Effective essential oils for lice and nits: which ones to choose, recipes and precautions

General information about the disease

There are 3 types of lice that can parasitize the human body:

• • headaches – affect the skin and hair of the head, in men they can be observed in the mustache and beard;
• • clothes – parasitize on clothing;
• • pubic – settle on hair in the groin area, external genitalia and anus.

Depending on the type of lice, infection occurs in several ways:

• • contact;
• • sexual;
• • household.

The main signs of lice are itching and discomfort. But based on this clinical picture, a diagnosis is not made. A visual examination of the patient is necessary, which reveals:

• • small inclusions of a grayish color, resembling dandruff in appearance (when you try to crush them with your nails, a characteristic click is observed).
• • wounds;
• • minor bruises (occur due to parasite bites);
• • enlarged lymph nodes;
• • rashes on the neck and behind the ears
• • pustules.

In some cases, there are signs of an allergic reaction and an increase in body temperature. The person himself becomes irritable and aggressive. He has problems sleeping and concentration decreases.

Indications for use

Most often, LM is successfully used in cosmetology, adding to home and industrial masks, shampoos and creams. It is prohibited to use it in undiluted (pure) form. For each procedure, the appropriate dosage is used; it is shown in the table.

It is advisable to use lavender oil for the following purposes:

• to increase hair growth;
• for lice – 3 or 4 procedures are enough; due to the strong and persistent aroma of lice, lice can be avoided;
• eliminating excess fat;
• from electrification - the hair is smoothed and made more silky.

When using baths, be sure to add the drug together with an emulsifier, otherwise there is a risk of burns.

They can be:

• soda;
• yogurt;
• sour cream;
• kefir.

Take 5-7 drops per 30 ml of base.

The effectiveness of oils against lice and nits

Essential oils are used to treat head lice. The mechanism of their work is simple. Oils emit a pungent odor that causes suffocation in parasites, and also clogs the respiratory system, causing them to die. And in combination with an acidic environment (for example, vinegar), the shells of the eggs and the cementing substance with which they are attached to the hair dissolve. Thanks to this property, the process of combing them out is greatly facilitated.

Additionally, essential oils for lice and nits provide care for the hair and scalp, restoring damaged cells and eliminating the unpleasant symptoms characteristic of lice.

What oils are recommended to use?

The best results in the fight against the manifestations of lice are demonstrated by such types of natural oils as anise, sunflower, burdock, lavender, castor, eucalyptus , tea tree oil, bergamot and geranium .
In order to choose the right medicinal oil for each individual case, you need to familiarize yourself with all their main properties and effects.

Burdock oil is one of the most popular natural remedies for eliminating many hair problems. It has also proven itself excellent in the treatment of pediculosis.

This product is very affordable - you can buy it at any pharmacy at a minimal cost. At the same time, the effectiveness of burdock oil against lice and nits is always at its best. As a result of application, positive changes occur:

• the scalp becomes healthier;
• a protective film is created on the surface of the skin , which significantly complicates the further movement of parasites, as well as their feeding.

Burdock oil, preheated to room temperature, should be applied in large quantities to the hair and scalp . Then, putting a polyethylene cap on your head, you need to stay in this state for at least an hour. After this, rinse your hair thoroughly.

The mandatory course of treatment for pediculosis with burdock oil is three days . For preventive purposes, it is recommended to carry out this procedure once a week.

Sunflower oil is often used for lice. It brings the best effect in combination with essential oils of eucalyptus, geranium, lavender and bergamot, acting as a base. The prepared oil mixture is thickly applied to the hair and intensively rubbed into the scalp . Then the head is covered with polyethylene and the mixture is left for several hours.

Anise oil also brings positive results. Thanks to its enveloping effect, it slows down the usual activity of blood-sucking parasites. The aroma of anise slightly repels lice and prevents the development of their larvae.

Using essential anise oil for lice is very simple - apply it to the hair and scalp, leave for 1-2 hours, and then rinse with plenty of water . It is famous for its antimicrobial effect.

Castor oil is successfully used against lice, which is one of the most common and affordable. Its action is similar to burdock .

Apply a generous amount of oil to your hair, rub in thoroughly, cover with a cellophane cap and rinse thoroughly after a couple of hours. Upon completion of the procedure, weakened lice along with nits must be combed out using a special comb.

Lavender oil can be compared to tea tree oil in its effects.

IMPORTANT ! It should be borne in mind that due to its weak effect, it is recommended to use lavender essential oil for lice not on its own, but as part of recipes with other essential oils - for example, eucalyptus and rosemary.

The most important benefits of lavender oil include a pronounced healing and antimicrobial effect . For prevention purposes, lavender oil, like tea tree oil, can be added to shampoos, conditioners and hair masks.

Read on our website about other folk remedies for lice: kerosene, hairspray, dichlorvos, hair dye, hydrogen peroxide, hellebore water, tar and laundry soap.

Lavender oil for lice

Lavender oil has the following properties:

• • antiseptic;
• • painkillers;
• • calming.

The smell of the product slows down the activity of parasites, thereby weakening the process of their development and reproduction. However, lavender oil in its pure form is not capable of quickly ridding a person of lice. To do this, you will need to apply it daily to the skin and hair for at least 2 weeks, leaving it on for 2-3 hours.

