By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Lice
Herbal teas for lice are natural remedies made from plants that help eliminate and prevent lice infestations.
These teas work by suffocating the lice and their eggs, or nits, thereby relieving itching and discomfort. The best herbal teas for lice include Melaleuca alternifolia, Cymbopogon citratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Artemisia absinthium, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula angustifolia, Achillea millefolium, Saponaria officinalis, Zingiber officinale, and Cymbopogon nardus.
If left untreated, lice can cause significant stress, anxiety, and embarrassment, impacting daily life and relationships, and even affecting a person's self-esteem and confidence.
1. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia teas helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic and antifungal properties.
The tea contains compounds such as cineole, which can help to repel and kill lice and their eggs. Regular consumption of the tea may also help to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and itchiness caused by lice infestations. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the tea can help to prevent the growth and spread of other scalp infections.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for lice treatment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia teas that help with lice.
- Cineole: A terpene with insecticidal and antiparasitic properties that helps to repel and kill lice by disrupting their nervous system and preventing them from feeding.
- Linalool: A terpene with antiparasitic and antibacterial properties that helps to reduce the population of lice by preventing their reproduction and killing them through cell membrane disruption.
- P-cymene: A monoterpenic hydrocarbon with insecticidal and antiparasitic properties that helps to repel and kill lice by disrupting their nervous system and preventing them from feeding.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melaleuca alternifolia used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: The leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia are often used to make teas for lice due to their high concentration of compounds that have been shown to repel and kill lice.
- Buds: The buds of Melaleuca alternifolia contain essential oils that help to kill lice and soothe the scalp, making them a popular ingredient in lice-killing teas.
- Leaves: The leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia are also used to make teas for lice due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe the scalp and prevent infection.
2. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus teas helps with lice because of its natural insecticidal and antiparasitic properties.
The tea, also known as lemongrass, contains citral, a compound that has been shown to repel and kill lice. When consumed, it helps to reduce the growth of lice, making it easier to remove them from the scalp.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of Cymbopogon citratus tea can soothe the scalp and reduce irritation caused by lice bites, providing relief from the discomfort associated with lice infestations.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus teas that help with lice.
- Citronellal: This terpene has insecticidal properties that help kill lice by disrupting their nervous system and ultimately leading to their death.
- Geraniol: This terpene has antiparasitic properties that help repel lice and prevent their re-infestation, making it difficult for them to survive on the scalp.
- Limonene: This terpene has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help prevent secondary infections caused by scratching or infestation, promoting a healthier scalp environment.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cymbopogon citratus used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: These are the most commonly used part for making teas due to their high citronella oil content, which is known for its insect-repelling properties.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Cymbopogon citratus contain a significant amount of essential oils, including citronella oil, which helps in repelling lice.
- Stems: The stems of the plant may also be used in some cases, although less frequently than the leaves and rhyzomes, as they still contain some essential oils that aid in lice control.
3. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic properties.
The essential oils present in rosemary, such as camphor and bornyl acetate, have been shown to repel and kill lice. The tea's ability to penetrate the hair shaft can also help to loosen and remove lice eggs, or nits.
Additionally, rosemary's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce irritation and discomfort associated with lice infestations, making it a promising natural remedy for those seeking an alternative to chemical-based treatments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with lice.
- Bornyl acetate: It helps repel lice by disrupting their olfactory perception and behavior.
- Rosmarinic acid: It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties, which aid in treating lice infestations.
- Carnosic acid: It has antioxidant properties and may help to inhibit lice growth and development.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: The leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis are used to make teas for lice due to their antiparasitic properties.
- Flowers: The flowers of Rosmarinus officinalis are used to make teas for lice due to their ability to repel and kill lice.
- Stems: The stems of Rosmarinus officinalis are used to make teas for lice due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties that help combat lice infestations.
4. Artemisia absinthium
Artemisia absinthium teas helps with lice because of its potent antiparasitic properties, derived from the bioactive compounds present in the plant.
The tea is rich in thujone and sesquiterpene lactones, which have been shown to effectively kill lice and their eggs. The antiparasitic activity of the tea helps to eliminate the lice infestation, reducing the risk of re-infestation and providing relief from the discomfort and itching associated with lice.
Regular consumption of the tea may also help to prevent future infestations.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia absinthium teas that help with lice.
- Thujone: This monoterpene acts as a neurotoxin, disrupting the nervous system of lice, ultimately leading to their death.
- Volatile oils: These compounds have insecticidal properties, directly killing lice and their eggs.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have antiparasitic properties, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of lice, thus providing relief from infestation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Artemisia absinthium used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: Used for their antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties to help kill lice and their eggs.
- Stems: Utilized for their ability to soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation caused by lice infestations.
- Seeds: Employed for their antiparasitic and antiseptic properties to help eliminate lice and promote healthy scalp conditions.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with lice because its active compounds, such as cineole and alpha-pinene, have natural insecticidal and anti-parasitic properties.
These compounds can help to repel and kill lice, as well as their eggs, thereby reducing the risk of re-infestation. Additionally, the tea's dehydrating effect on the lice can help to weaken and ultimately kill the parasites, making it an effective natural remedy for treating lice infestations.
Its antiseptic properties also help to soothe and calm irritated scalps.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with lice.
- Cineole: This compound has been shown to repel lice, potentially preventing infestation and reducing the need for insecticides.
- Α-pinene: As a natural insect repellent, α-pinene helps deter lice and other parasites, making it an effective component in controlling infestations.
