How to remove lice using folk medicine? - briefly
A 1:1 mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water, applied to the scalp for 15 minutes, loosens nits for removal with a fine-toothed comb. Alternative folk remedies include a boiled‑potato paste or a tea‑tree‑oil rinse applied for several minutes before combing.
How to remove lice using folk medicine? - in detail
Lice infestations require immediate action to prevent spread and discomfort. Traditional remedies rely on substances that suffocate, repel, or dissolve the insects and their eggs. The following protocol outlines a comprehensive approach using time‑tested natural agents.
First, isolate the affected individual and wash hair with a mild shampoo to remove surface debris. After rinsing, apply a treatment chosen from the list below. Each remedy should be left on the scalp for 30–60 minutes before thorough combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb.
- Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. The acidic environment loosens the glue that holds nits to hair shafts. Apply generously, cover with a shower cap, and wait one hour before combing.
- Olive oil or coconut oil: Coat hair from roots to tips. The oil creates a barrier that blocks breathing tubes of lice. Leave on for at least two hours, preferably overnight, then remove excess oil and comb.
- Tea tree oil blend: Combine 10 ml tea tree essential oil with 90 ml carrier oil (olive or almond). The antiseptic properties irritate lice, causing them to detach. Apply, cover, and wait 45 minutes before combing.
- Neem paste: Grind neem leaves or use neem oil mixed with a small amount of water to form a paste. Neem contains azadirachtin, a compound that interferes with lice development. Apply, keep for one hour, then rinse and comb.
- Salt and vinegar rinse: Dissolve 2 tbsp salt in a cup of warm water, add 2 tbsp vinegar. The solution dehydrates insects and weakens egg shells. Spray onto damp hair, let sit for 20 minutes, then comb.
After each treatment, repeat the combing process at least three times over the next week. Lice eggs hatch within 7–10 days; consistent removal prevents re‑infestation. Clean personal items—combs, brushes, hats, pillowcases—by soaking in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for 10 minutes or laundering on a high‑heat cycle. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to eliminate fallen nits.
If symptoms persist after two full treatment cycles, consider consulting a medical professional for alternative options. The described folk methods are safe for most individuals when applied correctly, but allergic reactions may occur; perform a patch test on a small skin area before full application.