10 Best Herbal Creams For Lice

Herbal creams for lice are natural treatments that utilize plant extracts to eliminate lice and their eggs.

These creams contain ingredients like neem, tea tree oil, and lavender that work to repel lice and soothe scalp irritation. Examples include creams like Neem Oil and Lice Shield, which have shown effectiveness in removing lice without harsh chemicals.

By using these creams, parents can alleviate the stress of lice infestations, allowing children to focus on their daily lives without the discomfort and anxiety.

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The following article describes in detail the most important creams for lice, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with lice because of its potent antimicrobial properties.

The essential oil found in tea tree cream has been shown to effectively kill lice and their eggs, also known as nits. The oil's active compounds, such as terpinen-4-ol, work to disrupt the lice's exoskeleton and prevent them from feeding and reproducing.

As a result, tea tree cream has become a popular natural remedy for lice infestations, offering a safe and effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with lice.

• Cineole: Helps kill lice and their eggs by disrupting the cuticle of the lice's exoskeleton, ultimately leading to their death.
• Linalool: Has antiparasitic properties that help in killing lice by breaking down the cuticle of the lice's exoskeleton, which prevents them from feeding and reproducing.
• Cymene: Helps to kill lice and their eggs by disrupting the cell membrane of the lice, causing their death.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for lice.

• Leaves: Used due to their high tea tree oil content, which is known for its insecticidal and antiparasitic properties against lice.
• Stems: Utilized for their oil content, which is often combined with tea tree oil to enhance the effectiveness of lice creams.
• Roots: Employed for their additional oil content, which is sometimes used as a substitute or in combination with other parts to create lice treatment creams.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for lice.

1. Infuse 250g of dried leaves in 1 liter of water for 20 minutes at 100c to create a decoction.
2. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth into a heat-proof container to separate solid and liquid parts.
3. Combine 100g of beeswax and 50g of cocoa butter in a double boiler to melt the ingredients.
4. Gradually add 50g of the infused oil to the melted wax mixture while whisking to combine.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify before scooping into containers for storage.

2. Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica, also known as neem, creams helps with lice because of its natural insecticidal properties.

The active compound, azadirachtin, repels and kills lice eggs and adult lice, effectively breaking the life cycle of the infestation. Neem creams also have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe irritated scalps and prevent secondary infections. This makes neem creams a popular and effective alternative to chemical-based treatments, providing a safe and natural solution for lice removal.

Regular application can lead to complete eradication of the infestation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Azadirachta indica creams that help with lice.

• Nimbin: Acts as a neurotoxin, disrupting the lice's nervous system and ultimately killing them.
• Sesquiterpenoids: Interferes with the lice's ability to feed and reproduce, ultimately leading to their death.
• Azadirachtin: Exhibits repellent properties, preventing lice from infesting the scalp and hair, and also has insecticidal effects that help kill existing lice.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of neem used to make creams for lice.

• Seeds: They are used to make creams for lice due to the presence of neem oil, which has insecticidal and anti-parasitic properties.
• Leaves: They are used to make creams for lice due to the presence of azadirachtin, a compound that has insecticidal and anti-parasitic properties.
• Seeds (also mentioned above): They are used to make creams for lice due to the presence of neem oil, which has insecticidal and anti-parasitic properties.
• Seeds: They are used to make creams for lice due to the presence of neem oil, which has insecticidal and anti-parasitic properties.
• Leaves: They are used to make creams for lice due to the presence of azadirachtin, a compound that has insecticidal and anti-parasitic properties.
• Fruits: They are not typically used, but the leaves and seeds are often used to make creams that can be applied to the scalp to treat lice.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic neem for lice.

1. Harvest azadirachta indica leaves and flowers in the early morning when the dew is still present on the plant.
2. Clean the azadirachta indica leaves and flowers thoroughly with distilled water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Combine 250 grams of azadirachta indica leaves and flowers with 500 milliliters of carrier oil in a double boiler.
4. Heat the mixture under low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes to allow for infusion of the herbs into the oil.
5. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and store it in a dark glass bottle for later use in cream preparation.

3. Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, creams helps with lice because of its natural insecticidal properties.

