Natural headlice treatment

10 September 2024

All the children are back at school and that means the threat of headlice will be with us for the next few months. Neem oil, with its insecticidal and antiparasitic effects, is an effective and safe alternative to chemical-laden treatments.

Neem Oil for Head Lice: A Natural Indian Remedy

Twenty years ago, The Neem Team was born from a head lice outbreak in the family daycare setting that was so bad, it caused repeated re-infestations. With young children, all with long thick hair, the situation quickly became a nit nightmare! After trying and failing to get on top of the situation, the search turned to finding natural headlice treatments, as the only conventional treatments at the time were far too toxic for children. We became aware of Neem oil as a gentle, ayurvedic headlice solution safe even for babies and toddlers. We found that Neem oil combined with a gentle shampoo makes for the best headlice shampoo, and can also be used in conditioners to prevent headlice outbreaks.

How does it work?

Neem works by interrupting the insect life-cycle and by coating the lice, trapping and suffocating them. It also contains an insect-repellent ingredient, azadirachtin, which can help prevent further infestations, and the oil soothes the scalp, reducing itch and discomfort.

In our in-depth article we look at headlice prevention tips, how to check for head lice at home and give recipes for head lice home remedies that actually work! Read more...