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Health Condition

Head Lice

  • Citronella

    Citronella is a volatile oil that has been shown to help eliminate head lice.

    Dose:

    Spray a 3.7% lotion in a slow-release formula every morning six days per week
    Citronella
    ×
     

    Citronella is the volatile oil extracted from Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus. In a double-blind trial, children with head lice were treated either with a placebo lotion or a lotion containing 3.7% citronella in a slow-release formula.4 The lotions were sprayed on the hair every morning for six days each week. Reexamination after two and after four months showed that significantly fewer children using citronella lotion were still infested.

  • Quassia

    Quassia is a tree native to the Amazon rainforest that has constituents with activity against several types of microbes and insects.

    Dose:

    Apply an alcohol extract to the scalp two times, one week apart
    Quassia
    ×
     

    Quassia (Quassia amara) is a tree native to the Amazon rainforest that has constituents with activity against several types of microbes and insects.5,6,7 An uncontrolled study reported that all but three out of 454 cases of head lice were successfully treated with a topical tincture of quassia bark applied to the scalp once, and again one week later.8 A double-blind trial found that using a similar quassia extract helped prevent new cases of head lice.9

  • Sugar Apple

    In one trial, a cream containing 20% oil of sugar apple seed killed 95% of head lice when applied once to the hair of infested schoolgirls for three hours, and then washed out.

    Dose:

    Apply a cream containing 20% seed oil to hair and wash out three hours later
    Sugar Apple
    ×
    Sugar apple (Annona squamosa) is a tree native to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. In a controlled trial, a cream containing 20% oil of sugar apple seed killed 95% of head lice when applied once to the hair of infested schoolgirls for three hours, and then washed out.10

  • Anise, Ylang Ylang, and Coconut Oils

    A combination of anise, ylang ylang, and coconut oils has been shown to be effective against head lice.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Anise, Ylang Ylang, and Coconut Oils
    ×
    A commercial product (HairClean 1-2-3) containing oils of anise, ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), and coconut, plus isopropyl alcohol, applied once per week for 15 minutes followed by rinsing, shampooing, and combing, was 98% effective, according to a preliminary report of a controlled study.11

  • Paw Paw, Thyme Oil, and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

    An herbal shampoo containing a standardized extract of paw paw, thyme oil, and tea tree oil has been found to be effective in treating head lice.

    Dose:

    Apply shampoo to hair and leave on for one hour before washing out
    Paw Paw, Thyme Oil, and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
    ×
    An herbal shampoo (Paw Paw Lice Remover Shampoo) containing a standardized extract of paw paw (Asimina triloba), thyme oil, and tee tree oil was found to be toxic to head lice in test tube studies, after which uncontrolled trials were carried out in 13 families.12 The shampoo was applied to the dry hair and left on for one hour before washing out and combing with a fine-toothed comb; this was repeated eight and sixteen days later, after which 100% of the 37 participants were free of lice.

  • Sassafras

    Traditional herbalists recommend applying oil of sassafras to treat head lice.

    Dose:

    Apply a cream containing 20% seed oil to the hair and wash out three hours later
    Sassafras
    ×
     

    Traditional herbalists recommend applying oil of sassafras topically three times per day for lice, but this has never been tested in a clinical study.13

What Are Star Ratings
×
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Holistic Options

Several home remedies have been popularized for treating head lice, including topical application of isopropyl alcohol, olive oil, mayonnaise, melted butter, and petroleum jelly. Test tube studies of these remedies found that only petroleum jelly was effective for killing lice and their eggs,14 but no human studies have investigated whether any home remedy is an effective treatment for an existing infestation.

References

1. Freedberg IM, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, et al, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine (6th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003, page 2286.

2. Freedberg IM, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, et al, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine (6th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003, page 2286.

3. De Maeseneer J, Blokland I, Willems S, et al. Wet combing versus traditional scalp inspection to detect head lice in schoolchildren: observational study. BMJ 2000;321:1187-8.

4. Mumcuoglu KY, Magdassi S, Miller J, et al. Repellency of citronella for head lice: double-blind randomized trial of efficacy and safety. Isr Med Assoc J2004;6:756-9.

5. Ajaiyeoba EO, Krebs HC. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of Quassia undulata and Quassia amara extracts in vitro. Afr J Med Med Sci 2003;32:353-6.

6. Gilbert B, Teixeira DF, Carvalho ES, et al. Activities of the Pharmaceutical Technology Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation with medicinal, insecticidal and insect repellent plants. An Acad Bras Cienc 1999;71:265-71.

7. Evans DA, Raj RK. Larvicidal efficacy of Quassin against Culex quinquefasciatus. Indian J Med Res 1991;93:324-7.

8. Jensen O, Nielsen AO, Bjerregaard P. Pediculosis capitis treated with quassia tincture. Acta Derm Venereol 1978;58:557-9.

9. Ninci ME. Prophylaxis and treatment of pediculosis with Quassia amarga. Rev Fac Cien Med Univ Nac Cordoba 1991;49:27-31 [in Spanish].

10. Tiangda CH, Gritsanapan W, Sookvanichsilp N, Limchalearn A. Anti-headlice activity of a preparation of Annona squamosa seed extract. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2000;31 Suppl 1:174-7.

11. Meinking TA. Infestations. Curr Probl Dermatol 1999;11:73-120 [review].

12. McCage CM, Ward SM, Paling CA, et al. Development of a paw paw herbal shampoo for the removal of head lice. Phytomedicine 2002;9:743-8.

13. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element, 1990:230.

14. Takano-Lee M, Edman JD, Mullens BA, Clark JM. Home remedies to control head lice: assessment of home remedies to control the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae). J Pediatr Nurs 2004;19:393-8.

15. Freedberg IM, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, et al, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine (6th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003, page 2288.

16. Frydenberg A, Starr M. Head lice. Aust Fam Physician 2003;32:607-11.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.