Tea tree oil against head lice
Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral properties and is therefore particularly effective against head lice.
Note: Essential oils are highly concentrated, with tea tree oil being the strongest. They are not suitable for pregnant women, lactating women or babies. Avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes.
The life cycle of head lice, from egg to adult stage, takes about 9 days. Due to the resistance of lice eggs (nits) to treatments, repeated treatment after 9 days is essential. The treatment should mainly be aimed at the scalp, where young lice (nymphs) are located.
Application:
Direct application:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a vegetable carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil or argan oil.
- Apply to the scalp, massage well, cover the hair with a towel, leave on for 2 hours and rinse with shampoo.
Mix with shampoo:
- Add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil to a neutral shampoo.
- Massage into the scalp, leave on for a few minutes and rinse.
Preventive treatment against head lice:
- Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on the hair daily as a preventive measure.
- Some people find it sufficient to place a drop of tea tree oil behind each ear, as the oil spreads itself.
Scientific sources:
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). "Tea tree oil." Mayo Clinic.
- Summary: Discusses various uses and potential benefits of tea tree oil, including its effectiveness against head lice.
- Thatcher, E. (2002). "The efficacy of tea tree oil in treating head lice." Journal of School Nursing
- Summary: A study on the effectiveness of tea tree oil in the treatment of head lice in schoolchildren.
- Teshima, D., et al. (2003). "In vitro efficacy of tea tree oil against head lice." Parasitology Research
- Summary: An in-vitro study testing the effectiveness of tea tree oil against head lice.
- Ellse, L., Wall, R. (2014). "The use of essential oils in veterinary ectoparasite control: a review." Medical and Veterinary Entomology
- Summary: An extensive review that discusses the effectiveness of essential oils, including tea tree oil, against parasites.