The essential oils extracted from lemongrass, such as citral and geraniol, have been shown to repel and kill lice. These oils disrupt the lice's nervous system, causing them to become immobile and eventually die.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass creams may help soothe the scalp and reduce itching associated with lice infestations, making it a popular natural remedy for lice treatment.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus creams that help with lice.

• Cineole: This terpene has been shown to have insecticidal and antiparasitic properties, effectively killing lice and their eggs.
• Geraniol: This terpene has been found to have a repellent effect on insects, including lice, helping to prevent infestations and reduce the spread of lice.
• Limonene: This terpene has been demonstrated to have antiparasitic and antifungal properties, which can help eliminate lice and other microorganisms that may be contributing to an infestation.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make creams for lice.

• Leaves: The leaves contain oils that have antiseptic and antiparasitic properties, which can help in treating lice and other skin issues.
• Stems: The stems of Cymbopogon citratus contain oils similar to those found in the leaves, which can help in treating lice and other skin issues.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Cymbopogon citratus contain oils that have antiseptic and antiparasitic properties, which can help in treating lice and other skin issues.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for lice.

1. Gather 200g of cymbopogon citratus leaves, dried for 2 weeks to enhance their potency.
2. Infuse 20g of dried cymbopogon citratus leaves in 500ml of carrier oil for 2 weeks.
3. Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth into a clean glass container discard solids.
4. Mix 100g of beeswax, 100g of shea butter, and 200ml of infused oil in a double boiler.
5. Emulsify the mixture by whipping it with a hand mixer until it thickens and cools.

4. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, creams helps with lice because of its potent antiparasitic properties.

The main compound, eucalyptol, has been shown to repel and kill lice and their eggs. The cooling and decongestant properties of the cream also help to soothe the scalp, reducing itching and inflammation caused by the lice infestation.

Regular application of eucalyptus globulus cream can help to eliminate lice and prevent re-infestation, providing a natural and effective solution for lice treatment.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus creams that help with lice.

• Cineole: This terpene helps in repelling and killing lice by creating an environment that's inhospitable for their survival and development.
• Α-phellandrene: This terpene has insecticidal properties that help in killing lice, making it an effective constituent against lice infestations.
• Β-pinene: This terpene has been found to have insecticidal and repellent properties, which can help in preventing lice from attaching to the scalp and reducing their numbers.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make creams for lice.

• Leaves: Known for their potent insecticidal and antiparasitic properties, which effectively repel and kill lice.
• Barks: Contain compounds that exhibit antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and treat lice infestations.
• Essential oils extracted from leaves: These oils, particularly eucalyptol, possess potent insecticidal and antiparasitic properties, making them a popular ingredient in lice creams.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for lice.

1. Harvest fresh eucalyptus globulus leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated to ensure optimal potency and aroma.
2. Dry the harvested eucalyptus globulus leaves in a single layer on paper towels at room temperature for 2 days.
3. Combine 20 grams of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves with 100 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler.
4. Steep the eucalyptus globulus and coconut oil mixture in a warm water bath for 2 hours to infuse the oil.
5. Strain the infused coconut oil through a cheesecloth and whip it with 50 grams of beeswax to create a smooth cream.

5. Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum, also known as basil, creams helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic properties.

The active compounds found in basil, such as eugenol and linalool, have been shown to repel and kill lice, thereby providing a safe and effective solution for those affected. These compounds disrupt the lice's nervous system, ultimately leading to their demise.

Furthermore, basil creams also soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and discomfort caused by lice infestations.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ocimum basilicum creams that help with lice.

• Eugenol: Eugenol, a phenolic compound found in basil, has been shown to have insecticidal and repellent properties, which can help in deterring lice from infesting the scalp or skin.
• Linalool: Linalool, a terpene found in basil, has been reported to exhibit insecticidal activity, potentially helping to kill or repel lice.
• Oleanolic acid: Oleanolic acid, a triterpenoid found in basil, has been found to have antiparasitic properties, which could contribute to the effectiveness of basil creams in treating lice infestations.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of basil used to make creams for lice.

• Leaves: Used for their antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing and eliminating lice.
• Essential oil from leaves: Extracted from the leaves, the essential oil is known for its insecticidal properties that help in repelling and killing lice.
• Extract from leaves: The extract from basil leaves is believed to have antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties, which aid in treating lice infestations.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic basil for lice.

