Terrawhisper
logo of terrawhisper
Home | Remedies | Integumentary System | Lice | Creams

Updated: Nov 30, 2024

9 Herbal Creams For Lice

herbal creams for lice

Herbal creams for lice are becoming a popular alternative to chemical-based treatments.

These creams contain natural ingredients like Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Lavandula angustifolia that have been used for centuries to repel and kill lice. The key to their effectiveness lies in the herbs' ability to suffocate the lice and prevent them from feeding on human blood. The oils in these herbs, such as eucalyptol and cineole in Eucalyptus globulus, break down the lice's exoskeleton and cause them to dehydrate and die. Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to prevent infections caused by lice bites.

The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil also help to soothe itchy scalps and reduce inflammation. Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender oil, has a calming effect on the scalp and can help to reduce stress and anxiety associated with lice infestations. Using herbal creams for lice has several benefits. For one, they are generally safer and gentler on the scalp than chemical-based treatments. They also tend to be more environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals.

Additionally, herbal creams often have a pleasant, natural scent that can be a welcome change from the strong chemicals found in traditional lice treatments.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for lice and wh.

Also, you may be interested in...

Today Free Bonus!

The Ultimate Herb Drying Checklist
(For Long-Lasting Powerful Medicinal Effect)

How to easily dry herbs that don't mold and that keep their strong medicinal power for more than 1 year.

[aff]

1. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus herbal creams for lice

Eucalyptus globulus creams contains compounds like cineole, limonene, and globulol, which are known for their anti-parasitic properties.

These compounds help to suffocate and kill lice, making it difficult for them to survive. Cineole, in particular, is known for its ability to break down the waxy coating on lice, causing them to dehydrate and die. The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus globulus also help to prevent the spread of lice and reduce the risk of infection.

By targeting the lice and their eggs, eucalyptus globulus creams can provide a natural and effective solution for treating lice infestations.

  1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of eucalyptus globulus essential oil, and a few drops of tea tree oil.
  2. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
  3. Add the beeswax to the melted mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
  4. Let the mixture cool and thicken for about 30 minutes. Then, add the eucalyptus globulus essential oil and tea tree oil. Stir well.
  5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool completely. Once set, apply a small amount to the affected area and gently massage. Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off with shampoo.

2. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia herbal creams for lice

Melaleuca alternifolia creams contains active constituents like cineole, limonene, and terpinen-4-ol.

These compounds have antiparasitic and antiseptic properties, making them effective against lice and their eggs. Cineole helps to repel and kill lice, while limonene and terpinen-4-ol help to dissolve the wax coating on lice eggs, preventing them from hatching. The antiseptic properties of these compounds also help to prevent infections and soothe irritated skin.

By using Melaleuca alternifolia creams, you can help to eliminate lice and their eggs, promoting healthy scalp and hair.

  1. Gather 1 cup of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, and 10 drops of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil.
  2. Melt beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
  3. Add coconut oil and shea butter to the melted beeswax. Stir until well combined.
  4. Remove the mixture from heat and slowly add the distilled water while stirring continuously.
  5. Add 10 drops of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil to the mixture and stir well. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool before use.

3. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia herbal creams for lice

Lavandula angustifolia creams contains the bioactive constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known for their anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help to repel and kill lice by disrupting their nervous system and preventing them from feeding on human blood. The antiseptic properties of linalool and linalyl acetate also help to prevent the spread of lice and other parasites by reducing the likelihood of re-infestation. Additionally, the soothing and calming properties of Lavandula angustifolia creams can help to alleviate the discomfort and itching associated with lice infestations.

Regular use of Lavandula angustifolia creams may help to control and eliminate lice populations, making it a useful addition to a comprehensive lice treatment plan.

  1. Combine 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, and 1/4 cup of shea butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers to the saucepan and stir well.
  3. Heat the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the beeswax and shea butter melt.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches a temperature of 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C).
  5. Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a spoon to scoop out small amounts of the cream.

4. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis herbal creams for lice

Rosmarinus officinalis creams contains rosmarinic acid, borneol, and camphor as its active constituents.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe the scalp and kill lice. The camphor in Rosmarinus officinalis creams has a strong repellent effect against lice, making it difficult for them to survive on the scalp. The rosmarinic acid also has antiseptic properties that help prevent the spread of lice and their eggs.

The combined effects of these compounds help to effectively remove lice and their eggs from the scalp when used in a treatment regimen.

  1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 10 drops of rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis).
  2. Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
  3. Add beeswax to the melted mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
  4. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in tea tree oil and rosemary essential oil.
  5. Pour the mixture into a container, let it cool and solidify, then use it as a cream to help repel lice.

5. Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus herbal creams for lice

Cymbopogon citratus creams contains lemongrass oil, which has compounds like citral and geraniol.

