How Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Lice?
Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca Alternifolia, is an extracted oil derived from the leaves of the native Australian plant of the same name. It has long been used in herbal medicine and is now increasingly being used as a natural remedy for various ailments, including lice.
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil has been used as a traditional remedy by Australian Aborigines for centuries. The oil consists of highly concentrated standard terpenes and has a strong scent that can vary from sweet and nutty to medicinal. It’s been found to possess antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Does It Really Work?
Tea tree oil has been found to be a natural lice repellent and has been known to kill lice in clinical trials. A study published in the South African Medical Journal found that a treatment consisting of tea tree oil, lavender oil and peppermint oil was 97.2% effective in killing lice eggs and 100% effective in killing lice.
How Can I Use Tea Tree Oil To Kill Lice?
To use tea tree oil to kill lice, you can do the following:
- Mix: Mix together equal parts of tea tree oil, lavender oil and peppermint oil.
- Apply: Apply the mixture onto the scalp and hair. Use a fine-toothed comb to make sure the oil is evenly spread throughout the hair.
- Rinse: Rinse off the oil with a mild shampoo after 4-6 hours. Repeat this process every 4-7 days and the lice should be eliminated in a few weeks.
Conclusion
Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for lice that has been found to be effective in killing lice eggs and lice in clinical studies. To use it effectively, mix together equal parts of tea tree oil, lavender oil and peppermint oil, apply it to the scalp and hair, and rinse it out with a mild shampoo after 4-6 hours. Repeat this process every 4-7 days and the lice should be eliminated in a few weeks.
