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Essential Oils & Head Lice

Essential Oils & Head Lice



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:
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. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.






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


4:10 PM | Read more...
From the Kitchen Pantry- Various tips

From the Kitchen Pantry- Various tips



In honor of the World Health Day I just wanted to share some quick and easy beauty tips you can make from things in the kitchen pantry.

Oriental Scrub
Mix a handful each of Epsom salt and sea salt with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of  ground ground black pepper. Add a cup of warm water when you are ready to use it. The black pepper stimulates and energizes. The salt removes old  skin cells and makes the skin soft.

Fresh Strawberry Scrub
Mash 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, one tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt into a paste. Use on a damp skin.

Sugar Scrub
Mix one cup granulated sugar with one teaspoon citrus juice of choice, 1/3 - 1/2 cup of olive oil or sweet almond oil, and 1/2 teaspoon fresh citrus zest. Apply to moist body.
Once a Month Hair Rinse to Get Rid of Hair Product Residue.
Mix together half  a cup of white wine vinegar, half a cup of soda water and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Comb through the hair with the solution and leave it for ten minutes and wash the hair as normal.
Dry Hands
Mix one teaspoon of honey with little vegetable, almond or olive oil and massage into the hands. Leave on for as long as possible before rinsing off.
Blend granulated sugar with a little oil and rub over your hands to exfoliate. 


As always, be creative and experiment! Add essential oils or switch out ingredients for things you have at home. The salt and sugar scrubs can be changed endlessly with ingredients at home.



Thanks for visiting!

 




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. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information. 


This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday 
12:01 PM | Read more...