Effectiveness and prevention of lice using home remedies

 There are many home remedies for head lice that people say can treat head lice, but there is no scientific evidence that they are beneficial or safe.

Many of these remedies have shown mixed results in research. Home remedies for head lice are often ineffective and may not meet safety guidelines, scientists say.

People considering these remedies should consult a doctor, review the data, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of home therapy.

While doctors disagree about the effectiveness of home remedies for head lice, they believe that non-medical measures can be taken to slow the spread of head lice and prevent their reoccurrence.

5 home remedies for head lice

Lice are small insects that feed on human blood. Adult lice are about 2 to 3 millimeters long. They lay eggs in the hair, close to the skin, and their length is a reliable source.

They can affect pubic hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, although they are most commonly found on scalp hair.

Since lice hatch quickly from eggs, an infestation can grow rapidly. To get rid of lice, you need to get rid of both insects and their eggs. After the eggs have hatched, the person receiving non-egg-breaking therapy will need to repeat it.

Many people think that lice, eggs, or both can be killed with home remedies. Learn about these home remedies for head lice and when to seek medical attention and how to prevent the spread of head lice in the sections below.

1. Anise essential oil.

Anise oil coats and chokes the lice.

 

A source you can trust. In a 2018 study, anise oil was shown to be one of the most effective natural remedies for head lice in children.

 

Anise oil was one of two natural remedies that completely eradicated lice, although other natural remedies have often been successful. Other medicinal herbs usually lead to re-infection within a few months in those who have tried them.

 

Anise oil can be found in well-being food provisions and online for those looking to buy it.

 

2. Extra virgin olive oil.

Olive oil has properties comparable to anise oil as it can smother lice and prevent them from reoccurring. In the same 2018 study as anise oil, it was ranked as one of the most effective remedies. Those looking for a very effective home remedy can combine olive and anise oils.

 

Olive oil may be more beneficial for your hair and scalp. Olive oil can be found in many grocery stores and online.

 

3. Extra virgin coconut oil.

Coconut oil is widely used to treat dry skin and hair.

 

In 2010, researchers in Brazil conducted a study called Trusted Source, which examined the effects of various natural remedies for lice and compared them to over-the-counter medications.

 

The researchers found that pure coconut oil was the only therapy that worked out of all the remedies they tried. On average, 80% of Trusted Source head lice have died after 4 hours of using the oil.

 

During the same period, the two most effective medicated shampoos killed 97.9% and 90.2% of lice, respectively.