11 Herbal Teas For Lice

Herbal teas can be a natural and effective way to get rid of lice.

These teas work by suffocating the lice and their eggs, making it difficult for them to breathe and survive. For example, tea made from Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to kill lice and their eggs. Eucalyptus globulus tea is another example, its strong scent repels lice and soothes the scalp.

Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary tea, has antiparasitic properties that help to kill lice and their eggs. When you use herbal teas to get rid of lice, you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals or side effects. These teas are gentle on your hair and scalp, and they can be used in conjunction with other treatments to ensure that all lice and their eggs are removed.

By using herbal teas, you can avoid the hassle and discomfort of chemical-based treatments, and you can also avoid the risk of lice becoming resistant to those treatments.

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

1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia teas contains the active constituents cineole, linalool, and terpinen-4-ol, which are known for their antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties.

Cineole is a powerful insecticide that disrupts the nervous system of lice, causing them to die. Terpinen-4-ol, on the other hand, has been shown to dehydrate the lice, making it difficult for them to survive. The combination of these compounds in Melaleuca alternifolia tea creates a potent solution that can kill lice and their eggs, effectively treating infestations.

Regular use of this tea as a treatment may help to prevent future infestations by killing lice before they can lay eggs.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Melaleuca alternifolia leaves.
2. Steep 1 tablespoon of Melaleuca alternifolia leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a separate container to remove the leaves.
4. Let the tea cool down to a comfortable temperature for use.
5. Apply the tea to the affected area using a cotton ball or soft cloth, repeat as needed.

2. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus teas contains compounds like cineole, eugenol, and globulol, which help to repel and kill lice.

Cineole, the main active compound, has antiparasitic properties that work by dehydrating and disrupting the lice's exoskeleton. Eugenol, on the other hand, has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent the spread of lice and their eggs. Globulol also contributes to the tea's antiparasitic effects, making it a potent tool in the fight against lice infestations.

Regular consumption of Eucalyptus globulus teas may help to create an environment that is unfavorable to lice, ultimately supporting the body's natural defenses against these pests.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Eucalyptus globulus leaves.
2. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot and let it cool for 5 minutes.
3. Add 4-6 teaspoons of Eucalyptus globulus leaves to the cooled water.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-10 minutes and then strain it.
5. Use the tea as a final rinse after shampooing your hair to help repel lice.

3. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis teas contains rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and camphor as its bioactive constituents.

These compounds have antimicrobial and insecticidal properties that can help in treating lice infestations. Rosmarinic acid has been shown to inhibit the growth of lice eggs and kill the lice themselves. Carnosic acid has antioxidant properties that can help soothe the skin and reduce irritation caused by lice bites.

The insecticidal properties of camphor help in killing lice and their eggs, making it an effective natural remedy for treating lice infestations.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Rosmarinus officinalis leaves and stems.
2. Dry the leaves and stems in a low-temperature oven (150°F - 200°F) for 1 hour.
3. Steep 2 tablespoons of dried Rosmarinus officinalis in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Use the tea as a treatment for lice by applying it to the scalp and leaving it on for 1 hour before rinsing.

4. Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus teas contains active constituents like limonene, linalool, and geraniol, which are known to repel and kill lice.

These compounds have natural insecticidal properties that help break down the exoskeleton of lice, ultimately causing their death. The high concentration of geraniol in Cymbopogon citratus teas is particularly effective against lice, as it disrupts their nervous system and prevents them from reproducing. Additionally, the tea's antibacterial and antifungal properties help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause secondary infections after lice removal.

Regular consumption of Cymbopogon citratus teas can help create an environment that is less conducive to lice infestations.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Cymbopogon citratus leaves and 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Steep the leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the tea to make it sweet and palatable.
4. Let the tea cool down before applying it to the scalp. Use a cotton ball to apply the tea to the affected area.
5. Leave the tea on the scalp for 30-60 minutes before washing it off with shampoo.

5. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia teas contains linalool and linalyl acetate, two active constituents that have antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties help to soothe the scalp and reduce itching caused by lice. The antiparasitic properties of linalool and linalyl acetate help to kill lice and their eggs, while also preventing new lice from hatching. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce redness and irritation on the scalp.

By using Lavandula angustifolia teas, it is possible to create an environment that is not favorable for lice to live and multiply.

1. Gather 1 cup of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers.
2. Measure 1 tablespoon of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers and add to 1 cup of boiling water.
3. Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the mixture.
4. Cool the tea to a comfortable temperature for use.
5. Soak a clean cloth in the tea and apply it to the affected area for 30 minutes, then rinse and repeat daily.

6. Thymus serpyllum

Thymus serpyllum teas contains thymol, a powerful antiparasitic compound, as well as carvacrol and borneol.

These bioactive constituents have been shown to exhibit potent insecticidal properties, making them effective against lice. Thymol's ability to penetrate the lice's exoskeleton and interfere with their nervous system disrupts their ability to feed and reproduce. Carvacrol, on the other hand, has been found to have a similar mechanism of action, further contributing to the tea's lice-fighting properties.

