Head lice are annoying parasites that feed on blood. They are highly contagious and spread easily from person to person.
Do you have such a problem? Have you resorted to chemical treatments and highly concentrated solutions? If you want to turn to a natural remedy, mixing essential plant oils with your shampoo may be the solution you are looking for.
Essential oils with strong aromas and antimicrobial properties suffocate lice and stop their growth. They also help prevent future infestations.
The oils can promote hair growth and ensure a healthy scalp. This article discusses head lice and how you can eliminate them using essential oils.
What are head lice?
Head lice are parasites that live in hair and feed on the blood of the scalp. They lay eggs (known as nits) and cause intense itching. However, they are not dangerous and do not spread any disease. They are extremely contagious and spread quickly from one scalp to another.
Head lice are a common problem among preschoolers and children who go to school. Statistics show that approximately 6 to 12 million lice infestations occur in the U.S. among children aged 3 to 11 years.
Essential oils are growing in popularity as treatments for lice. Along with combing, applying essential oils has been proven effective in preventing lice.
Essential Oils for Stopping and Preventing Lice
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil helps relieve chronic itching (persistent itching). The strong scent and insecticidal properties of this oil may make it a powerful deterrent against lice.
You will need:
2 tablespoons of peppermint oil
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
How to apply:
Mix the peppermint oil with the olive oil and apply this mixture to the scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
Comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove the dead lice.
Try to perform this procedure over a sink.
2. Lavender Oil
The insect-repelling properties of lavender oil can reduce the risk of lice. The oil suffocates lice with its scent and prevents their proliferation. The active ingredients in lavender oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties that soothe the scalp and stop the growth of microorganisms. Moreover, some studies have shown that lavender oil can promote hair growth.
You will need:
10 drops of lavender oil
3 tablespoons of any carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, or olive oil)
How to apply:
Mix 10 drops of lavender essential oil with any carrier oil and gently massage this mixture into the scalp.
Shampoo your hair and use a nit comb to remove as many nits as possible.
Rinse your hair well.
3. Anise Oil
The strong scent and volatile compounds of anise have antimicrobial properties that could stop the growth of any pathogens and control lice. A study in the Israel Journal of Medical Sciences showed that natural remedies using essential oils reduced lice infestations in children within 15 days.
You will need:
3 tablespoons of coconut oil
4-5 drops of anise oil
3 tablespoons of tea tree oil (optional)
How to apply:
Mix all the ingredients and massage the mixture into the scalp.
Massage this solution from the roots to the tips.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit for 3 hours. If possible, you can leave it on all day or overnight.
Comb your hair with a nit comb and rinse well.
4. Tea Tree Oil
It has been found that tea tree oil shows great effectiveness in stopping the growth of lice. Further research has shown that a 1% concentration of tea tree oil for 30 minutes could kill 100% of head lice. Another study indicated that a combination of essential oils, including tea tree oil, can effectively eradicate head lice.
You will need:
3 drops of tea tree oil
Any shampoo without chemicals
How to apply:
Pour a small amount of shampoo into your palm and add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil.
Gently massage it into the scalp.
Leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse your hair well.
5. Clove Oil
The scent of clove oil can repel lice. The two components of clove oil, eugenol and beta-caryophyllene, act as repellents against lice.
You will need:
4 drops of clove essential oil
Any shampoo
How to apply:
Add a few drops of clove oil to your shampoo.
Wash your hair with this mixture and let it sit for 4 to 5 minutes.
Use a nit comb to comb while the shampoo is still active.
Rinse your hair well.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a powerful disinfectant that fights inflammation and soothes wounds. A study showed that Australian eucalyptus oil effectively treats lice and provides relief from itching.
You will need:
3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Any natural shampoo
How to apply:
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your shampoo.
Wash your hair with this mixture and let it sit for 10-20 minutes.
Use a nit comb to comb while the shampoo is still active.
Rinse your hair well.
Other Tips for Preventing Lice
According to the British Medical Journal, combing wet hair is effective in removing lice. It makes lice visible and distinguishes them from the hair, helping to remove them quickly.
Comb your hair twice a day.
Along with essential oils, you can also use an anti-lice shampoo. It cleans the scalp and hair strands. Its ingredients can also stop the growth of nits.
Always ensure that you dilute essential plant oils before use. You can use water or oil or even shampoos and conditioners for this purpose. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can affect your skin if used undiluted.
Treating head lice with essential oils not only stops their growth but also improves scalp health. Follow the remedies discussed above for effective treatment and prevention of lice. If no improvement is observed after 7-10 days, consult a dermatologist.
