How to eliminate lice with cranberry? - briefly
«Cranberry» extract, diluted to a 10 % solution and applied to the scalp, dehydrates lice and blocks their respiratory spiracles, causing swift death. After a 30‑minute exposure, comb out the immobilized insects and rinse the hair thoroughly.
How to eliminate lice with cranberry? - in detail
Cranberry contains natural acids and antioxidants that create an environment hostile to head‑lice eggs and nymphs. The tartness lowers the pH on the scalp, disrupting the cuticle of the insects and impairing their ability to cling to hair shafts.
Preparation of a cranberry rinse involves the following steps:
- Measure one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries; blend with two cups of water until a smooth puree forms.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh to remove solid particles, retaining only the liquid.
- Add a tablespoon of apple‑cider vinegar to increase acidity, which enhances the insecticidal effect.
- Cool the solution to room temperature before use.
Application procedure:
- Saturate clean, dry hair with the cranberry solution, ensuring complete coverage from scalp to hair tips.
- Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb, removing dead insects and debris after each pass.
- Leave the liquid on the scalp for 20–30 minutes; the extended contact time maximizes the acidic action.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water; avoid shampooing immediately, as residual acidity aids the treatment.
- Repeat the process every 48 hours for three cycles, covering the typical life cycle of lice.
Safety considerations:
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area before full application to detect possible allergic reactions.
- Avoid use on broken or irritated scalp skin; irritation may increase discomfort.
- Children under two years should not receive this treatment without medical supervision.
- Store any leftover solution in a sealed container in the refrigerator; discard after 48 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Efficacy is supported by the antimicrobial properties of cranberry, which weaken lice exoskeletons and inhibit egg hatching. Combining the rinse with regular mechanical removal using a lice comb yields the most reliable outcome.