An Herbal Approach to the Scourge of the Schools

Head Lice:
An Herbal Approach to the Scourge of the Schools

by Robyn Seydel

Most every year there is a class (or two or three) at just about every school that has a problem with head lice.

This year perhaps due to the weather, people are already talking about a particularly virulent infestation.

Want to remove unwanted visitors from your child's head without using dangerous endocrine- disrupting or neurotoxic pesticides like lindane, malathion,
and the others commonly used in head lice shampoo?

Here are a few herbal suggestions that have been used with excellent results for ages.

Herbal Preparations

There are several herbs that traditionally have been useful in getting rid of head lice.

As documented by Alma Hutchens (Indian Herbalogy of North America) one good remedy for head lice is the inner bark of the Alder Tree (also known as Black Alder, Winter Berry or Fever Bush).

When boiled with vinegar and used as a wash, it is known to treat head lice, the itch and scabs with success.

The flowers and leaves of Larkspur, an annual herb native in Europe but that naturalized rapidly here, was used extensively by the U.S. Army to rid troops of head lice in the 19th century.

Again, used as a wash, take one to two ounces of fresh or dried flowers and leaves, pour boiling water over, let steep 20-60 minutes and wash head regularly.

Also, a strong decoction of Quassia was noted by electic physicians as effective.

There are also a number of oils that are especially good for removing head lice. These are Aniseed, Sassafras, Cajuput or Quassia oils.

Combining any of the above four oils in a combination that smells pleasant to you will help make the going easier.

Adding Rosemary, with its parasiticide action and calming fresh aroma, is good. Mix one part essential oil with two parts olive oil and coat hair and scalp completely, rubbing in well.

A Fine-Toothed Comb

Whichever wash or oil you use, go over your child's head literally with a fine-toothed comb. Any of these herbs must be used daily or twice daily, depending on the degree of infestation.

First oil with one of the oil mixtures and comb, then rinse and comb and finally wash with a good tea tree oil shampoo and comb.

Frequently wipe the comb clean of lice, scabs and eggs as you go, and dispose of carefully.

It may take a week to three; again, depending on the level of infestation, to remove all lice, eggs, and scabs. For tender heads, as many children are, go slowly and gently.

As you will be doing this daily for the period of time necessary to clear the infestation make it into quality shared time together.

Talk about the day or have your child read their favorite book to you, listen to a favorite piece of music, (Peter and the Wolf is always fun) or watch a favorite movie while you comb.

Wash all sheets and pillows frequently. A mixture of dried lavender, rosemary and pennyroyal inside the pillowcase will also help reduce infestation and protect bedding while improving dreamtime.

Protection

The best medicine is always prevention. Wash your child's hair frequently with a gentle shampoo. Check their scalp regularly and encourage good hygiene and regular combing and brushing of their hair.

Wash hats, headbands and pony tail holders frequently, or after every use if there is an infestation.