1. Harvest 200 grams of fresh ocimum basilicum leaves and flowers early in the morning to ensure optimal potency.
2. Steam distill the ocimum basilicum leaves and flowers in a ratio of 1:3 for 2 hours to extract essential oils.
3. Combine 50 grams of the extracted ocimum basilicum essential oils with 100 grams of a carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond oil.
4. Mix 20 grams of beeswax with 50 grams of the ocimum basilicum-infused oil blend and heat the mixture in a double boiler for 30 minutes.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify for 1-2 hours before transferring the herbal ocimum basilicum cream into clean containers for storage.

6. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The cream's active ingredients, including triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, can help break down the lice's exoskeleton, making it difficult for them to attach to the scalp.

Additionally, the cream's soothing and calming properties can reduce redness, itching, and irritation caused by the lice infestation, promoting a healthy scalp environment for the scalp to recover.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with lice.

• Triterpenoid saponins: These compounds have been shown to have antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in treating lice infestations by reducing inflammation and killing lice and their eggs.
• Naphthoquinones: These compounds have been found to exhibit antiparasitic and antibacterial activities, which can help in killing lice and preventing their re-infestation.
• Flavonoids: These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antioxidant properties, which can help in soothing skin irritation caused by lice infestations and reducing the risk of re-infestation.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for lice.

• Flowers: They are commonly used due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the skin and reduce irritation caused by lice.
• Leaves: Leaves are often used in combination with flowers due to their ability to provide additional antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits, further aiding in the treatment of lice.
• Seeds: Seeds are sometimes used in creams for lice due to their reported ability to repel lice and their potential to be a natural insecticide, although this use is less documented than the other two parts.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for lice.

1. Harvest 30 grams of fresh calendula officinalis flowers or 15 grams of dried flowers at peak bloom time.
2. Infuse 250 milliliters of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil with 30 grams of fresh calendula flowers.
3. Combine 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of shea butter in a double boiler.
4. Add 5 milliliters of infused calendula oil to the melted beeswax and shea butter mixture.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify before transferring it to a clean glass jar.

7. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, creams helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic and antiseptic properties.

The essential oils present in rosemary, such as camphor and borneol, have been shown to repel and kill lice and their eggs. Additionally, rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin and reduce irritation caused by lice bites.

By using a rosemary-based cream, individuals can effectively and naturally treat lice infestations without harsh chemicals.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis creams that help with lice.

• Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpene acts as a potential insecticide, repelling and killing lice by disrupting their nervous system and causing oxidative stress.
• Rosmarinic acid: As a phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties, which can help soothe skin irritation caused by lice bites and also repel or kill the parasites.
• Cineole: A monoterpene with insecticidal properties, cineole can help to repel and kill lice by interfering with their nervous system and causing a rapid decline in their population.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make creams for lice.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly camphor and bornyl acetate, which have insecticidal properties.
• Stems: The stems of Rosmarinus officinalis are also used due to their content of essential oils, which help to repel and kill lice and their eggs.
• Flowers: The flowers are used in some creams as they contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, helping to soothe the skin and prevent infection.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for lice.

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves in early morning when they are at their peak aroma.
2. Steam distill the harvested leaves for 2 hours to obtain 10ml of essential oil.
3. Combine 20g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter in a double boiler and melt them together for 10 minutes.
4. Add 10ml of the obtained essential oil and 5ml of distilled water to the melted mixture and stir well.
5. Pour the mixture into a clean glass container and let it cool and solidify for 30 minutes before use.

8. Sesamum indicum

Sesamum indicum, also known as sesame, creams helps with lice because of its natural antiparasitic and insecticidal properties.

The cream, rich in sesamin and sesamolin, has been traditionally used to treat various skin conditions, including lice infestations. The active ingredients in the cream work by suffocating the lice, preventing them from feeding and laying eggs, ultimately leading to their death.

This natural and non-toxic approach makes Sesamum indicum creams a popular choice for treating lice infestations, especially in children.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sesamum indicum creams that help with lice.

• Alkaloids: Alkaloids present in Sesamum indicum have shown to possess insecticidal properties, which can help in killing lice and their eggs.
• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids in Sesamum indicum have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, which can help in soothing the skin irritation caused by lice infestation and preventing secondary infections.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Sesamum indicum have shown to possess antioxidant properties, which can help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by lice infestation, promoting healing of the affected skin.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of sesame used to make creams for lice.

