Head lice - Nature Cures®

Also known as Pediculus humanus capitis.

Lice infestation on the human body (also known as pediculosis) is very common. Cases number in the hundreds of millions worldwide. While body lice can occasionally cause significant illness (typhus, relapsing fever and trench fever), a lice infestation is generally more of an itchy and embarrassing experience than a serious medical problem. There are many types of lice infections, and each is caused by a unique parasite.

Head lice are the most common infestation and favours no particular part of society. It is more commonly associated with poverty, overcrowding and poor hygiene which actually does not affect transmission of head lice as they are more easily caught by clean hair as greasy dirty hair is more difficult for them to cling too.

NOTE: It is important to wash bedding after treatment with head lice.

Nature cures treatment for head lice

Pour a strong tea made from the crushed seeds of parsley steeped in hot water for ten minutes, onto the hair, work in with the fingers to cover all hair. Put a shower cap on and leave in for 30 to 45 minutes to kill the head lice.

Then add a few drops of the following essential oils to a saucer of olive oil. Massage well into the scalp, wrap hair in a hot towel and leave for at least 10 minutes.

Coconut oil (melt over low heat)
Eucalyptus oil
Tea tree oil

Then use a large wide toothed comb to detangle hair.

Then use a fine-toothed lice comb over a white sheet of paper to ensure that all eggs or newly hatched lice are removed.

Shampoo and dry as normal.

Lice eggs may take 7 to 10 days to hatch, so retreat each day until no more dead lice or eggs fall on to the white sheet of paper when combing.

If it is suspected there are lice in eyebrows or eyelashes, they can be coated with petroleum jelly or cold pressed coconut oil; then rinsed off and repeat several times daily.

Preventing infestations of head lice

To remove lice and other parasites from the home meticulous cleaning of surfaces, daily vacuuming of carpets and upholstery and very hot washing of clothes, bedding and towels is required as most of them can survive at least 1 or 2 days without feeding on human blood.

Externally, lemon thyme has antiseptic properties which makes it a useful mouthwash and cleansing wash for the skin and home. It will destroy fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and skin parasites such as scabies, crabs and lice.

Lice hate garlic, so consuming plenty of garlic during the treatment process will make them less likely to reattach. This will not help to get rid of them and is only a preventative measure against re-infestation.

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