Using Melaleuca or Tea Tree Oil to Treat Head Lice And Nits
 Head lice is frustrating and difficult to treat. Most commonly affecting
children, head lice are small, tiny insects that feed on the blood of
the scalp. Treatment usually involves weeks of shampooing with
specialized shampoos and careful removal of dead lice. Melaleuca can be
used to treat head lice, though medical evidence has not yet been
provided to prove effectiveness or safety of using melaleuca for
treating head lice.
What Head Lice are and Who They Affect
The
second most common communicable disease affecting school – age children
is head lice. Children often get head lice by sitting close to someone
who is infected or by sharing headwear. Re-infection is common,
resulting in longer treatment times.
Head lice can cause allergic
reactions that can cause tiny red bumps to be visible on the scalp,
neck and chest. About three millimeters in size, adult lice are visible
to the naked eye. The lice eggs, called nits, are much smaller and
located around the hair shaft. Resembling dandruff, nits do not brush
out of the hair easily.
What Melaleuca Oil Tea Tree is and What It can be Used For
Otherwise
known as tea tree oil, melaleuca oil is often used for its antiseptic
properties. Alternative health practitioners used melaleuca for ailments
such as: fungal infections, acne, cold sores and as a mouth rinse for
bad breath and strep infections. Melaleuca oil has not been approved as a
safe ingredient and side effects when used orally are serious. Oral use
of melaleuca is not recommended.
The Mayo Clinic indicates the following conditions have used melaleuca as a treatment option:
- Acne: used to reduce inflammation
- Allergic skin reactions: reduce histamine-induced inflammation
- Athlete’s foot: anti-fungal properties
- Bad breath: as mouthwash, dental and oral health. It is not recommended, as it is toxic if ingested.
- Dandruff: solution of five percent tea tree oil to cure dandruff
- Dental plaque/ gingivitis: reduce gum inflammation
- Eye infections: rids the eye area of mite infestations
- Fungal nail growth: anti-fungal properties
- Lice: melaleuca oil has been used alone and in combination with other products to combat lice infestations
- Thrush: ability to kill fungal and yeast infections
- Vaginal infections: ability to kill fungal and yeast infections
Although
used on humans and animals, protected studies have not been done and no
medical evidence supports the safe use of melaleuca oil for these
conditions.
Treating Head Lice With Tea Tree Melaleuca Oil
Treating
head lice involves using specially – formulated shampoos to kill the
head lice and nits. Using a nit comb to remove dead or dying nits can be
useful as well. The process of shampooing and combing out nits usually
lasts for two weeks or until nits are gone. If nits are not all removed,
re - infection will occur
The shampoos used to treat head lice
contain insecticides and/or harmful chemicals. These ingredients can be
harmful or even fatal to fetuses and infants. Pregnant or nursing
mothers should consult with a doctor before using or working with any
lice removal shampoos.
Karen MacKenzie is a researcher and author
on melaleuca. She has used melaleuca to treat her child’s head lice and
her testimonial states that it did work. Karen washed her daughter’s
hair with a shampoo that contained melaleuca oil. On the first and 15th
day of treatment, Karen added an additional three drops of melaleuca
oil.
Side Effects of Melaleuca Tea Tree Oil
The New England Journal of Medicine
published a study in 2007 indicating consistent use of lavender oil, or
melaleuca oil, may be responsible for causing enlarged breast tissue in
pre-pubescent boys.
Dr. Clifford Bloch is a pediatric
endocrinologist at the University of Colorado. He diagnosed three boys
with perpubertal gynecomastia, a condition that causes the breast tissue
to become enlarged. All three patients were found to have used products
with either lavender or tea tree oil. Once use of the products stopped,
the gynecomastia either subsided or resolved completely.
Since
lavender oil and melaleuca oil had an effect on the breast tissue, they
are now being considered possible endocrine disruptions. Endocrine
disruptors have the ability to alter hormonal levels. Further research
and testing is underway.
Warnings When Using Melaleuca Tea Tree Oil
Using melaleuca oil carries the following warnings:
- Allergies: May cause mild skin allergies or severe blistering rashes
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Balance problems
- Reduced hearing when put in ears
- Decrease contractions for pregnant moms
Disclaimer: The
information contained in this article is for educational purposes only
and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the
opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his
or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
Mayo Clinic. "Head lice" (accessed September 29, 2010)
Mayo Clinic. "Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia {Maiden & Betche} cheel)" (accessed September 29, 2010)
Head Lice Remedies. "Tea Tree Oil Lice Remedy for Effective Head Lice Treatment (Part 2)" (accessed September 29, 2010)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "31 Jan 2007: Lavender and Tea Tree Oils May Cause Breast Growth in Boys" (accessed September 29, 2010)
Medline Plus. "Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia {Maiden & Betche} cheel)" (accessed September 29, 2010)
Products to Help Treat Head Lice Naturally:
|
|
Natural e GREEN Health and Wellness Online Store is located in Airdrie, Alberta Canada and offers over 700 natural, organic and non-toxic products for the whole family. Voted #1 in customer service and product quality, we strive hard to continue providing great customer experiences and to be the best online store to shop for your natural and organic products!
Feel free to browse our online catalogue and our green holiday gift guide to see all the items we carry in our store!
We deliver for free to locations in Airdrie, Alberta and now offer flat-rate shipping for delivery to Canada and the USA. We also offer worldwide shipping!
Categories: Bath & Body | Baby & Kids | Pet Care | Cosmetics & Personal Care | Spiritual Wellness | Gifts and Gift Baskets | Herbs and Vitamins | ADHD Remedies | House & Home | Music CDs and Books | Deals of the Day
|
|
|
