10 Best Herbal Teas For Lice

Herbal teas can be a natural and effective remedy for treating lice, particularly when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Certain herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus, are known for their insect-repelling properties and may help to suffocate or deter lice. To prepare an herbal tea for lice, combine a few drops of essential oils with a cup of boiling water and let it steep for several minutes. The resulting solution can be applied to the hair and scalp, left to sit for a few minutes, and then rinsed out.

While herbal teas may not completely eliminate lice on their own, they can be a useful complementary treatment when combined with combing and other preventive measures.

1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree oil, is often used in herbal teas to help combat lice due to its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties.

When diluted properly, tea tree oil can be effective in reducing the population of head lice by disrupting their cellular structure and inhibiting their growth. Herbal teas made with tea tree oil are typically combined with other natural ingredients like lavender or eucalyptus to enhance their effectiveness and improve the scent. However, it is important to use these teas as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including combing and over-the-counter medications, as they may not completely eliminate lice on their own.

Always consult a healthcare professional before using tea tree oil, especially for children or individuals with sensitive skin.

2. Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemon grass, is a popular herbal plant used in the preparation of natural teas for treating lice infestations.

This herb contains essential oils such as citral and myrcene, which possess antiparasitic and insect-repelling properties. When brewed into a tea, it can be applied topically to the scalp to help eliminate lice and their eggs. The soothing properties of lemon grass tea also help to calm the scalp and reduce irritation caused by lice.

While it may not completely eradicate lice on its own, it serves as a complementary remedy when used alongside other lice treatment methods.

3. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as the Australian eucalyptus, is often used in herbal teas to help manage lice infestations due to its strong aromatic properties and potential insecticidal effects.

The essential oils extracted from this plant contain compounds like cineole and limonene, which may repel or kill lice by disrupting their nervous systems. While it is not a guaranteed solution, some studies suggest that eucalyptus-based products can be effective as a natural alternative to chemical treatments. However, it is important to use these teas as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and consult with a healthcare professional for severe infestations.

Regular combing with a fine-toothed comb is often recommended alongside the use of eucalyptus globulus herbal teas for best results.

4. Teucrium polium

Teucrium polium, commonly known as the "Balm of Gilead" or "Herb of the Holy Land," has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its various health benefits, including its potential role in treating lice.

This herb contains compounds with antiparasitic properties that may help in repelling or eliminating lice from the scalp. Herbal teas made from Teucrium polium can be applied topically or used as a rinse to combat infestations, offering a natural alternative to chemical treatments. The plant's essential oils and tannins contribute to its effectiveness against lice by disrupting their life cycle and reducing their ability to feed.

However, while some anecdotal evidence supports its use, more scientific research is needed to fully validate its efficacy in treating lice.

5. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, is a traditional herb that has been used for centuries in herbal medicine for its potent antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

While thyme is widely recognized for its ability to fight respiratory infections and support immune health, it is not a proven or effective treatment for lice infestations. Some people may use thyme-infused herbal teas as part of a holistic approach to lice removal, believing in its natural cleansing properties. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its efficacy against head lice, and it should not be relied upon as a standalone solution.

For effective lice treatment, it is recommended to use approved pediculicides or consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance.

6. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, has been traditionally used in herbal teas for its soothing and antiparasitic properties.

While it is not a guaranteed solution for lice, some studies suggest that the essential oils in lavender may help repel or reduce infestations by creating an inhospitable environment for lice. To use lavender in tea for lice, one can brew a strong infusion of dried lavender flowers and apply it to the scalp or use it as a rinse after washing hair. However, it is important to note that lavender tea should not replace proven treatments like medicated shampoos or combing with a fine-toothed comb.

Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy for lice, especially for children or individuals with sensitive skin.

7. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a fragrant herb that has been traditionally used in herbal teas for its potential benefits in treating lice.

The essential oils found in rosemary, such as camphor and pinene, are believed to possess antiparasitic properties that may help in repelling or eliminating head lice. While scientific evidence supporting its efficacy against lice is limited, many natural remedy advocates recommend rosemary tea as a complementary treatment alongside standard lice removal methods. To use rosemary tea for lice, it is typically diluted with water and applied to the scalp, though it should not replace professional treatments recommended by healthcare providers.

Despite its aromatic and soothing qualities, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using rosemary or any herbal remedy for lice infestation.

8. Pimpinella anisum

Pimpinella anisum, commonly known as anise, is a herb that has been traditionally used in herbal teas for its potential benefits in treating lice.

The essential oils in anise, particularly anethol, are believed to have natural insecticidal properties that may help repel or eliminate lice from the scalp. While there is limited scientific research supporting its effectiveness against lice, some anecdotal evidence suggests that anise tea may help soothe the scalp and reduce itching associated with lice infestations. To use anise for lice, it is typically brewed as a strong tea and applied to the hair or rinsed into the scalp.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before relying solely on herbal treatments for lice, as they may not be a complete or reliable solution on their own.

9. Piper nigrum

Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper, is often used in herbal teas for its potential therapeutic properties.

While it is not a primary treatment for lice, some people use black pepper tea as a complementary remedy due to its strong scent and mild antifungal and antiseptic qualities. The active compound in black pepper, piperine, may help repel lice by creating an unfavorable environment on the scalp. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness against lice, and it should not replace proven treatments like medicated shampoos.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy for lice infestation.

10. Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, commonly known as cinnamon, is often used in herbal teas to help combat lice due to its natural antiseptic and antifungal properties.

The essential oils in cinnamon, particularly cinnamaldehyde, have been shown to disrupt the life cycle of head lice by inhibiting their ability to feed and reproduce. While not a guaranteed solution, cinnamon tea can be used as a complementary treatment when combined with other lice removal methods. To prepare the tea, simply steep a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in hot water for several minutes before applying it to the scalp.

However, it is important to note that cinnamon may cause skin irritation in some individuals, so a patch test is recommended before use.