- Caryophyllene oxide: This compound has been found to have insecticidal properties, making it useful in treating and preventing lice infestations.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly eucalyptol, which is effective against lice and other parasites.
- Barks: The barks are also widely used for their antiparasitic and antiseptic properties, which help in treating lice infestations and preventing their spread.
- Stems: The stems are occasionally used as a substitute for leaves, although they have lower concentrations of essential oils, still providing some relief against lice and other parasites.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with lice because of its natural insecticidal properties.
The tea's high concentration of linalool and linalyl acetate compounds makes it an effective treatment for killing lice and their eggs. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of the tea help to soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation caused by the lice infestation.
Its ability to repel lice and alleviate symptoms makes Lavandula angustifolia tea a popular natural remedy for treating lice without the need for harsh chemicals.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with lice.
- Linalool: This terpene has been shown to have insecticidal properties, helping to repel and kill lice.
- Linalyl acetate: This terpene is known to have a sedative effect on lice, helping to calm them and making them more susceptible to other treatments.
- Caryophyllene oxide: This terpene has been found to have insecticidal and antiparasitic properties, helping to kill lice and other parasites.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: Used for their antiparasitic properties to help repel and kill lice.
- Flowers: Utilized for their antiseptic and antifungal properties to soothe and treat lice-infested skin.
- Stems: Employed for their antiparasitic and antibacterial properties to help control lice infestations.
7. Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium teas helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic properties.
The tea, also known as yarrow, contains compounds that are toxic to lice, causing them to die and preventing them from reproducing. This makes it an effective treatment for both head lice and body lice. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of Achillea millefolium tea can help soothe itchy scalps and skin, providing relief from the discomfort caused by lice infestations.
Regular use of the tea can also help prevent future infestations.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with lice.
- Chlorogenic acid: This phenolic compound has been shown to exhibit anthelmintic properties, helping to repel and kill lice.
- Apigenin: As a flavonoid, apigenin has demonstrated anti-parasitic activity, which can help to eliminate lice and their eggs.
- Thymol: This monoterpene exhibits antiseptic and insecticidal properties, making it effective in killing lice and other parasitic organisms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Achillea millefolium used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: They are used for their antiparasitic and antiseptic properties to help eliminate lice.
- Flowers: They contain compounds that help repel and kill lice, making them a popular choice for lice-repelling teas.
- Stems: They are used in combination with other parts to create a tea that can help soothe and calm the scalp, while also repelling lice.
8. Saponaria officinalis
Saponaria officinalis teas helps with lice because of its natural insecticidal properties, derived from the plant's saponin content.
The saponins in the tea have been traditionally used to repel and kill lice and their eggs, effectively treating infestations. The tea's antiseptic properties also help prevent infection and promote a healthy scalp environment.
By using Saponaria officinalis teas, individuals can find a natural and non-toxic solution for lice removal, making it a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to chemical treatments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Saponaria officinalis teas that help with lice.
- Saponins: They help with lice by creating a soap-like effect that breaks down the exoskeleton of lice eggs and eventually kills the lice.
- Flavonoids: They help with lice by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of lice, thereby reducing their population over time.
- Triterpenoids: They help with lice by disrupting the cellular membrane of lice, ultimately leading to their death.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Saponaria officinalis used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: Used for their antiparasitic properties to help kill lice.
- Flowers: Used due to their saponin content, which is effective in treating lice infestations.
- Roots: Used for their antiparasitic properties, which help in eliminating lice and other parasites.
9. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with lice because of its natural anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compound gingerol in ginger tea has been shown to repel lice and soothe the scalp, reducing itching and discomfort. Additionally, ginger tea helps to improve blood circulation, promoting a healthy scalp environment that is less conducive to lice infestations.
Its antiseptic properties also help to prevent the spread of lice, making it a popular natural remedy for lice treatment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with lice.
- Gingerols: These compounds exhibit anti-parasitic properties, which may help in eliminating lice by disrupting their life cycle.
- Shogaols: Shogaols have been shown to possess insecticidal and repellent properties, making them effective in preventing lice infestations.
- Gingerol-3: Also known as zingiberene, this terpene may help to reduce the severity of lice infestations by suppressing the growth of lice eggs.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for lice.
- Rhyzomes: Used for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help combat lice infestations.
- Roots: Employed for their antiparasitic and antiseptic properties to help repel and kill lice.
- Leaves: Utilized for their antifungal and antiseptic properties to help soothe and calm the scalp affected by lice.
10. Cymbopogon nardus
Cymbopogon nardus teas helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic properties.
The tea is derived from the essential oils of the plant, which have been traditionally used to repel and eliminate lice and their eggs. The oils in Cymbopogon nardus, such as citral and geraniol, have potent insecticidal and repellent effects that can help break the lice life cycle.
Regular use of Cymbopogon nardus tea may help to reduce the infestation and promote a healthy scalp.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon nardus teas that help with lice.
- Citronellal: It is a natural insect repellent, which helps to deter lice from infesting the hair and scalp.
- Geraniol: This terpene has insecticidal properties, making it effective in killing lice and other parasites.
- Limonene: It has been shown to possess antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties, helping to eliminate lice and their eggs from the hair and scalp.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cymbopogon nardus used to make teas for lice.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for lice due to their high citronella oil content, which has natural insect-repelling properties.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes are used to make teas for lice as they contain compounds that help to repel and kill lice.
- Buds: The buds are used to make teas for lice because they have high concentrations of essential oils that help to repel and kill lice.