By consuming Thymus serpyllum teas, some people have found relief from lice infestations due to the presence of these potent compounds.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Thymus serpyllum leaves and flowers, or 2 teaspoons of dried leaves.
2. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot.
3. Pour the boiling water over the Thymus serpyllum leaves and flowers in a cup.
4. Let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea before use.
5. Dilute the tea with water as needed and apply it to the hair and scalp to help repel lice.

7. Artemisia absinthium

Artemisia absinthium teas contains a compound called thujone, which is known to be toxic to lice.

Thujone is a natural insecticide that kills lice and their eggs, making it an effective treatment for infestations. Artemisia absinthium teas also contains other compounds like borneol and camphor, which have antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties that help to eliminate lice and prevent re-infestation. The tea's antiseptic properties help to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and itching caused by lice bites.

By using Artemisia absinthium teas, you can create a natural and non-toxic solution to eliminate lice and their eggs without the use of harsh chemicals.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Artemisia absinthium leaves.
2. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the leaves in a cup.
3. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into another cup and discard the leaves.
5. Use the tea as a final rinse after shampooing your hair to help repel lice.

8. Saponaria officinalis

Saponaria officinalis teas contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.

These compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe and calm the scalp. Saponins, in particular, have been shown to have a strong effect on lice, damaging their exoskeletons and ultimately leading to their death. The antimicrobial properties of Saponaria officinalis teas can also help to prevent the re-infestation of lice, by controlling the growth of fungal and bacterial populations that lice need to survive.

Regular use of Saponaria officinalis teas may help to reduce the severity of lice infestations and promote a healthy scalp.

1. Gather 2 cups of fresh Saponaria officinalis leaves and flowers.
2. Add 2 cups of boiling water to the leaves and flowers in a large cup.
3. Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the liquid through a cheesecloth.
4. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of the strained liquid.
5. Use the tea as a final rinse after shampooing your hair to help kill lice.

9. Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium teas contains essential oils, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones, such as achillin and leucodin.

These compounds have antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat lice infestations. The tea's antiparasitic properties can disrupt the life cycle of lice, preventing them from reproducing and eventually killing them. The anti-inflammatory properties can soothe the skin and reduce itching caused by lice bites.

Regular use of Achillea millefolium tea may help eliminate lice and their eggs from the scalp and hair.

1. Gather 2 cups of fresh or dried Achillea millefolium leaves. Clean and dry them.
2. Steep 2 tablespoons of the leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
4. Let the tea cool. Use it within 30 minutes.
5. Dip a cotton ball in the cooled tea and apply it directly to the affected areas. Repeat daily for 7-10 days.

10. Artemisia ludoviciana

Artemisia ludoviciana teas contains the bioactive constituents flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties help to repel lice and reduce their population, making it difficult for them to survive on the scalp. The sesquiterpene lactones, specifically artemisinin, work by damaging the lice's nervous system and disrupting their ability to feed. The flavonoids, such as kaempferol, have antioxidant properties that help to soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation caused by the lice.

By using Artemisia ludoviciana teas, you can create a scalp environment that is unfavorable to lice and their eggs, making it easier to get rid of them.

1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of dried Artemisia ludoviciana leaves, 1 quart of water, and a strainer.
2. Combine 1 cup of dried Artemisia ludoviciana leaves with 1 quart of water in a pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture and discard the leaves. Let the tea cool down.
5. Use the tea as a rinse by wetting the hair, applying the tea, and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes before shampooing as usual.

11. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas contains a compound called gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce itching and irritation.

The tea also contains other active constituents such as sesquiterpenes, which have been shown to repel lice and their eggs. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of gingerol and sesquiterpenes help to prevent the growth of lice and other microorganisms on the scalp. This can help to reduce the infestation and prevent further problems.

The anti-inflammatory properties of gingerol also help to soothe the scalp and reduce discomfort.

1. Gather 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of dried Zingiber officinale root.
2. Boil the water and then add the dried root. Steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture into a cup and discard the root.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the tea. This helps to kill lice.
5. Let the tea cool down, then apply it to the hair and scalp using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent lice from forming?

Drinking herbal tea might help prevent lice from forming, but there's limited research on this topic.

Some herbal teas, like those with lavender or tea tree oil, have antiparasitic properties that could potentially repel lice.

However, these teas are not a proven solution and may not be effective against existing lice infestations.

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

It's not recommended to drink herbal teas for lice every day.

Some teas contain strong herbs that can be toxic in large amounts. If you're trying to get rid of lice, use the tea as directed, and then stop.

Drinking it daily can cause problems like stomach issues and allergic reactions.

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

Herbal teas can help get rid of lice, but it takes time.

Some people start seeing results after 2-3 days of using them, while others may need up to a week.

The tea's active ingredients, like neem oil and tea tree oil, work to suffocate the lice and their eggs, eventually causing them to die.

What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for lice?

It's best to drink herbal tea for lice in the morning or early afternoon. This allows the tea's active ingredients, like neem or tea tree oil, to spread through your system before you wash and style your hair, giving them a head start on fighting those pesky lice.

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