To increase the effectiveness of the product, it is mixed with alcohol and distilled water in a ratio of 3:5:5. The scalp and hair are treated with this solution, after which a plastic cap is put on and washed off after 20 minutes. The procedures take 4 days.

Don’t forget that after using any oil against lice and nits, you need to comb your hair!

Tea tree

Another effective remedy is tea tree oil for lice. It gives an amazing effect when combined with alcohol. In addition to the antiseptic effect, this mixture affects the dense chitinous coverings of parasites, destroying them.

To prepare a medicinal mixture, you need to mix 30 g of tea tree oil with 50 g of ethyl alcohol. Then add 50 g of distilled water. The resulting solution is treated with the scalp for 5-6 days.

As a preventive measure, tea tree oil can be added to shampoo, and it can also be applied in a targeted manner in the area of ​​the temples, crown and ears.

Tea tree oil

Review

A neighbor advised me to use tea tree oil for lice. I decided to use this method because I considered it the safest compared to pharmaceutical drugs. I treated my hair with oil for 4 days, after which I combed it out with a comb. I managed to completely get rid of lice and nits. But this method did not help my sister - either the treatment was of less quality, or there was a high degree of parasite infestation.

Galina, Kursk

Sunflower oil for lice

Sunflower oil is the only folk remedy for head lice that can be used in both children and pregnant women. It rarely causes allergic reactions and does not harm the body. However, to completely get rid of lice using sunflower oil, it will take at least 10 days. The product has a suffocating effect and slows down the process of parasite reproduction.

Directions for use – apply the oil to the scalp and hair, put a plastic bag on top, and wash off with warm water after 30 minutes.

Advantages of the method

Most people who discover an unpleasant surprise - lice - in their hair or that of their loved ones experience a feeling of shame. Overcoming him and going to the pharmacy for medicine is not easy. Lice oil is an accessible and inexpensive remedy. You can buy it in a regular grocery or cosmetic store, or in a pharmacy chain. Treatment will not require significant financial costs.

Children are susceptible to pediculosis. A child can become infected on the street, in a children's group. Natural treatment for lice does not harm his health and is allowed from the age of 5.

Coconut oil for lice

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is harmful to lice. In addition, it has an antibacterial effect, preventing the occurrence of head lice infections. The product is used as follows:

• • melt in a water bath, cool to 37-38 degrees;
• • apply to the scalp and hair, carefully comb out lice and nits with a special comb
• • wash your hair with warm water and shampoo and dry it;
• • the oil is reapplied to the skin and hair, putting a plastic cap on top and leaving the mask on for 8-10 hours.

After washing off the oil, comb the hair. The procedures are repeated 2-3 times a week until the signs of lice disappear completely.

How to detect lice

Most often (but not always), you can recognize a head lice infestation by severe itching. But it is best to verify the presence of insects through a routine inspection. To do this, you need to lay a white sheet on the floor, sit the child on a chair, and carefully examine the hair roots and scalp. If lice or nits cannot be seen with the naked eye, comb the child's head over a towel. The insects will fall out and be easy to spot.

If measures are not taken in time, the bite sites may become inflamed. Later, a bacterial infection may join the inflammation. That’s why it’s so important to start treating head lice after the first symptoms appear!

Professional remedies for head lice

If folk remedies do not have a therapeutic effect, you need to switch to professional shampoos, sprays and lotions. They ensure the elimination of parasites after the 1st application. But, when purchasing such products, you need to carefully read the contraindications, since most of them contain toxic substances that can cause allergic reactions and other health problems.

One of the least dangerous anti-pediculosis drugs is “Paranite Sensitive.” It does not contain harmful chemical compounds, so it can be used in young children and women during pregnancy and lactation.

The product has several forms of release - shampoo, spray, lotion, repellent. The main active ingredients are mineral oils and dimethicone. The principle of operation is based on the fact that the active substances clog the respiratory openings of lice and nits, blocking the access of oxygen to them, as a result of which they die. “Paranite” has a physical effect on lice and nits, does not contain toxic substances and is not addictive even with repeated use.

Features of pediculosis

Pediculosis is a disease that has accompanied humanity for thousands of years. But the mechanism of transmission of infection has not yet been fully studied. It is known that during periods of wars and disasters, an outbreak of the disease occurs. In ordinary life, infection is most likely through contact with a sick person or when using his personal belongings.

No one is immune from the appearance of lice; insects like to settle on people who neglect personal hygiene. They love clean skin even more, as it makes it easier for them to latch on and feed.

It is easy to become infected with lice in crowded places, communicating with infected individuals on duty.

• the bite sites are very itchy;
• the person involuntarily scratches the itchy areas;
• as a result, wounds form;
• they get infected, they fester and become crusty.

Due to constant negative effects, dandruff appears and hair becomes thinner. In addition, lice are carriers of dangerous diseases: tularemia, Volyn fever and typhus.

At the first sign of lice, you should begin an active fight against them.

Contraindications

Like all cosmetics and medications, lavender oil also has contraindications:

• low pressure;
• lactation;
• epilepsy;
• individual intolerance;
• pregnancy;
• anemia.

Hypotonic patients should use cosmetics with caution, as they may cause lethargy and drowsiness.