What folk remedies can be used to get rid of lice? - briefly
Effective traditional treatments include applying warm olive or coconut oil, rinsing hair with a 10 % vinegar solution, using a paste of crushed neem leaves, and sprinkling diatomaceous earth onto the scalp.
What folk remedies can be used to get rid of lice? - in detail
Traditional approaches to eliminating head‑lice infestations rely on readily available household items and natural substances. Their effectiveness varies, and proper application is essential to achieve eradication.
A vinegar solution (5 % acetic acid) diluted with equal parts water can be poured over wet hair, left for 10 minutes, then combed with a fine‑toothed nit comb. The acidic environment loosens the insect’s grip on the hair shaft, facilitating removal.
Essential oil blends, such as tea‑tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) or neem (Azadirachta indica), are mixed with a carrier oil (olive or coconut) at a ratio of 1 % essential oil to 99 % carrier. The mixture is applied to the scalp, covered with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then combed. Both oils possess insecticidal properties that disrupt the lice’s nervous system.
A paste made from ground garlic cloves combined with a small amount of olive oil creates a thick coating. Applied to the scalp and left for 20 minutes, the sulfur compounds in garlic act as a repellent, while the oil aids in suffocation. After rinsing, thorough combing removes dead insects and nits.
Hot oil treatment involves heating coconut or olive oil to a temperature just below the burn threshold (approximately 45 °C). The warm oil is massaged into the hair, covered with a plastic cap, and left for 1–2 hours. The heat immobilizes the parasites, and the oil suffocates them. Post‑treatment combing eliminates remnants.
A saline rinse, prepared by dissolving 2 tablespoons of non‑iodized salt in 1 liter of warm water, is poured over the hair after shampooing. The hypertonic solution dehydrates the insects, making them easier to extract with a nit comb.
For each method, repeat the process every 3–4 days for at least two weeks to break the lice life cycle. Combine mechanical removal (nit comb) with the chosen remedy for optimal results. Continuous monitoring of the scalp and immediate retreat upon detection of survivors prevent re‑infestation.