These compounds have antiparasitic properties that help kill lice and their eggs. The citral in lemongrass oil also has a solvent effect that helps loosen and remove the lice's grip on the hair. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of lemongrass oil help prevent infection caused by scratching and irritation.

By using Cymbopogon citratus creams, you can target and eliminate lice and their eggs effectively.

  1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of Cymbopogon citratus oil, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
  2. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler over low heat.
  3. Add the Cymbopogon citratus oil and beeswax to the melted mixture. Stir until the beeswax is fully dissolved.
  4. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vitamin E oil. Let it cool until it reaches a consistency similar to lotion.
  5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool completely before using it as a lice treatment cream.

6. Artemisia absinthium

Artemisia absinthium herbal creams for lice

Artemisia absinthium creams contains thujone, a bioactive constituent that has been shown to have antiparasitic properties, making it effective against lice.

Thujone also has a drying effect, which helps to kill lice and their eggs by depriving them of moisture. Artemisinin, another key component of the cream, has been found to have insecticidal properties, allowing it to target and destroy lice. The antiseptic properties of Artemisia absinthium, particularly its high concentration of camphor and borneol, also help to prevent the spread of lice and soothe the skin.

By targeting multiple aspects of lice infestations, Artemisia absinthium creams provide a comprehensive treatment for this problem.

  1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of dried Artemisia absinthium flowers, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  2. Melt coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
  3. Add dried Artemisia absinthium flowers to the melted mixture and let it steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bowl, discarding the solids.
  5. Mix in olive oil and pour the mixture into small containers. Let it cool and harden before use. Apply the cream to the affected area to help repel lice.

7. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis herbal creams for lice

Calendula officinalis creams contains active constituents like triterpene saponins and carotenoids.

These compounds have antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. The triterpene saponins can break down the lice's exoskeleton, making it difficult for them to breathe and survive. The carotenoids have antimicrobial properties, which help to prevent the spread of lice-related infections.

By using calendula officinalis creams, the lice's life cycle can be disrupted, making it easier to remove them from the scalp.

  1. Gather 1 cup of Calendula officinalis flowers and dry them completely.
  2. Steep 1 cup of dried flowers in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture and mix in 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of shea butter.
  4. Heat the mixture in a double boiler until the oil and butter melt and mix well.
  5. Pour the mixture into a jar and let it cool. Use as a cream to help repel lice.

8. Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis herbal creams for lice

Aloe barbadensis creams contains compounds like aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

These properties help to soothe and calm the scalp, making it less hospitable to lice. Aloe-emodin, in particular, has been shown to have antiparasitic properties, which can help to kill lice and their eggs. The gel-like texture of the cream can also help to suffocate lice, making it difficult for them to survive.

The combination of these properties makes Aloe barbadensis creams a potential natural remedy for lice infestations.

  1. Gather 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis gel, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil.
  2. Mix the Aloe gel, coconut oil, and olive oil in a bowl until well combined.
  3. Add the tea tree oil to the mixture and stir well.
  4. Pour the mixture into a clean container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  5. Apply the Aloe cream to the scalp and hair, focusing on the lice-infested areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out with shampoo.

9. Thymus serpyllum

Thymus serpyllum herbal creams for lice

Thymus serpyllum creams contains thymol and carvacrol, which are active constituents known for their antiparasitic properties.

Thymol is a natural insecticide that kills lice by disrupting their nervous system, while carvacrol is a potent antiseptic that helps to eliminate the lice's eggs and prevent new infestations. Thymus serpyllum's antiseptic properties also help to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and inflammation caused by lice bites. The antifungal properties of thymol and carvacrol in Thymus serpyllum creams help to prevent fungal infections that can occur when scratching the scalp.

By using Thymus serpyllum creams, you can help to eliminate lice and their eggs, and prevent future infestations.

  1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of dried Thymus serpyllum flowers, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, and 2 teaspoons of vitamin E oil.
  2. Heat coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler until melted.
  3. Add dried Thymus serpyllum flowers to the melted oil and let it steep for 2 hours.
  4. Strain the mixture and discard the flowers. Add beeswax and vitamin E oil, then heat until beeswax melts.
  5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and solidify. Once solid, use as needed for lice treatment.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent lice from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help prevent lice.

Some teas, like tea tree oil tea, contain ingredients that can repel lice. The active compounds in these teas, like eucalyptol, can help keep lice away. But it's not a foolproof method, and lice can still form.

It's more of a preventive measure.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for lice every day?

Consuming herbal teas for lice daily is not recommended.

Some herbal teas, like tea tree oil, can be effective against lice, but using them too often may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

It's best to use them in moderation, as directed, and alternate with other treatments to avoid overloading your skin.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in lice?

Herbal teas can help treat lice, but they don't work as fast as other methods.

It can take a few weeks to notice results.

Some people start to see improvement after 7-10 days, but it's not uncommon for it to take 2-4 weeks to completely get rid of the lice.

Related Articles