When you notice your child frequently scratching their head, it often raises immediate concern. One common reason behind this behavior is the presence of head lice. Head lice, scientifically known as Pediculus humanus capitis, are tiny parasitic insects that cling to the hair and settle on the scalp. The persistent itching associated with lice is caused by the body’s reaction to their bites. Along with itchiness, individuals may also feel a light crawling or tickling sensation, as if something is moving through their hair. These parasites are typically more active during the night, which can lead to disturbed sleep and discomfort.
Understanding these symptoms early can help in timely detection and effective treatment of head lice, ensuring better comfort and hygiene.
According to Ayurveda, lice are classified as Bahyaja Krimi, which refers to external parasites or microbes that affect the body from the outside. An imbalance of the Kapha dosha is believed to create a favorable environment for such infestations. Several lifestyle and dietary factors may increase the likelihood of Krimi growth. These include excessive sweating, prolonged exposure to humidity or moisture, and frequent consumption of foods with madhura (sweet) or amla (sour) tastes. Items such as jaggery, milk, sesame oil, and fish are also considered contributing factors. Additionally, habits like daytime sleeping and leading a sedentary lifestyle may further promote the development of these external parasites.
How To Treat Lice :-
It’s important to treat lice as soon as you realize you’ve got them. Here are a few natural remedies that can help:
1. Use A Lice Comb
Specialized fine-toothed lice removal combs are easily available in the market. For effective results, choose a comb with flat, closely spaced teeth measuring approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Such combs help efficiently remove active lice, while ultra-fine combs with even narrower spacing are ideal for targeting and removing nits (eggs) after the lice have been treated.
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Wash your hair thoroughly with a gentle shampoo and apply a generous amount of conditioner. The conditioner helps restrict the movement of lice, making the removal process easier and more effective.
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After applying the conditioner, use a regular comb to gently detangle your hair. This ensures that the lice-removal comb can glide smoothly without getting stuck in knots.
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Once your hair is tangle-free, use a fine lice-comb to begin the removal process. Always start combing from the scalp—allowing the comb to touch the roots—and drag it all the way to the tips of your hair. Repeat this process section by section for best results.
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Check the comb for lice every time, run the comb through your hair, and remove the lice that gets caught between the teeth of the comb with a tissue paper.
2. Spray Coconut And Star Anise Oil
A simple and natural way to tackle head lice is by using a blend of coconut oil and star anise oil. Research shows that applying this mixture twice, with a gap of nine days between applications, can help eliminate lice effectively. In fact, the study indicated that this natural combination may work even better than certain commonly used chemical treatments. Experts believe that the oily texture forms a protective layer around the lice, helping to reduce their activity and promoting a cleaner scalp.
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Combine coconut oil and a few drops of star anise oil in a spray bottle and shake it well.
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Divide your hair into sections and spray on this solution taking care to coat every part of the scalp and hair.
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Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
3. Use Neem
Neem has long been regarded in Ayurveda for its powerful therapeutic qualities. Often referred to as “Sarva Roga Nivarini”, meaning the remedy for all ailments, neem is known for its wide range of health benefits. Research also highlights its effectiveness in naturally combating head lice.
In one study, children affected by lice showed significant improvement after using a neem seed extract–based shampoo. The formulation demonstrated strong anti-lice activity, delivering noticeable results when applied and left on the scalp for just 10 minutes. Such findings reinforce neem’s role as a safe, natural, and effective solution for lice management.
जरूर पढ़े : नीम के गुण फायदे और उपयोग
How to use:
To prepare a natural neem extract, take a handful of fresh neem leaves and boil them in one liter of water for about two minutes. Allow the mixture to rest overnight. The following day, strain the leaves and use the infused water as a hair rinse. You can also grind the strained leaves into a smooth paste and apply it as a nourishing hair mask. Studies suggest that neem extract may help eliminate lice within approximately two hours. For best results, leave the paste or solution on your scalp for an adequate duration before rinsing it off.
4. Try Clove Oil
Clove oil is also considered effective in managing head lice. Research suggests that more than 90% of lice exposed to clove oil for at least 30 minutes were eliminated within two hours. This powerful action is mainly attributed to eugenol, a key active compound naturally found in clove oil. Its strong properties help target lice quickly, making clove oil a potential natural alternative for scalp care.
How to use:
Add 15 drops of clove oil to 2 ounces of olive oil and mix well. Gently massage this blend onto your scalp and hair, ensuring even coverage. Allow it to remain for at least 30 minutes so the nutrients can absorb properly, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
5. Apply Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree, a plant native to Australia. For centuries, it has been valued by Australian communities for its powerful antimicrobial and therapeutic properties. Modern research also suggests that this versatile essential oil may help in managing lice effectively, making it a popular natural remedy for scalp and hair care.
How to use:
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To use tea tree oil effectively for hair care, add 3–5 drops of tea tree oil to one ounce of your regular shampoo. If you need a larger quantity, simply increase the amount in the same ratio. Massage the mixture gently into your scalp and hair for best results.
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Another method is to mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this blend evenly to your scalp and hair, ensuring full coverage.
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Let the treatment sit for 30–40 minutes to allow the nutrients to absorb properly, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
General Tips For Warding Off Lice
Head lice are tiny parasites that commonly spread through direct head-to-head or hair-to-hair contact. This is why children are most often affected, as they frequently come into close contact during play. Lice can also be transmitted through shared hats, combs, or hair accessories. In rare situations, lice may be picked up from furniture, bedding, or carpets where an infested person has been.
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Try to avoid head to head contact during play or other activities.
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Do not share hair ribbons, scarves, caps, barrettes etc. Also avoid sharing hair combs and towels. You can disinfect a hairbrush or comb used by someone who has been infested with lice by soaking them for 5 to 10 minutes in hot water which is at least at 130°F.
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Wash bed linens and clothing used by an infested person in hot water (130°F). Anything that can’t be washed can be dry cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
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Vacuum furniture, carpets etc. which has been used by an infested person.
