4 Foolproof Natural Treatments, No Chemicals Needed
In an effort to avoid burning my children’s heads with dangerous chemicals and pesticides during the dreaded annual head lice infestation at school, I decided to seek out some natural alternatives for treatment and prevention.
Below I will list some of the treatments that friends and family gave me (I LOVE the old home remedies) and also some of the research on the internet. You will be able to see what is needed, how to order it, and the pros and cons.
* Remember, lice are very small (about 2-3mm) and gray / white in color. They may look like flakes.
“Grandma’s treatment”
Olive oil
Metal nit comb
Apple cider vinegar
Cover hair completely with olive oil. Comb with a nit comb and discard any tiny lice or eggs in a Ziploc bag. Be sure to zip the bag after each time you put one on. Massage in a little more oil when done and cover your head tightly with a shower cap, plastic bag, or shower cap. In the morning, wash your hair normally, then rinse again with 1 tablespoon of pure apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. Wait a few minutes and rinse again with shampoo. This will help kill nits and eggs. Repeat every other day until no more lice or eggs are found.
“Tea Tree Methods”
Pure tea tree oil
Apple cider vinegar or water
Metal nit comb
Tea tree oil has a pleasant smell, yet it is very effective. Powerful oil can cause a reaction because it is very strong, so you must dilute the oil before using it. It is also a good idea to do a skin test before applying it to a child’s sensitive head. You can also add tea tree oil to your laundry clothes and bedding. (¼ oz of oil for washing should be enough)
* Mix 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water or apple cider vinegar. Cover the head with tight plastic for at least 15 minutes or overnight. Comb in sections with a comb, discarding the nits and lice found in a plastic bag.
* I’ve also heard of mixing a small amount of oil with your shampoo, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes and rinsing off, then doing the same with your conditioner, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing off. Then comb it with your metal comb.
* It is also suggested that if you or your child are susceptible to dry skin, mix tea tree oil with olive oil, apply to hair and scalp, cover with plastic overnight, then comb and wash for the morning.
Repeat the step you chose every 2 days until the lice and eggs are gone.
“3-oil method”
Lavender oil
Geranium oil
Eucalyptus oil
Apple cider vinegar
Unscented natural body lotion
Fine Tooth Metal Nit Comb
Mix 2 drops of each of the above oils with a teaspoon of body lotion. Rub into scalp and let sit for 30 minutes, then comb in sections. Rinse well and then rinse again with a mixture of 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of each of the oils. Let that mixture dry naturally on your hair and scalp.
“No-rinse seed treatment”
Nigella Sativa seed (also known as fennel flower, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, black seed, or black caraway) Apple cider vinegar
Use a cup of apple cider vinegar and a cup of finely ground Nigella Sativas seeds. Mix, filter and apply on the head. It does not require rinsing.
So choose your method, or mix and match if you like, but be sure to continue until there are no more signs of lice or nits. Wash bedding, pillows, stuffed animals and clothing in HOT water and dry on HIGH. Your clothing may shrink, but at least there won’t be any more lice crawling on it.
To clean mattresses and furniture it is suggested to use hot steam through a handheld steamer, steam cleaner or mop. These products produce heat above the recommended temperature that is effective in killing lice. Repeat the use of steam as you do the treatment on the heads to avoid further infestation. Don’t forget to vacuum!
Good luck!