Natural Lice Treatment

Natural lice treatments may be an option for some, when faced with using toxic pesticides. Even natural remedies can pose a risk to children, and caution should be carefully considered. It is important to keep in mind the time frame involved with natural remedies, as opposed to over-the-counter medications, as natural remedies will take more effort, time and patience.

Types

Choosing a natural lice treatment may prevent the use of pesticides in treating lice. There are many options available such as: mayonnaise, butter, Vaseline, vinegar, olive oil and mineral oil. Tree oils such as chinaberry, Indian lilac and white cedar also prove to be successful.

Time Frame

Many natural treatments will have to be repeated several times, and daily, to effectively kill the lice. Even with repeated use, these remedies will not kill the nits (eggs). Nit removal must be done using a nit removal comb. White vinegar may be used to help loosen the strong glue that anchors the nits to the hair shaft.

Effects

The use of natural treatments have proven beneficial for some seeking an alternative use to pesticides. Most natural home remedies are nontoxic and safe for the environment.

Considerations

Natural home remedies will have to repeated daily, and each hair shaft will have to be inspected daily to effectively rid lice and nits. This will be more time-consuming, and will involve more work, as daily preventative household measures will have to be maintained to prevent reinfestation.

Warning

While the use of natural remedies to treat lice are generally considered to be safe, there are still precautions that need to be considered. Any food product left in the hair overnight can spoil, and can make a child sick, if the child ingests the product. Mineral oil and baby oil can be dangerous if ingested, and can be harmful to the mucous membranes.