• Seeds: Sesame seeds are used due to their oil content, which is often extracted and used in creams to repel and kill lice.
• Leaves: Sesame leaves are used due to their antiparasitic properties, which help in treating and preventing lice infestations.
• Seeds: Sesame seeds are also used due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help in preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria that can cause infections related to lice.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sesame for lice.

1. Harvest 250g of sesamum indicum flowers at peak bloom to ensure optimal oil content and freshness.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a warm place for 7-10 days or using a food dehydrator at 40°c for 24 hours.
3. Mix 100g of dried sesamum indicum flowers with 500g of carrier oil in a clean glass jar to create a 5:1 ratio.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every 2-3 days to facilitate infusion.
5. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container and discard the solids.

9. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with lice because of its unique properties that create an environment inhospitable to lice.

The cooling sensation and invigorating aroma of peppermint disrupt the lice's nervous system, causing them to become disoriented and eventually die. Additionally, peppermint's antiparasitic properties help to break down the lice's exoskeleton, making it difficult for them to survive.

This natural remedy provides a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based treatments, offering a non-toxic solution to eradicate lice infestations.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with lice.

• Monoterpenes: These compounds have been shown to have insecticidal properties, which could help kill lice.
• Rosmarinic acid: This antioxidant has been reported to have insecticidal and repellent properties, potentially helping to deter or kill lice.
• Menthone: This monoterpene has been reported to have insecticidal and antiparasitic properties, which could help combat lice infestations.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for lice.

• Leaves: Leaves are commonly used due to their high concentration of menthol, which has natural insecticidal properties that help repel and kill lice.
• Stems: Stems are used for their essential oils, which, like leaves, contain menthol and other compounds that aid in lice treatment and prevention.
• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes, or underground stems, are used for their menthol content, which helps to kill and repel lice, and also for their soothing properties to calm irritated skin.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for lice.

1. Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh mint leaves in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated.
2. Dry the harvested mint leaves in a low-temperature oven at 105-115°f for 2 hours to reduce moisture content.
3. Infuse 1 cup of dried mint leaves in 1 quart of carrier oil such as coconut oil for 2-3 weeks.
4. Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container to separate the oil from solids.
5. Mix 10-20% of the infused oil with 80-90% of a natural emulsifier such as beeswax and candelilla wax to create a smooth cream.

10. Gaultheria procumbens

Gaultheria procumbens, also known as wintergreen, creams helps with lice because of its natural insecticidal properties.

The active compound methyl salicylate, found in Gaultheria procumbens, is a potent antiparasitic agent that effectively kills lice eggs and live lice. This herbal remedy has been traditionally used to repel and eliminate lice infestations, providing a safe and non-toxic alternative to chemical-based treatments.

Its effectiveness in addressing lice issues makes it a popular choice among parents and healthcare professionals seeking natural solutions.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gaultheria procumbens creams that help with lice.

• Gaultherin: Gaultherin is a sesquiterpene, a type of terpene, that has antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to soothe the skin and reduce the discomfort caused by lice bites.
• Phenolic acids: Gaultheria procumbens contains various phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to inhibit the growth of lice and soothe the skin.
• Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a potent antioxidant found in Gaultheria procumbens that may help to boost the immune system and promote the overall health of the skin, making it less susceptible to lice infestation.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of wintergreen used to make creams for lice.

• Leaves: Used for their antiparasitic properties to repel and kill lice.
• Roots: Used for their antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the skin affected by lice.
• Barks: Used for their antiseptic properties to prevent infection from lice bites.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wintergreen for lice.

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh gaultheria procumbens leaves and stems in late summer or early fall.
2. Steep 2 tablespoons of the harvested leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes.
3. Mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of the steeped gaultheria procumbens liquid and 2 tablespoons of beeswax.
4. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the beeswax is fully incorporated and the mixture thickens.
5. Strain the cooled cream through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for lice?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with lice is a blend of tea tree oil, neem oil, and lavender oil.

Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the scalp and kill lice. Neem oil has natural insecticidal properties that repel and kill lice and their eggs.

Lavender oil calms the scalp and reduces itching. Apply a mixture of equal parts tea tree oil and neem oil to the scalp, followed by a few drops of lavender oil.

Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing.