How can lice be removed from a child with chervil water? - briefly
Make a concentrated chervil infusion, cool it, saturate the child’s hair and scalp, leave it on for 15–20 minutes, then comb out the nits with a fine-toothed comb. Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat the process after seven days to ensure any newly hatched insects are removed.
How can lice be removed from a child with chervil water? - in detail
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) can serve as a natural pediculicide when prepared as a decoction and applied to a child’s hair. The method requires careful preparation, thorough application, and post‑treatment measures to ensure complete eradication.
Preparation of the solution
- Gather fresh chervil leaves, preferably organic, and rinse them under running water.
- Place 30 g of leaves in 1 L of cold water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for an additional 15 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh, discarding plant material. The liquid should be cooled to a lukewarm temperature (≈35 °C) before use.
Application procedure
- Separate the child’s hair into sections of 2–3 cm using a fine‑tooth comb.
- Saturate each section with the chervil infusion, ensuring the scalp and hair shafts are fully wetted.
- Allow the liquid to remain on the hair for 30 minutes; the active compounds (e.g., phenolic acids) act as irritants to lice and nits.
- After the exposure period, rinse the hair with lukewarm water, avoiding harsh shampoos that could neutralize the solution.
Mechanical removal
- While the hair is still damp, run a nit‑comb through each section from scalp to tip, cleaning the comb after each pass.
- Collect dislodged nits on a white paper towel for visual confirmation of removal.
Post‑treatment protocol
- Wash bedding, clothing, and hair accessories in hot water (≥60 °C) or place them in sealed plastic bags for 48 hours to prevent reinfestation.
- Repeat the chervil wash after 7 days, targeting any newly hatched lice that escaped the first cycle.
- Monitor the scalp daily for at least two weeks; any surviving insects should be treated with a second application.
Safety considerations
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before full application to rule out allergic reactions.
- Ensure the child does not ingest the solution; keep the head tilted forward during rinsing to avoid runoff into the eyes or mouth.
- Consult a pediatrician if irritation, redness, or persistent itching occurs.
When executed precisely, this chervil‑based regimen offers an effective, chemical‑free alternative to conventional pediculicides, reducing the likelihood of resistance and minimizing exposure to synthetic agents.