Natural Lice Treatment

Head lice are wingless insects that feed exclusively on human blood. These parasites are found exclusively on the human head and can multiply at an alarming rate.

Recognize an Infestation: A lice infestation can go unnoticed for the first few weeks. By the time any effects are felt, the infestation is already out of control. Intense itching on the surface of the scalp is the most common effect. Some people may experience a tickling sensation on their scalp while still others complain of the distinct feeling of small insects running around on their scalp. People with sensitive skin often develop a rash and may even experience swelling of the lymph glands. Oral antibiotics may be necessary in severe cases.

Lice and their Eggs - nits are extremely small but they are not invisible. Use a bright light or torch and a magnifying lens to inspect the hair and head of a person suspected of an infestation. If the infestation is severe, the lice will be visible in large numbers especially in the areas behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. If the infestation is in the initial stages, it may not be very easy to detect the lice. However, the nits should be easily visible. The nits are generally whitish brown in color and adhere strongly to hair strands. Although they are often mistaken for dandruff a simple distinction sets them apart. Dandruff is loose within the hair strands and can be shaken loose easily. Nits on the other hand do not come loose even with repeated combing.

Natural Lice Treatment: There are a few natural oils that are effective in eliminating a lice infestation. Margosa oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil and olive oil are considered to be among the most effective of these oils. Follow the routine below to successfully get rid of all lice.

1. Mix equal amounts of Margosa oil and Olive oil. Oil your hair and scalp generously with this mixture. Put a shower cap on and wait for about 30 minutes. Margosa oil is a natural insecticide and will kill off most of the lice.

2. Mix about one cup of white vinegar and half a cup of water. Soak your oily hair in this mixture. If available, use apple cider vinegar at full strength as it is a natural and milder vinegar. Vinegar is acidic in nature and destroys the nits.

3. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash your hair thoroughly. Mix a good quantity of your natural conditioner along with a few drops of tea tree oil and coconut oil. Apply a generous amount of this mixture to your hair and use a fine-toothed lice-comb to comb out the dead lice and nits. If you have long hair, part your hair into sections and then comb out the lice.

4. Rinse your hair thoroughly and let it dry naturally. Comb your hair out once more with a lice comb to ensure that your hair is free of lice.

5. Oil your hair and scalp thoroughly with warm coconut oil as this will prevent any residual nits from hatching.