Head Lice Treatment with Tea Tree Oil

Head lice are almost as common as the head cold when it comes to communicable diseases among children, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lice are wingless insects that thrive on the blood that is derived from the scalp. The main symptom of head lice is intense scalp itching, however, for some itching does not occur. Head lice are the size of a strawberry seed and normally congregate behind the ears and along the hairline on the neck. While there are synthetic pesticide shampoos that kill lice, tea tree oil's antisecptic qualities can be utilized to rid an infestation without chemicals.

Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

• Gather tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and pure olive oil to make a shampoo. Mix 3 tbsp. olive oil with 1 tsp. eucalyptus oil and 1 tsp. tea tree oil. Combine these ingredients with 2 tsp. of your regular shampoo and mix for 30 seconds. Generously apply this solution to the scalp, paying attention to the areas behind the ears, back of the neck and hair roots. Cover the scalp with a waterproof shower cap and leave on for at least five minutes. The oils in this mixture may cause the scalp to slightly burn; however, if the burning sensation becomes intense, immediately rinse the oils out of the hair. Remove the shower cap and rinse the hair for 20 minutes to ensure all of the oils have been cleared. Comb through the hair for five minutes to ensure the lice eggs have been removed from the hair shafts. Repeat this process if necessary to rid all lice from the scalp.

Standard Tea Tree Oil Treatment

• Since tea tree oil has strong antiseptic properties, it is able to kill lice and their eggs when applied directly to them. Fill an empty syringe with 2 Tbsp. tea tree oil and apply evenly throughout the scalp. Depending on the amount of lice, or hair, more than 2 Tbsp. may be necessary. Once the entire scalp is covered with tea tree oil, let the solution sit for five minutes before rinsing clean and shampooing with regular shampoo. Take a hot air blow dryer and as you blow dry the hair, comb through the entire scalp. This will ensure the lice eggs are killed and removed.