Head Lice

oil

Anise Oil

A 2018 study of natural remedies for lice in children found that anise oil was one of the most effective natural remedies.
Although other natural remedies were frequently effective, anise oil was one of just two that permanently eliminated lice. People who used other herbal remedies typically reported reinfestations within a couple of months.
People looking to purchase anise oil can find it in health food stores and online.

Olive oil
Olive oil offers similar benefits to anise oil, potentially suffocating lice and preventing them from coming back. Like anise oil, it ranked among the most effective remedies in the same 2018 study. People who want a highly effective home remedy should consider using olive oil and anise oil together.
Olive oil may have other benefits for the hair and scalp. Learn more here.
Olive oil is available to purchase in many grocery stores and online.

Coconut oil
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Coconut oil is a popular treatment for dry skin and hair.
The researchers behind a 2010 study in Brazil explored the effects of several natural head lice remedies and compared the results with those of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
Of the tested remedies, the team found that pure coconut oil was the only effective treatment. Within 4 hours of applying the oil, an average of 80% of the head lice were dead.
The two most effective medicated shampoos killed 97.9% and 90.2% of lice in the same period.
People can purchase coconut oil in many health food stores and online

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Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular home remedy for many skin conditions because of its antimicrobial properties.
In a 2010 study, researchers measured the effects of a tea tree and lavender oil blend on head lice in 42 people. After three treatments at weekly intervals, 41of the participants no longer had head lice. This success rate is comparable to that of many prescription and OTC treatments.
However, other research assessing tea tree oil as a treatment for head lice has found the remedy to be less effective. Also, tea tree oil can sometimes irritate the skin and may cause a rash or itchiness.
Learn more about the potential health benefits of tea tree oil here. This product is available for purchase in some pharmacies, health food stores, and online.

Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly may kill lice by suffocating the insects and possibly their eggs.
Petroleum jelly can be greasy and messy, and removing it may require repeated washings. However, for people with treatment-resistant lice or an allergy to lice shampoos, it may be an effective option.
Petroleum jelly is available for purchase in drugstores and online.

Mayonnaise
The United States version of the television series “The Office” may have popularized the use of mayonnaise to treat lice.
Proponents claim that mayonnaise smothers lice and makes it easier for a person to comb them from the hair. Some people also say that mayonnaise can ease the itching and scalp irritation that lice cause.There is no evidence that mayonnaise can kill or treat lice. While this home remedy is probably harmless, it is likely to be messy and inconvenient.