What Are the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Head Lice?

Head lice remains the scourge of elementary schools. Many children in both public and private school will suffer with head lice during the course of their education.

Getting rid of head lice is a major undertaking. All bedding and clothes must be washed. Stuffed animals must be treated or stored in airtight plastic for two weeks. The entire house must be vacuumed. The child must also be treated both with a special lice comb and shampoo. Parents have some options with the shampoos, some containing pesticides and others containing tea tree oil, which has several benefits.

Effectiveness

• Tree tea oil is offered as an alternative to shampoos with pesticide, some of which have been losing effectiveness according to the Mayo Clinic. Tree tea oil works by smothering the lice and also coats the nits, making them easier to remove. Treatment can be completed in as little as three days by treating the child before school, after school and before bed. Used in conjunction with vacuuming and other hygienic measures, tree tea oil will remove lice from your home.

No Poison

• Many commercial lice shampoos contain pesticides to kill the lice. These pesticides may not be safe for your child, especially if used more than once or twice. Unfortunately, many lice infestations can be difficult to treat. If your child is in day care or school, you may have to deal with head lice several times. Avoiding the use of any pesticide is best for good health. Tea tree oil's main benefit is its safety to your precious child. Be aware that tea tree oil can have some side effects according to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Your child may experience an allergic reaction, so speak to your doctor before trying tea tree oil on your child. Tea tree oil has also been linked to breast development in young boys. Keep tea tree oil away from children -- it can be toxic if swallowed.

Pleasant Treatment

• Children hate being treated for head lice. Shampoos with pesticides have a harsh smell and must be left on the head for a period of time. After the shampoo, the hair must be combed out with a special comb to remove any remaining lice and nits. Tea tree oil is easier to use. You can put a few drops on the lice comb and comb through the child's hair. Your child will appreciate the shorter time spent on treatment and the pleasant smell. Consult your doctor for the best treatment options for your child's head lice and for the latest information on using tea tree oil.

Environmentally Safe

• Tea tree oil is also a safe additive for laundry. You will need to wash all the child's bedding and affected clothing -- adding tea tree oil to the wash helps kill any remaining lice without adding poisons to the environment. As always, use caution when using tea tree oil with delicate fabrics and washables. Use the hottest water that is safe for washing the clothing, and dry for at least 20 minutes in a hot dryer. You can also mist stuffed animals with a mixture of tea tree oil and spring water -- test an inconspicuous patch on the toy first to make sure the tea tree oil won't damage it. Use a few drops of tea tree oil in your vacuum cleaner bag to help kill any lice in carpets or upholstery.