Head lice and nits are always a real problem in schools and other places where there are groups of children. Consequently, many parents will look for natural solutions to combat them. Herbs and essential oils can be used effectively to control lice and are far gentler to humans than many of the chemical concoctions normally used. Head lice are not fussy about whose hair it is they're living in - all they want is a nice warm home to lay their eggs. Lice will puncture the skin and suck blood, laying eggs, called nits, which attach to the hair. Itching of the head is the first sign that someone may have lice and nits. Although itching does not start until these insects are in some numbers and have been in residence for a couple of months.
An old-fashioned treatment, which I found to be extremely effective in solving the problem when my son was nine-years- old, was a hair rinse made from quassia (pronounced Kwarsha) chips. Some chemists may still stock quassia chips. If not, they may be able to order them in for you. Alternatively, check with a herbal supplier or health food. Some specialty shops may also be able to help. Check the phone directory for suppliers in your area. To make the lice rinse, boil 15 grams of quassia chips in two litres of water in an enamel or stainless steel pan for two hours, topping up the liquid if necessary. Strain and add one tablespoon of cider vinegar to every 300 millilitres of liquid. Apply by combing through the hair with a very fine tooth comb. Repeat at two week intervals, three times.
Another very effective treatment is to apply a blend of the following essential oils: 25 drops each of rosemary and lavender oil, 15 drops of geranium oil and 12 drops eucalyptus oil, thoroughly mixed with 75 millilitres of almond oil. Divide the hair into small sections and saturate each section with the mixture down to the roots. Pile long hair on top of the head ensuring that every bit is oiled.
Wrap plastic around the head and behind the ears to stop the oils from evaporating. Leave for two hours, then remove the plastic and wash the hair with shampoo, rubbing it well in.
Rinse thoroughly and comb through with a fine comb.
Repeat three days later.
