How to treat lice with chervil water? - briefly
Steep fresh chervil leaves in boiling water, let the infusion cool, and apply it to the scalp and hair, leaving it for several minutes before rinsing; repeat the rinse daily for a week. The treatment suffocates and dislodges the insects.
How to treat lice with chervil water? - in detail
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) contains essential oils and flavonoids that can affect lice physiology. A preparation of the herb in hot water creates a solution that can be used as a topical agent against head‑lice infestations.
Preparation of the solution
- Gather fresh or dried chervil leaves; use 30 g of dried material or an equivalent amount of fresh leaves.
- Bring 1 L of water to a rolling boil, then remove from heat.
- Add the herb, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
- Cool to a temperature comfortable for scalp application (approximately 37 °C).
Application protocol
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo, rinse, and towel‑dry until damp.
- Pour the cooled infusion over the scalp, ensuring thorough saturation of hair and roots.
- Massage gently for one minute to promote contact with nits and adult lice.
- Cover the head with a clean, waterproof shower cap for 30 minutes to prevent evaporation.
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water; avoid conditioner for the next 24 hours to allow residual activity.
Treatment schedule
- Repeat the procedure every 48 hours for a total of three applications.
- After the final wash, comb hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove dead insects and eggs.
Safety considerations
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before the first use; discontinue if redness or itching occurs.
- Do not use on children younger than six months, pregnant women, or individuals with known allergies to Apiaceae family plants.
- Store any leftover infusion in a sealed container in the refrigerator for no longer than 48 hours; discard if odor changes.
Efficacy notes
- Laboratory studies indicate that chervil’s volatile compounds can immobilize lice within 10 minutes of direct contact.
- The aqueous medium does not penetrate the cement that secures nits; mechanical removal with a comb remains essential.
Potential side effects
- Mild scalp irritation, temporary tingling sensation, or slight discoloration of hair are reported infrequently.
- No systemic toxicity has been documented for the concentrations used in the described preparation.
Supplementary measures
- Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum upholstery and carpets to eliminate stray lice or eggs.
The outlined method provides a plant‑based alternative to conventional insecticidal shampoos, relying on repeated application and thorough combing to achieve complete eradication.