EO to Get Rid of Lice the Natural Way

A reader of my “I Have Shingles?!” blog post asked what essential oils (EO) I used to alleviate my symptoms. This post will review what I put on my scalp and hair when I thought I may have lice.

There are many different shampoos and creams containing insecticides, such as permethrin, pyrethrins, and DEET that may be purchased to treat and prevent head lice. However, these chemicals are toxic. For example, permethrin acts as a neurotoxin.

Did you know lice can stay underwater for days and still survive?!? The essential oil mixture below claims to kill lice bugs by suffocating them in the oil without toxic risk. However, please be sure to use pure essential oil because some essential oils can be chemically altered or have synthetics. I encourage you to research different brands because you want to make sure you are putting the real stuff on your skin – not versions claiming to be pure EO but actually are not. Check this link if you want to know which EO brand I use.

• 3 ounces of extra virgin olive oil
• 5 drops Eucalyptus
• 5 drops Peppermint
• 5 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Lemon 
• 5 drops Melaleuca/Tea Tree
• 5 drops Rosemary

Combine oils, apply to scalp and comb through to end of hair with fingers, then ponytail hair or place in a bun and cover with plastic shower cap and sleep overnight. It is recommended to put plastic on the pillow to avoid staining it. Repeat the process 2-3 weeks to discourage lice that may be forming from the remaining nits.