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Oils for Lice

A bigger problem than head lice infestation alone is the pesticides used to treat this itchy condition. The American Head Lice Information Center warns, "If a product is capable of killing an insect on contact, it is a pesticide and should be used with extreme caution." Choose safe and effective oils for treatment of lice that leave your child's hair soft, smooth, and lice free.

  1. Olive Oil

    • Olive oil is a natural treatment option.

      Olive oil is an effective treatment for lice. "Any insect will undoubtedly succumb to anoxia (lack of oxygen) if submerged in oil for a prolonged period," according to Dr. Richard J. Pollack from the Harvard School of Public Health. Apply a generous amount of olive oil to the entire head. Cover with a shower cap or bathing cap for at least 12 hours. Complete treatment by picking out nits (lice eggs) with a lice comb and washing the clean hair with hot water and shampoo.

    Mayonnaise

    • Mayonnaise -- not just a tasty condiment.

      Mayonnaise is an alternative lice treatment your child may be comfortable with, as it is a common condiment. Mayonnaise suffocates lice, but, similar to other oils, is not as effective on nits. After a 12-hour treatment, pick the nits from the hair and shampoo thoroughly. Repeat if necessary if missed nits hatch into active lice.

    Petroleum Jelly

    • Check hair carefully for active lice or nits.

      Petroleum jelly is more than a first-aid ointment -- it's also an effective head lice treatment. Remember that no head lice treatment is 100 percent effective. Thorough nit removal is imperative. Once the petroleum jelly has suffocated the lice after remaining on the hair (covered with a shower cap) for 12 hours, pick out the nits and shampoo the hair. The hair will feel soft and smooth. As with other oil-based treatments, check for nits daily and repeat treatment if you find any live lice.

    Essential Oils

    • Essential oils effectively kill head lice and nits.

      Natural essential oils from herbs are free of harmful pesticides. Lice treatments using blended oils such as tea tree, cinnamon leaf, peppermint, and nutmeg must be followed by a vinegar rinse. The essential oil treatment is effective on live lice and nits but "The process is repeated three times over ten days, left for a week, and then repeated," which is not practical with today's busy lifestyles. According to the Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives, essential oils are an effective treatment worthy of consideration.

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