Home grown remedies: Head lice

Rosemary & lavender nit treatment.

A natural formula for effective nit treatment free from organophosphates. Easily found ingredients, simple to make and use. Great for getting rid of both the lice and the nits. Just be sure you use it twice, 7 days a part, otherwise they’ll be back!

Method

First rinse the rosemary and lavender then pick off the rosemary leaves and the flowers from the lavender.

Mix the almond and neem oil.

Crush the rosemary and lavender in a pestle and mortar with a little of the oil. Add to a saucepan with the rest of the almond/ neem oil mix. Add the crushed garlic and very gently heat for 20 minutes. Don’t allow to burn.

Strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth and add the tea tree oil.

Pour into a small sterilised bottle.

Usage

Apply to dry hair. Make sure the oil completely penetrates the hair to the scalp.

Leave for at least 1 hour, or if possible overnight. (Make sure to put a towel down on the pillow if sleeping with it in).

Wash hair twice and condition before combing through with a nit comb.

Comb hair every couple of days with the nit comb.

Repeat process 1 week later. This will make sure the nits (eggs) are also eradicated.
If you don’t repeat the process the eggs could hatch and the lice will make an unwelcome return.

Oil should keep for 6 months.