How can you eliminate lice and nits using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply a 1 % solution of «tea‑tree oil» in water, rinse with «white vinegar», and comb hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb after each wash; repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks. This regimen breaks the glue that holds nits and kills remaining lice.
How can you eliminate lice and nits using folk remedies? - in detail
Folk remedies provide a practical alternative for eradicating head‑lice infestations and their eggs without reliance on commercial insecticides.
Common natural agents include:
- Vinegar (apple cider or white): Acidic environment loosens the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts.
- Olive oil or coconut oil: Saturates the exoskeleton, suffocating lice and facilitating nit removal.
- Tea tree oil (5 % dilution): Antimicrobial properties disrupt lice nervous system.
- Mayonnaise: Thick consistency blocks breathing pores of insects, leading to mortality.
- Neem powder: Contains azadirachtin, which interferes with egg development.
Application procedure:
- Apply a generous amount of oil or mayonnaise to dry hair, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips.
- Cover with a plastic cap, leave for 30–45 minutes; the suffocating effect intensifies.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then comb hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, removing dead insects and detached nits.
- Follow with a vinegar rinse (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) to dissolve any remaining adhesive.
- For persistent cases, repeat the oil treatment nightly for three consecutive days, then perform a second combing session after the final vinegar rinse.
Safety considerations:
- Perform a patch test for essential oils to avoid dermal irritation.
- Avoid applying oily substances to scalp lesions or eczema‑affected areas.
- Children under two years should not receive oil‑based treatments; opt for a diluted vinegar rinse only.
Regular monitoring for a week after treatment confirms eradication; any newly detected lice require immediate repetition of the protocol.