Have you been looking for an at home natural remedy for head lice? Well, read on.......
In our previous article, we had discussed head lice as being one of the causes of irritation and itching of the scalp, the resultant scratching leading to crusting and scaling of the scalp. Head lice are usually confined to the scalp, especially the occipital and post-auricular regions and diagnosis is usually by identification of the lice as they are visible with naked eyes.
We, at SliceOfNature recommend a natural, non toxic, non irritant, easy to use remedy for the treatment of lice and nits; African wild sage, commonly known as leleshwa. Leleshwa oil is great for this purpose when used in shampoos, treatments, gels as well as detergents as a natural disinfectant.
To start the treatment, undo braided or plaited hair for easier treatment and management. Wet the hair and massage a palm full of shampoo laced with a few drops (3-10 drops) of leleshwa oil. Leave it on for a few minutes. Comb the hair from roots to ends of the hair. Remember to wipe off any live lice with tissue as you comb. Rinse off the shampoo with warm water. If hair conditioning is required, mix your preferred conditioner with a few drops of leleshwa oil before application. Massage and leave it on for a thirty minute, heat cap is optional. If using a leave in conditioner, mix it with a few drops of leleshwa oil in your palms and massage it in your hair. Style the hair as desired. You can also mix a few drops of leleshwa oil in your normal hair conditioner or gel. Treatment should be repeated every day for five days and then once weekly till all the lice and nits have been eradicated as incubation period for nits is 10 days. SliceOfNature leleshwa oil comes with a drop dispenser for easier administration and measurement.
It is good to note that application of this oil is only safe in small quantities and only if diluted with a carrier oil or a solubilized solution. For external use only, avoid contact with eyes. Treatment is not recommended on pregnant women during the first three months.
It is also important to disinfect beddings, pillows, headrests, towels, hats, combs and other commonly shared items with detergents treated with leleshwa oil to prevent spreading and re infestation with head lice. Beddings, stuffed animals and other hard to wash items can be put in a dryer for 30 minutes to kill the lice and nits. Head lice need human blood to survive and cannot survive off human host for more than 24 hours, therefore, vacuuming is sufficient for any areas or items that may be in contact with an infested person.
