Herbal Remedies for Head Lice

Head lice are small, wingless, parasitic insects that live in hair, biting and sucking blood for nourishment. Head lice commonly occur in children and are highly contagious. Infestations are often accompanied by redness and itching. Diagnosis is simple when the small gray, round eggs are seen attached to the base of the hair follicle. Use a hand lens to help make them visible.

Herbal treatment can sometimes cure the condition, though skillful and persistent application is often necessary. This treatment may be preferable to 1% lindane cream (Quell) which can have side effects. Malathion should be avoided. For severe cases, a 1% pyrethrin cream rinse is now available. Make an herbal rinse by diluting apple cider vinegar 50-50 with water, adding 1 ounce of quassia, centaury, and rosemary tincture, essential oil, or strong tea to 10 ounces of water and rinse the scalp several times daily. Make sure to keep linens, clothes, combs, and other articles sterilized, and avoid contact with others that may be infected.

Herbs Used To Treat Head Lice