What to do with lice using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply a warm vinegar rinse or a blend of olive oil and tea‑tree oil to smother the insects, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb after each application. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to eliminate any remaining eggs.
What to do with lice using folk remedies? - in detail
Treating head lice with traditional home methods involves several steps that target both the insects and their eggs. First, isolate the affected individual to prevent spreading. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat. For the scalp, apply a saturated solution of vinegar (5 % acetic acid) or a mixture of equal parts apple‑cider vinegar and water; leave for 10 minutes, then rinse. The acidic environment loosens the glue that holds nits to hair shafts.
Next, use a fine‑toothed comb (often called a lice comb) on damp hair. Comb from the scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass with a lint‑free cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to capture newly hatched nits.
Additional folk preparations include:
- Olive oil or coconut oil: Apply generously to the entire scalp, cover with a shower cap, and leave for 30 minutes. The oil suffocates lice and eases combing.
- Tea tree oil (1 % solution): Dilute with a carrier oil, massage into the scalp, and leave for 15 minutes before washing. The antiseptic properties help reduce irritation.
- Neem powder: Mix with warm water to form a paste, apply to the scalp, and leave for 20 minutes. Neem contains compounds that repel insects.
- Salt water rinse: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in a liter of warm water, pour over the hair, and let sit for 5 minutes. Salt dehydrates the parasites.
After each treatment, rinse thoroughly and repeat the chosen method after 7 days to eliminate any surviving nits. Maintain regular inspection of the hair for at least one month, using a bright light and magnification if necessary. If infestation persists despite multiple folk interventions, consult a medical professional for prescription‑strength options.