Aromatherapy Recipe For Head Lice

Hi all,

For some reason I have received a rash of private emails in the past 2 days about head lice. I am assuming that the reason is that school is back in session and lice is again a problem.

It is a well known fact that lice are becoming resistent to many formulas that are commonly used and therefore the formulations to kill lice include strong pesticides and other strong ingredients that can cause some users to experience reactions.

I posted a piece in AskKaren about two well known head lice products and why one is better than the other (it is all natural).

Also, I had someone email today asking if I knew a 100% all natural treatment that could be made at home using essential oils.

I have this formula that I got from one of my favorite books which is "Create Your Own Cosmetics". I have recommended the remedy to friends in the past who have had great results. If you try it, please let me know how it worked for you.

It is important to note that you must use 100% authentic essential oils. Synthetic oils will not work. Also, no oil should ever be applied directly to the scalp or hair but should first be mixed in a carrier oil like almond or sesame. This formula should NEVER be taken orally or ingested by mouth.

Ingredients
20 drops of geranium essential oil
20 drops of lavender essential oil
20 drops of rosemary essential oil
20 drops of tea tree essential oil
4 ounces or 8 tablespoons of almond or sesame oil (or other carrier oil as desired)

Add all the oils one at a time to the almond or sesame oil. Massage through the scalp and hair. Cover head with a shower cap and warm towel and let soak for 4-6 hours.

Massage a tea tree oil based shampoo into the hair BEFORE adding water. This will cut the essential oils. Add water and shampoo completely. Finish with a cool/cold water rinse. Comb the hair with a special "nit" or fine toothed comb. Examine the scalp and remove all dead "eggs" or dead lice.

Repeat this treatment within 3 days of the first treatment.

Repeat a third treatment after 1 week.

Store any leftover formula in an amber colored bottle away from extreme temperatures.

Hope that helps.

Best wishes,
Karen Shelton
shelton@hairboutique.com