How does lavender affect lice? - briefly
Lavender oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that repel and can kill head‑lice insects by disrupting their nervous system. Applied in diluted form, it reduces infestation without harming human skin.
How does lavender affect lice? - in detail
Lavender oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that exhibit insecticidal properties. Laboratory tests show that these constituents disrupt the nervous system of lice, causing paralysis and death within minutes of direct contact. The oil also interferes with the lice’s ability to attach to hair shafts, reducing infestation persistence.
Clinical trials comparing lavender oil to standard pediculicides report a reduction in live lice counts of 70‑85 % after a single application, with a second treatment 7–10 days later eliminating most residual eggs. The effectiveness is attributed to:
- Neurotoxic action of linalool on acetylcholine receptors.
- Antimicrobial activity that lowers scalp bacterial load, creating an environment less favorable for lice survival.
- Repellent effect that deters adult insects from re‑infesting treated areas.
Application protocols typically involve diluting pure lavender oil (1–2 % v/v) in a carrier such as coconut or olive oil, massaging the mixture into the scalp, covering with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly. Repeating the process after one week targets newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial exposure.
Safety data indicate low irritation potential for most users, though a patch test is recommended for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to the Lamiaceae family. Ingestion is not advised; systemic toxicity is negligible at topical concentrations used for lice control.
Limitations include variable results due to differences in oil purity, concentration, and individual scalp conditions. Lavender oil does not reliably dissolve nits; mechanical removal with a fine-toothed comb remains necessary to achieve complete eradication.