Research Report

The Sierra Club was founded in 1892 by the famous naturalist and writer John Muir. Their aim is to protect wildlife and the environment, which they do by researching alternatives and raising awareness through education. Click here to view their .pdf fact sheet on head lice.

A registered nurse with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital states that she can personally testify to the effectiveness of tea tree oil in the treatment of head lice.
Please scroll down to page 5, column 2.

In this article, Annette Ramsey lists the good effects of tea tree oil on a range of problems. Please scroll down to the recommendations for head lice.

International Aromatherapy and Herb Association's article "The Benefits of Tea Tree" by Cynthia Olsen. The article focuses on tea tree oil and hair & body care, and it discusses using the oil to treat head lice.

Every summer is the same, a letter from your child's school saying 'parents beware' —  they have children with a head lice infestation. This is a sensible article on how to keep your child safe.

Scientific studies regarding Tea Tree Oil and head lice:

This is an exciting study; it is the first peer-reviewed paper that confirms what we knew already. The main components of tea tree oil actually work as an insecticide for treating head lice”.
Mills C, Cleary BJ, Gilmer JF, Walsh JJ. Inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase by Tea Tree oil. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2004 Mar;56(3):375-9

Tea tree oil, among other essential oils, was found to be effective at killing lice in the following study. It is hypothesized that cineole (the C in T36-C5) and/or sesquiterpenes play a role in its effectiveness against lice.
Veal, L. The potential effectiveness of essential oils as a treatment for head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 1996 Aug;2(4):97-101.

Please read about Jesse, but be warned it’s a heart-breaking story and it could happen to anyone who isn’t informed about the dangers of using ‘medically approved’ head lice treatment.

And, head lice shampoo is linked to birth defects, (point to ponder - if these chemicals accumulate in our kid’s systems, what about when they eventually have children, will these chemicals affect our grandchildren?).

Unfortunately there are many doctors who are against natural head lice treatments; they prefer to recommend so-called "proven" treatments. The following is the low-down on these toxic substances.

LINDANE

Click to see a comprehensive fact sheet on Lindane on EXTOXNET website maintained by Oregon State University.

The risk of neurological side-effects, including dizziness to seizures, and even death associated with lindane-based shampoos and lotions has finally alerted the FDA to issue labeling guidelines. They state that it can be used "with caution" on people over 110lbs, if other treatments have failed. The National Pediculosis Association (NPA), Public Citizens Health Research Group and Cancer Prevention Coalition have called for a US ban on lindane shampoos and lotions, but over a million lindane prescriptions were being written every year. Click here to see FDA's full report. It is interesting to note that there is an outright ban on lindane in eighteen other countries and a pharmaceutical ban in the State of California.

Here is a resource for education about lindane: Lindane Education and Research Network

Now read for yourself why no-one should come into contact with lindane, least of all our precious children:

Long-term psychological and neurological complications of lindane poisoning after three applications of "Kwell".

This abstract on lindane toxicity in a 24 year old woman, clearly outlines the potential devastating neurological effects.

A death caused by "excessive" use of a 1% lindane shampoo.

There are also countless stories that are dismissed as anecdotal (not proven) by the medical profession. Here is one that we don't usually get to see:

A child's life ruined by head lice treatment.

The FDA recommends: MALATHION lotion.

Click to see a comprehensive fact sheet on Malathion on EXTOXNET website maintained by Oregon State University. Please read the known toxicological effects carefully.

How can the medical profession say “natural doesn’t mean safe” then recommend Malathion for our children’s heads?

A summary of research that indicates that malathion at low levels is a dangerous chemical to humans, animals and the environment.

The FDA also recommends: PERMETHRIN AND PYRETHRUM, with piperonyl butoxide.

Pyrethrins are natural pediculicides derived from chrysanthemum flowers (Cinerariaefolium). Pyrethrum is a botanical extract used as a broad-spectrum insecticide. It is made from natural pyrethrins. Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrin. "Pyrethroids" is generally a collective name for synthetic or semi synthetic pyrethrins. Although less toxic than lindane, there is increasing evidence that they are not entirely safe. A number of head lice shampoos now contain permethrin, which may cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation, tingling sensations, allergic reactions, asthma and blood damage. There are also possible asthmatic reactions, liver and nerve damage and suppression of immune system.

Click to see a comprehensive fact sheet on PERMETHRIN on EXTOXNET website maintained by Oregon State University. Pay particular attention to "Organ Toxicity".

This evaluation of experimental data shows that pyrethroids, synthesized from chrysanthemums, and marketed as a less toxic alternative to organophosphates may not be as safe as they would have us believe.

The following report suggests head lice resistance is present in many parts of England to over-the-counter products containing synthetic insecticides (permethrin, phenothrin and malathion).
Downs, A.M.R., Stafford, K.A., Hunt, L.P., Ravenscroft, J.C. & Coles, G.C. Widespread insecticide resistance in head lice to the over-the-counter pediculocides in England British Journal of Dermatology 146 (1), 88-93.doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04473.x (2002)