mattresses, couches and even cloth car seats.

Theories/Speculation

While not everyone has success with organic treatments such as organic apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in the removal of eggs, it is not always understood that these liquids are said to soften the glue that holds the eggs securely to the hair shaft, and not to kill the lice or the eggs themselves. The organic oils are the active insecticides, and the vinegar is to act as an aid in the removal of the eggs.