How should wormwood water be properly used for lice?

How should wormwood water be properly used for lice? - briefly

Dilute wormwood infusion (1 part herb to 10 parts water), apply thoroughly to the hair and scalp, leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water; repeat the treatment every 2–3 days for two weeks while combing out nits.

How should wormwood water be properly used for lice? - in detail

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) infusion can serve as a topical treatment for head‑lice infestations when prepared and applied correctly. Follow the procedure below to achieve optimal results.

Preparation of the solution

1. Measure 30 g of dried wormwood leaves.
2. Place the herb in 1 L of cold water.
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, discarding plant material.
6. Cool the liquid to a temperature comfortably warm for the scalp (≈37 °C).
7. Store the infusion in a sterilized glass bottle; refrigerate if not used within 24 hours.

Application protocol

• Part the hair into sections of 2–3 cm.
• Saturate each section with the warm infusion, ensuring complete coverage of the scalp and hair shafts.
• Allow the liquid to remain on the scalp for 15 minutes; do not rinse.
• After the exposure period, comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb, removing dead nits and insects.
• Rinse hair with lukewarm water only if residue is excessive; avoid shampooing for at least 12 hours to preserve the active compounds.

Treatment schedule

• Repeat the entire procedure every 48 hours for a total of three applications.
• Perform a final combing session 24 hours after the last treatment to confirm eradication.

Safety considerations

• Conduct a patch test on a small area of skin 30 minutes before the first use; discontinue if irritation, redness, or itching occurs.
• Avoid use on children under 2 years, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with known hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family plants.
• Do not apply to broken or inflamed skin; treat any open lesions before proceeding.

Storage and stability

• Keep the prepared infusion in a tightly sealed container, refrigerated at 4 °C.
• Use within 48 hours; discard any solution that develops an off‑odor, discoloration, or mold.

Following these steps provides a systematic, evidence‑based approach to employing wormwood water as an effective lice‑control measure.