Lice-Oh My!

Since one of my last posts was about dry hair, I thought I would stick to the subject area and embark on another common hair and scalp problem: Lice. This infestation is any parent's nightmare and isn't much fun for the rest of us either due to an itchy discomfort coupled with worries of passing on this highly contagious mite. Luckily, this is one of the easiest problems to treat at home naturally.

This is not a home remedy as much as it is instructions on a natural remedy that is an effective alternative to chemical treatments like 1% Permethrin cream. The remedy is simply a tea tree shampoo plus a bottle of real tea tree oil. The Dessert Essence company makes an excellent shampoo called Therapeutic Treatment Shampoo, which is designed to kill lice and treat other conditions. It can be bought at most health foods stores or places like Whole Foods.

With this treatment, you will wash hair according to instructions and be sure to add about 8-10 extra drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo each time before applying. Wash vigorously ensuring that the shampoo/oil mixture reaches the scalp and covers the hair and neck. Leave on the hair for about 5 minutes before rinsing. Do this until the infestation is gone-usually takes less than 2 days of washing twice a day. The tea tree conditioner is also excellent during this time but optional.

Please let me know if you try this!

P.S.-Remember that bed linens, brushes, & combs should be washed or soaked in white vinegar or bleach. Mattresses should be vacuumed, and items that can not be washed like hats should be disposed of immediately.

Photo by Nick Potter at www.nickpotter.net