{"id":718,"date":"2012-07-31T11:33:38","date_gmt":"2012-07-31T15:33:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/lifeasaconsciousmom\/?p=718"},"modified":"2012-08-23T15:57:07","modified_gmt":"2012-08-23T19:57:07","slug":"tuesdays-naturally-keep-head-lice-away-naturally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/lifeasaconsciousmom\/2012\/07\/31\/tuesdays-naturally-keep-head-lice-away-naturally\/","title":{"rendered":"TUESDAYS NATURALLY: Keep Head Lice Away Naturally"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>When we lived in Brooklyn, NY, Caidin started pre-school and within the first month he brought home a letter from the school Nurse alerting me to the fact that someone in the lower school had head lice. They don\u2019t tell you which class, so you have no way of knowing if your child is in direct contact, close proximity or not even connected to the child in question.<\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t stand the uncertainty, and I absolutely did not want to us the toxic chemicals recommended when a child has lice. Tapping into my Naturopathic philosophy, rather than waiting for an outbreak, I decided to look for a way to keep them away altogether. So I went on a search for a natural solution. I have often made my own soaps and shampoos to address different needs, and I figured I could make my own shampoo.<\/p>\n

From my research lice are repelled or killed by menthol (Peppermint essential oil) camphor (Rosemary essential oil) and Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oils which are antibacterial, antifungal and have strong monoterpenes.<\/p>\n

I had all of these essential oils on my shelf, but we had more of a kitchenette when we lived in Brooklyn. It opened to the living room and it took up a lot of space to craft things in that apartment. I did a little more searching and found Happyheads Shampoo. Not only was it a natural solution to a lice outbreak, but it was also clinically proven to prevent lice in the first place. I found a few more shampoos that would prevent lice, but they were all solely essential oil based. Happyheads had a special enzyme in it that would break down the exoskeleton of the lice, the larva and the eggs \u2013 thereby wiping out the infestation altogether. Plus using it once weekly assured that no outbreak would occur, ever.<\/p>\n

I opted to use Happyheads with Caidin. He\u2019s used it once weekly since he was four and we have weathered lice infestations of classmates, and even close friends who visited right before their lice was discovered. Happyheads<\/a>, made by a Brooklyn, NY mom, is on my \u2018highly recommended\u2019 list.<\/p>\n

If you want to make your own shampoo \u2013 here is the recipe I use. Remember this is a preventative shampoo so it would need to be used every time you and your child washes your hair. (Treating the whole family is one of the secrets of effective lice\u00a0prevention.)<\/p>\n

Lice Away Shampoo \u2013 8oz<\/p>\n

4.5 oz (135 ml) Spring or Distilled Water
\n3.2 oz (95 ml) Decyl Polyglucose
\n\u00bd tsp Xanthan Gum Powder
\n\u00bd tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
\n1 ml Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)
\n(base recipe from Holistic Aromatherapy For Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell)<\/p>\n

8 drops of Peppermint
\n4 drops of Rosemary
\n4 drops of Lavender
\n2 drops of Tea Tree<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. I infuse the water with herbs \u2013 usually whatever I have on hand like a handful of lavender, calendula, comfrey root or chamomile. To infuse the water you place the herbs in the water, bring it to a boil and then let it steep for 20-30 minutes. You then need to strain the herbs out of the water.<\/li>\n
  2. Next add to the hot infused water your ACV, GSE and Decyl Polyglucose. Mix Completely with a stick blender. I tried not using a stick blender, but it\u2019s a must for this process.<\/li>\n
  3. While the mixture is still warm add the xanthan gum powder and blend completely.<\/li>\n
  4. Don\u2019t add the essential oils until the mixture has cooled or they will evaporate.<\/li>\n
  5. Once the mixture has cooled add your essential oils.<\/li>\n
  6. Be sure to buy good quality essential oils. Some oils (the cheaper versions) are blends and may contain solvents to thin the oils.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Whether you make your own or you purchase a premade shampoo be sure that you wash your child\u2019s hair or supervise. Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil are both strong oils and will make the eyes burn if your child gets this shampoo in his or her eyes. If they do, use a wash cloth to blot the eyes. Don\u2019t add more water as it will intensify the burning. If it\u2019s really bad, a little castor or almond oil dabbed in the corner of the eye will reduce the burning as well. I\u2019ve gotten it in my eyes, it hurts, but that\u2019s the extent of it, no lasting damage that I can tell.<\/p>\n

    As we head into the new school year (yup, it\u2019s that time) here\u2019s to a lice free year for all!<\/p>\n

    Want more natural healing tips? Join\u00a0The Conscious Mom\u2019s Guide<\/a>\u00a0for free and then join the Natural Healing and First Aid group. Christine will be adding more tips and how-to videos as time goes on. By signing up you\u2019ll also be the first to know when Christine\u2019s book \u201cThe Conscious Mom\u2019s Guide: Natural Healing and First Aid for Kids\u201d is available.<\/p>\n

    \u00a9 2012 Christine Agro<\/p>\n

    Have friends who will benefit from this information? Use the handy share options provided at the top of the article . You\u2019ll find Facebook, Twitter, Google +1, Email or click the \u2018share\u2019 for many, many other options.<\/p>\n

    Remember, join me at\u00a0The Conscious Mom\u2019s Guide<\/a>\u00a0for more insight, guidance and to connect with a growing group of conscious parents.<\/p>\n

    Have questions about your child or need support? Christine offers\u00a0private readings<\/a>\u00a0as well as on-line support at\u00a0The Consicous Mom\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

    Christine Agro is a Clairvoyant, Naturopath, Master Herbalist, Conscious Mom and Author of 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously as well as of The Conscious Living Wisdom Cards (Special Moms\u2019 Edition). Christine is founder of The Conscious Mom\u2019s Guide , a membership site where she helps support you on your own journey of living life consciously and on your journey of being a Conscious parent. You can also join Christine on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>. To contact Christine, invite her to speak or to schedule an appointment with her please\u00a0email<\/a>\u00a0her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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She has been interviewed on radio shows around the world, quoted in health and consumer magazines and e-zines nationwide and she is the founder of The Conscious Mom\u2019s Guide website. \u2022 Christine enjoys supporting women in all stages and phases of life. \u2022 Christine sees the power of today\u2019s children and seeks to support them in retaining their inner light. \u2022 She believes in living life passionately and purposefully. \u2022 She believes in the body\u2019s natural ability to heal and supporting that ability. \u2022 She believes children are conscious beings who have an unlimited capacity to understand and learn. \u2022 She believes children should be treated with respect and given the support and guidance to help them understand the world they have chosen to live in. \u2022 She believes all relationships offer us insight into what we want to learn and heal this lifetime. \u2022 She believes we all have the power to live a passionate and purposeful life. Using her clairvoyance combined with her background in naturopathic healing, herbs, homeopathy, aromatherapy, nutrition and more Christine offers conscious insight and healing support into areas such as relationships, parenting, pregnancy and spiritual growth. 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