Head Lice ... the scourge of schools that afflicts six to ten million children a year

    Once again, the versatile olive oil may be of help -- as a way to smother head lice, not as an EFA source.  After shampooing the oil out, try using a rinse of equal parts of water and white vinegar.

    Other oils are suggested for the same purpose. In his book The Cure is in the Cupboard, Dr. Cass Ingram recommends putting a dropper full of wild oil of oregano in a tablespoon of shampoo.  Wash hair thoroughly and let stand for several minutes.  Rinse the shampoo out with water as hot as the child will accept.

    The publisher of The Cure is in the Cupboard is Knowledge House, Buffalo Grove, IL (800) 243-5242

Dr. Louis Pottkotter, author of The Natural Nursery, cautions:
    "Lindane 1% (Kwell) shampoo is often prescribed for the treatment of head lice in children even through it is an organochlorine pesticide from the highly toxic DDT/chlordane family.  Lindane is carcinogenic and can also damage the neurological system, liver, and immune  system.  The use of Kwell shampoo has even been linked to the development of childhood brain cancer.  Lindane is absorbed through the skin and becomes lodged in the fat tissue and vital organs (like the brain), where is can wreak havoc on a person's health for 20-30 years because it biodegrades so slowly."

    Unfortunately, the lindane-free products based on pyrethrins are losing their effectiveness as the lice develop a tolerance to them.

    A new product that looks very promising is called "Not Nice to Lice" shampoo.  It uses a naturally-occurring enzyme which duplicates the enzyme insects create; thus, the manufacturers say, it is not possible for lice to develop an immunity to it.  If you cannot find it in your area, call 800-931-9916.  Their web site is:  www.safe2use.com
 
 

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