The dreaded nits! Natural treatment for lice...
Don’t panic, even if your child arrives home from school or crèche with a note to please treat them for lice as some of the kids have nits. It does not mean your child is dirt, even though we just about all start subconsciously scratching our heads when we hear the word “lice”!
There are natural alternatives to the dreaded drug store/pharmacy chemical treatments. One of the best I have come across, which is widely available is a Tea Tree Lice Kit from Thursday Plantation. I have added in all the information on it below.
The great thing about the range is that it is suitable for all hair types, including sensitive scalps. And best of all their products are free from the nasties like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES), silicons, propylene glycol, synthetic parabens, and even synthetic colours and fragrances. I recommend using the Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner as a standard while your kids are attending junior school to reduce the chances of them having nits.
The have a great product, the Thursday Plantation Head Lice Kit, which consists of Tea Tree Head Lice Gel and comb. The gel is designed to make it easier to identify and cover both nits (eggs) and lice, as well as remove them with the comb. Once the hair is covered in gel, leave the gel in for a few minutes as per the directions. Then rinse the gel off, you can use their conditioner if you like to help remove any tangles. Once this is done then one uses the stainless steel comb to remove the offending nits and lice, rinsing the comb off regularly.
Thursday Plantation recommends that one repeats the above process again after 7 days. I have also found that regular use of their Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner seems to reduce the chances of reinfection. Some people are sensitive to tea tree so always test it before.
If you are lucky sometimes all you need to do is comb your child’s hair morning and evening for three weeks, rinsing the comb regularly in between. Remember the most important part is to regularly remove any nits and lice, and even with all the various treatments, the regular combing and removal remains the principal action.
In some cases if your child does not actually have nits, this measure can also be used as a deterrent. So how does one treat the scalp with essential oils and which oils does one use?
There are a number that have proven to be effective, tea tree oil, lavender oil and neem oil. Just be aware that some people are sensitive and even allergic to these oils so always do a test beforehand.
It is recommended to mix the essential oil with a base oil. Olive oil is popular, but jojoba or sweet almond oil will also work. Mix 60mls of your chosen oil with 15 to 20 drops of the essential oil. Apply it to the hair and comb through gently. It is best to leave it overnight, so do it just before bedtime and then pop on a shower cap. The following morning comb out the hair and then rinse well. Use a tea tree shampoo and conditioner if possible.
Remember to maintain the use of the tea tree shampoo and conditioner and check weekly for nits for at least three weeks after the initial treatment.
If you have any queries or concerns please consult your local qualified healthcare practitioner.
About The Author:
After eight years in the retail side of the health industry, much accumulation of knowledge and information I changed industries completely and gone back to my graphic design roots. I still wish to help inform people on natural alternatives, as well as help people when they are choosing to use natural alternatives to treat disorders, diseases and distresses.
(Read more posts by Charlie)
Posted in: Uncategorized by Charlie on April 26, 2015 @ 9:13 pm
Tags: lice and hair gel, lice and school, lice and tea tree oil, lice be gone, lice comb, lice getting rid of, lice letter to parents, lice medication, lice natural treatment, lice prevention, lice shampoo, lice treatment