Naturally Treat Head Lice

If you have school age children then you know about this very common problem that seems to circulate at least once every school year. Head lice epidemics are especially prevalent in nursery schools, primary schools and elementary schools. While high schools do have problems from time to time it appears that by the time children reach their teens they have developed better personal hygiene skills. But all of us, including parents and grandparents, are susceptible to an infestation of head lice. The problem is twofold, unfortunately. Not only do those nasty bugs pose a threat to our health but the medicated treatments are highly toxic.

None of the AMA recognized treatments are safe. First of all, shampoos and treatments containing Lindane carry the risk of severe neurological side effects. These horrific effects have included anything from dizziness to outright seizures. Even death has been associated with Lindane shampoos or lotions. This caused the FDA to re-vamp the labeling precautions. Now it warns that it can be used if other treatments failed and by people over 110 pounds. Wow! If that doesn’t tell you it’s poisonous, I don’t know what would.

Then there are other chemicals that are also extremely dangerous. The FDA recommends Malathion lotion. Oregon State details a plethora of toxicological effects anywhere from acute toxicity to carcinogenic to organ toxicity. It has known mutagenic effects. But the good news is the FDA approves it. RIGHT!

The actual good news is that there is a natural substance that can be used to treat head lice. Tea Tree Oil is a topical essential oil that can effectively treat head lice. Of course it needs to be diluted and it ‘may’ cause a skin rash. The known side effects are not life threatening like those chemical preparations which have been approved by the FDA. Just do an internet search and you will find information you need to know in order to safely use Tea Tree Oil as a safe natural alternative to those lethal chemicals prescribed by most doctors.