Herbal Treatments for Head Lice

Pediculus humanus is a parasite infestation called head lice.Lice are small insects without wings that feed on human blood. Head lice lay eggs in your hair, and the eggs hatch, causing infestation. A problem common in children, head lice can affect anyone at any age, as they are transferred via human contact. Symptoms include itching, bites, swollen glands and the appearance of lice and nits. There are several herbal treatments available to treat lice.

Quassia

• In Herbal Treatments of Children: Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives, author Anne McIntyre asserts that Quassia contains terpenoids, quassinoids and alkaloids, making the herb an ideal treatment for head lice. Quassia has been used to treat digestive issues, giradia and worms. This herb can be created into a wash, which can be used to banish a head lice infestation. Quassia chips in the form of a tea can be massaged into the scalp. When massaging the tea, be sure to get around the nape of the neck and ears where lice tend to cling. The mixture can then be left on overnight and washed out the following day.

Rosemary

• Rosemary heated in olive oil for 15 to 20 minutes and allowed to cool is another treatment for lice infestation. After creating the essential oil, massage the mixture into your scalp and left to sit overnight. Wash out the essential oil in the morning. Rosemary contains camphor, which offers anti-inflammatory properties associated with lice bites. It's occasionally added to hair treatments because it stimulates circulatory processes in the hair follicles. This also can help heal the scalp from sores, scratches and swelling.

Herbal Mix

• Mix 50 percent water and 50 percent apple cider vinegar, and add 10 ounces more water to create an acid base for an herbal wash. Once you have created the base, you can add an ounce of quassia, an ounce of centaury and 20 to 40 drops rosemary essential oil. Leave in the wash overnight, and rinse it out the next morning.

Special Note

• After using any herbal remedy, it is imperative that you wash all of your clothing and bedding in hot water and soap to kill off any lice. Either sterilize your combs and brushes with hot water and bleach, or dispose of them to reduce another infestation.