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The oils of anise and ylang ylang may be effective in naturally clearing infestations of head lice, or pediculosis.
It is estimated that 10 to 12 million children in the United States are infested with head lice every year. The condition, which is easily spread from person to person, making it hard to eliminate, is characterized by an itchy scalp. Allergic reactions to the lice and bacterial infections brought on by excessive scratching can also occur.
Commonly, head lice is treated with lotions and shampoos made from malathion, pyrethrins, permethrins, lindane and other insecticides. Not only do some of these insecticides cause minor rashes and skin irritations in some people, but many are also known to be toxic to the nervous system and the immune system. Repeated use increases their toxicity, and head lice can develop a resistance to the insecticides.
In a study to determine other effective treatments for head lice, a natural spray containing anise, ylang ylang, and coconut oils was compared with a conventional spray containing permethrin and malathion. Researchers treated 119 Israeli school children with head lice with either the natural or conventional spray.
Both treatments were equally effective, and head lice were eliminated in 92 percent of the group. An itchy scalp immediately following treatment was reported by one child in both the natural and conventional treatment groups, though no other side effects were noted.
Anise and ylang ylang contain essential oils, which are generally antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal. These oils have long been known to have such effects; one related study found that the essential oil of an African plant, Lippia multiflora, was more effective against head and body lice than the conventional treatment.
Few other studies have examined the use of essential oils for treating head lice, though the positive results studies from thus far could lead to more widespread use of essential oil for treating head lice.
Israel Medical Association Journal October 2002;4(10):790-3
Also I found this article for detangling long hair so it can be brushed out more effectively;
Using a nit comb is much more effective if the fine-toothed comb pulls through the child's hair smoothly and quickly--virtually impossible with long, tangled hair.
There is a solution to tangles: rinse with baking soda water (2 tbs./1 qt) after shampooing. No need to wash off the baking soda rinse.
This info is based on personal experience with my own daughter's very long blond hair which was tangle-prone due to chlorine build-up from her daily swims. An experienced hair-dresser showed us the baking soda miracle.
And, yes, she had lice on two different occasions. The teacher explained that lice are actually more commonly found on blond kids because the light-colored lice are less visible there.
This info re sodium bicarbonate should be added to each of Dr. Mercola's articles on head lice. It will help will make treatment ever so much easier.
Good luck and continued success to all of you who work with Dr. Mercola,
Patty Bray
Little Rock, Arkansas
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Independence Acres