A Natural Treatment for Head Lice

Head lice are a parasite that needs a human host in order to thrive and live. The parasite cannot survive without a human and makes it home in the hair and scalp. The parasite is transferred from person to person through contact with the head. Sharing of hats with an infected person can also transfer the parasite to an uninfected person. Infestations are quite frequent in children. Since girls have longer hair than boys, they are more likely to become infected.

Getting rid of head lice can be time consuming considering that a female louse will lay eggs every day. The eggs are known as nits. The eggs are laid at the base of the hair shaft where it provides a warm incubation area. The eggs hatch in about two weeks. When getting rid of an infestation it is important to not only eliminate the active insects but also remove the eggs to prevent re-infestation.

There are natural treatments for head lice, without chemicals that are safe, especially for children. Essential oils such as tea tree oil can be used. It is readily available from most grocery stores, pharmacies and health food stores. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the hair and scalp. It should not be poured directly onto the hair, but rather blotted on using a face cloth. It should be applied generously so that the hair and scalp are evenly coated.

A disposable comb can be used to comb the oil through the hair and scalp. Since the eggs can transfer to the comb, it is better to use a disposable comb. After the tea tree oil is applied it should be left on for a few hours. A shower cap can be used as well but is not necessary. To remove the oil thoroughly wash the hair with shampoo.

The tea tree oil can also be added directly to the shampoo by placing about fifteen drops into the shampoo and shaking it up. When shampooing the hair and scalp, lather the shampoo up, comb through the hair and leave on for fifteen minutes before rinsing.