How to eliminate lice with folk remedies? - briefly
Apply a 10 % tea‑tree oil or 5 % neem oil solution to the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb; repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks. Alternatively, coat the hair with warm mayonnaise or olive oil for 2 hours, rinse with a 1:1 vinegar‑water mixture, and comb thoroughly.
How to eliminate lice with folk remedies? - in detail
Traditional methods for eradicating head‑lice rely on natural substances that suffocate, poison, or dislodge the parasites. The most effective approaches combine a physical action (such as combing) with a remedy that penetrates the insect’s respiratory system.
A typical protocol begins with a thorough wash of the hair using a mild, non‑medicated shampoo. After rinsing, apply a chosen folk agent and leave it on the scalp for the recommended duration, usually 30–60 minutes. Then, use a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove dead insects and nits, repeating the combing process every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Commonly employed natural agents:
- Olive oil or coconut oil – creates a coating that blocks breathing tubes. Warm the oil slightly, massage into the scalp, cover with a shower cap, and leave for at least an hour before combing.
- Vinegar (apple cider or white) – dissolves the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts. Dilute 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water, spray onto damp hair, let sit for 10 minutes, then comb.
- Tea tree oil – possesses insecticidal properties. Mix 10–15 drops with a carrier oil (olive or almond), apply to the scalp, and allow to dry before combing. Perform a patch test to avoid irritation.
- Mayonnaise – thick consistency suffocates lice. Coat hair from roots to tips, cover with a plastic cap, and keep for 6–8 hours, preferably overnight, then rinse and comb.
- Lemon juice – acidic environment disrupts the lice exoskeleton. Saturate hair with fresh lemon juice, expose to sunlight for 30 minutes, then rinse and comb.
- Salt and baking soda paste – desiccates the insects. Combine equal parts salt, baking soda, and warm water, apply to scalp, leave for 20 minutes, then wash and comb.
Key procedural steps:
- Preparation – wash hair, towel‑dry, and detangle.
- Application – evenly distribute the chosen remedy; ensure complete coverage of the scalp and hair length.
- Incubation – maintain the substance on the scalp for the specified time, using a cap or towel to prevent runoff.
- Removal – rinse thoroughly, then comb with a nit comb, starting at the scalp and moving outward.
- Repetition – repeat the entire cycle every 48–72 hours for 14 days to break the lice life cycle, as eggs hatch within 7–10 days.
Additional preventive measures include washing bedding, hats, and brushes in hot water, vacuuming upholstered furniture, and avoiding head‑to‑head contact. Consistent application of these traditional techniques, combined with diligent combing, yields a high success rate without resorting to chemical pediculicides.