Essential Oils & Head Lice

4:10 PM Posted by jo

I got a message from our homeschool charter that it was discovered that some children had head lice. Fortunately my children have not participated in any classes for the last couple of weeks so we are safe. Having lice is not fun, they are insects that live on people's heads and suck their blood. Unfortunately they are extremely contagious.

Drug resistance

When we lived in Wales and my children attended public school they often had problems with head lice at their school. It seemed like I received several letters each month telling me they found head lice on yet another child. Luckily, my children got head lice once when we lived there and they were nice enough to pass it on to me too. I learned that the head lice are becoming drug resistance, so no wonder the head lice keeping coming back to schools and other places. Hopefully people will realize the wonderful power of natural remedies since they don't cause drug resistance.

What I did

Back in Wales I used tea tree and rosemary for head lice. I added it to shampoo as well as to the final rinse after shampooing. I also mixed the essential oils with vegetable oils and applied to the scalp and covered with a disposable shower cap and left overnight.

Studies

According to the Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, cinnamon leaf, anise seed, tea tree (Melaleuca), peppermint, nutmeg, and red thyme used in shampoo and rinse solutions have showed effectiveness against head lice according to studies in Iceland.

The Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide also lists the following oils for head lice:

Eucalyptus radiata, lavender, peppermint, thyme (thymus vulgaris,) and geranium.

Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.

Thanks for reading!

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
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Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing
Valeri Ann Worwood, (1991). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA

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