Head lice are a general problem in U.S. It is a common issue and a sign of poor hygiene. Anyone can get head lice infestation irrespective of gender or age. It is very commonly seen in the children ages from three to fourteen. Approximately 6 to 12 million kids in the United States are infected with head lice. Head lice are just 1.6 mm long insects and are wingless, that live close to the human scalp. These parasites lay their nits (eggs) on the scalp and suck the blood from the human scalp to survive, which is the reason they are unable to survive after they get off the person’s head. Read more, to know about the natural remedies to get rid of lice.
Head lice spread very easily from person to person through contacts such as with contaminated combs, hair, brushes, bedding or clothing. The symptoms of head lice include an itching scalp, crawling on the head and red bumps on the scalp. If someone in your family is having this symptom then they might have head lice. In the case of having head lice, you must take care of the issue promptly. Lice picking or combing with a nit comb may help a lot, but these methods can take a long time and are most efficient when the problem is detected early. Fortunately, there are many natural home remedies to get rid of the head lice.
Top Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Lice:
1.) Indica to Get Rid of Lice
Indica also known as Indian lilac is a natural and effective pesticide that can be used in the treatment of lice. It can also relieve the scalp tenderness on the head caused by constant scratching. Indian lilac has also moisturizing properties so it will not let your scalp dry out. Make the paste of Indica leaves and apply it on your hair and scalp. Allow it to dry completely, and then rinse your hair with shampoo. Do this two to three times a week for two months.
Alternatively, you can massage some pure Indica oil onto the hair and the scalp properly and leave it on for at least one and a half hour, Wash it out with shampoo. Once your hair is dry, use a nit comb to remove the lice and nits. Use this method at least three times a week for one to two months. You can also make fine powder by grinding Indica seeds. Mix one tablespoon of the powder with sufficient groundnut oil to make a concentrated paste. Apply it on your scalp and hair, leave it on overnight. Wash it out the next morning. Do this once or twice a week for three months.
2.) Rubbing Alcohol to Get Rid of Lice
Massaging you hair and scalp with Rubbing alcohol (A solution having 70% isopropyl and 30% alcohol) or absolute alcohol can kill lice and nits very effectively. This solution is safe to use as a treatment for lice and nits. Put your head in a basin or a tub and pour some rubbing alcohol onto your hair. Spread the rubbing alcohol all over your scalp and hair with your fingers. Leave it on for a few minutes. Now apply some conditioner on your scalp and rub it. Use a nit comb to remove all the nits and lice. Then wash your hair with shampoo. Use this remedy once a week for two months.
3.) Vinegar to Get Rid of Lice
Vinegar is easily available at home and can be used for the treatment to eliminate head lice. The high amount of acetic acid present in vinegar can effectively kill head lice, nits and also dissolve the dead nits. Make a mixture of vinegar and mineral oil. Before going to bed, apply this mixture on your scalp and hair thoroughly. You can use a shower cap to cover your head. Leave it on for the night. The next morning, rinse your hair with shampoo. Alternatively, you can use the solution of vinegar and water in equal amount, to wash your freshly washed hair. Leave it for 10 minutes, and then wash it again with fresh water. Use one of the above remedies for twice a week for two months. Also use a nit comb to remove lice and nits after using these remedies.
4.) Mayonnaise to Get Rid of Lice
Mayonnaise is a well-known home treatment for head lice. It can effectively stifle the little insects and eventually kill them. Apply a layer of mayonnaise on your hair thoroughly. Use a shower cap or plastic to cover it tightly. You can also wrap a towel over the plastic. Leave it on for at least 5 to 6 hours. Rinse your hair well with shampoo. Use a hair dryer to dry out your hair as the hot air from the dryer ensures the lice are dead. Comb your hair with a nit comb to remove lice and nits. Use this treatment once a week for about two months.
5.) Coconut Oil to Get Rid of Lice
Coconut oil is a very useful kitchen staple. It is an excellent smothering agent and also good for your hair. Coconut oil causes suffocation to the lice and eventually kills them. Take three tablespoons of coconut oil, warm it up slightly and add a little bit of camphor to it. Apply this mixture all over your head, and massage it thoroughly into your scalp. Use a shower cap to cover your head and leave it on overnight. The next morning, Rinse your hair with your regular shampoo. Let your hair dry, and comb it with a nit comb to remove lice and nits. Repeat this treatment for daily for a week to eradicate lice.
6.) Onions to Get Rid of Lice
Another natural remedy to treat head lice is onion. A high amount of sulfur in the onion helps to kill head lice. Make a paste of four to five onions by grinding it in a blender or food processor. Extract the juice from the paste with the help of a thin sieve. Apply the juice on the scalp and massage it with your fingers. Use a shower cap to cover your head. Leave it on for two to three hours. Wash your hair with shampoo and lukewarm water. Let your hair dry and comb it with a nit comb to remove lice and nits. Use this treatment daily for three days continuously, and then use it once a week. Do this for two to three months to eliminate head lice completely.
7.) Tea Tree Oil to Get Rid of Lice
Tea tree oil can be used as a remedy to treat head lice. It is a natural insecticide and efficiently kills head lice. It also helps relieve the itching on the scalp. Mix four to five drops of oil with every one ounce of shampoo. Wash your hair with the mixture and rinse it with the fresh water. When dry, comb your hair with a nit comb to remove the lice. Use this Mixture to shampoo your hair for two to three months. Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of tea tree oil with three tablespoons of olive oil. You can also mix one tablespoon of eucalyptus oil to it. Apply the mixture all over your hair and scalp. Leave it on for half an hour. Wash your hair with shampoo. Repeat this method twice a week for one to two months.
Note: Be careful while using tea tree oil as it is quite strong. Make sure you dilute it before using.
8.) Lemon Juice to Get Rid of Lice
The acidic nature of the Lemon helps to remove lice and nits from the scalp. Hence it is widely used as a natural remedy to treat Lice. It’s also helpful at preventing an infestation if one of your classmates has got lice in their head. Extract the juice from fresh lemons and apply it on your scalp. Leave it for 30 to 40 minutes, and then wash your hair with vinegar. And then wash it with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment once a week to get rid of lice problem.
To eliminate lice completely, make a fine paste of four large garlic cloves and add it with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Apply the paste all over your scalp and massage it with your fingers. Wrap a thick towel around your hair and leave it for thirty minutes. Then wash it off with fresh water and then shampoo your hair. Use this method for five consecutive days to kill head lice.
9.) Petroleum Jelly to Get Rid of Lice
Petroleum jelly can also be used to get rid of lice. It can also have a stifling effect on lice. The jelly will cause suffocation to the little monsters by clogging their breathing holes. It will make the breathing difficult, resulting in their death. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly on the scalp and hair. Use a shower cap to cover your head tightly. Leave it on the whole night. In the next morning, remove the petroleum jelly. You can use baby oil to remove the jelly. Then shampoo your hair and wash it with fresh water. Let your hair dry and comb your hair with a nit comb to remove the lice and nits. Use this treatment once a week for two months.
10.) Almonds to Get Rid of Lice
Almonds are well-known tree nut that are beneficial in many health issues. And it is one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of lice. Soak 10 to 12 almonds in water overnight. In the next morning, make the paste of the almonds by peeling and grinding it. Add three tablespoons of lemon juice into the paste. Apply the mixture all over the scalp. Leave it on for two hours. Rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water. Repeat this method once a week for two to three months. With patience and diligence, you can easily remove the head lice.
