Lice: solution
By Lise Guénette, Naturopath Nd.A.
The head louse (pediculus capitis) is a tiny insect that feeds on blood. The female lays about ten eggs (nits) a day, which attach themselves firmly to the hairline, usually at the base of the neck and behind the ears. Young lice start biting as soon as they hatch. Well-fed, they can live up to 30 days. Lice do not jump or fly; they are transmitted mainly by direct contact or via objects or clothing (brush, comb, barrette, hat, cap, scarf, pillow, etc.).
WHAT TO DO... FOR PREVENTION
As soon as school starts, inspect your children's heads regularly, especially if they're scratching their scalps frantically. Using a fine-toothed comb, pick out strand by strand, and anything that looks like a film but doesn't fall off easily could be a nit. If you have to use your fingernails or tweezers to dislodge it from the scalp... it's probably a louse! (see treatment below).
For prevention, shampoo your hair once a week with 5 drops of a blend of pure essential oils of lavender angustifolia and melaleuca alternifolia. Some formulas on the market combine these two oils with other essential oils, such as spearmint, rosemary, lemon and so on. Once a week (morning and evening), you can also apply 5 drops of the same blend of essential oils to the back of the neck and near the ears, without rinsing.
WHAT TO DO... IF THERE'S A LICE INFESTATION
Notify daycare and/or school. At home, treat all affected family members, including pets. If one member of the family is affected, you can also treat all family members as a preventive measure.
Oily solution: Mix 10 ml (2 tsp.) of the anti-lice essential oil blend (mentioned above) in 30 ml (2 tbsp.) of vegetable oil. Apply the solution to dry hair. Massage into scalp and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash hair and comb through. Repeat for 3 consecutive days.
Wait a week and reapply. OR - Anti-lice shampoo: Add 5 to 10 drops of the anti-lice essential oil blend to one dose of shampoo.
Massage into wet hair. Leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse and repeat. Rinse again and comb through. Repeat 2 times a day for 3 consecutive days.
Soak and wash combs, brushes, bedding, clothes, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If essential oils come into contact with the eyes and burn, apply a small amount of vegetable oil to the eyes immediately.
Anti-lice essential oils can also be used against fleas on cats and dogs. Simply massage a few drops into the coat, avoiding sensitive areas.
Source
Lise Guenette ND.A.- Member of the Association des naturopathes agréés du Québec