Onion is a common vegetable that contains several beneficial compounds that may help get rid of head lice. Some key points about using onion for treating lice include:
Can onion kill lice?
There is some evidence that applying onion juice or onion extracts to the scalp may help kill lice. Onions contain several sulfur-containing compounds that may have insecticidal effects against lice.
Main active compounds in onion
The key active compounds in onion that may help treat lice include:
- Allicin – This sulfur compound gives onions their distinctive odor and has antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties.
- Flavonoids – Onion contains antioxidant compounds like quercetin and kaempferol that have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Sulfur compounds – Onions have several sulfur-containing compounds like thiosulfinates that may disrupt lice cell function.
These substances are released when onion bulbs are crushed or damaged and may penetrate the exoskeleton of lice to exert toxic effects.
Does onion juice kill nits?
There is limited research specifically on using onion juice to kill lice eggs (nits). However, some key points about onion juice and nits:
- Onion juice may help loosen the glue holding nits to strands of hair due to its acidic properties.
- The sulfur compounds may also penetrate the shell casing of nits to inhibit further development.
- Manual nit combing should still be done after onion juice treatment to fully remove nits.
So while onion juice may damage or kill some nits, it likely does not eliminate all nits. Thorough combing and egg removal is still important after onion juice application.
How to use onion for lice treatment
Some methods for using onion to treat head lice include:
Onion juice
- Grate or blend onions to extract the juice.
- Apply the juice thoroughly to the scalp and hair.
- Leave on for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Wash out with shampoo.
- Comb through hair with a nit comb.
- Repeat every few days for 2 weeks.
Onion slices
- Peel onions and cut into slices.
- Rub slices over the scalp and hair, squeezing to release juices.
- Wrap hair in a towel and leave for 1-2 hours.
- Shampoo hair and nit comb thoroughly.
- Repeat every 4-5 days for 2 weeks.
How effective is onion for treating lice?
Using onion to treat head lice is considered a home remedy, and there is limited clinical research on its effectiveness. Some key points:
- Small studies show onion extract shampoo may kill some lice but not as effectively as conventional treatments.
- Onion likely does not kill all nits so combing is still needed.
- Onion juice or extract may be more effective when combined with other essential oils.
- Should not be used as a sole treatment, but can be combined with manual nit removal and combing.
While onion may help, it is likely most effective when paired with proven lice treatment methods under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Onion alone is not guaranteed to fully eliminate a lice infestation.
How to prevent lice after using onion treatment
After treating lice with onion, you can take these steps to avoid reinfestation:
- Avoid direct head contact with others.
- Do not share combs, brushes, hats, helmets.
- Wash bedding, pillowcases, and recently worn clothes in hot water.
- Soak combs and hair accessories in rubbing alcohol for an hour.
- Vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats thoroughly.
- Continue checking the head daily for 2-3 weeks.
Repeating the onion treatment weekly for a few weeks may also help kill any nits that hatch later. But diligent cleaning of personal items and household surfaces is critical to avoid reinfestation.
Risks and precautions with onion for lice
Some risks and safety considerations for using onion include:
- Can cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation – Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes.
- Allergic reactions may occur – Do a skin patch test before widespread use.
- Onion odor stays on hair – Use shampoo to help wash it out.
- Don’t overuse – Excessive onion juice may dry out the scalp.
- Not safe for infants under 6 months old.
- Stop if any severe reactions occur like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
To stay safe, do a skin patch test first and make sure onion juice is tolerated. Seek medical care if severe reactions develop.
Other natural lice treatments
In addition to onion, some other natural substances may help treat head lice when used properly. These include:
Essential oils
Oils like tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and neem oils may have insecticidal and repellent effects against lice when applied to the scalp and hair.
Apple cider vinegar
The acetic acid in vinegar may kill lice and loosen nits from hair strands when used as a rinse.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil may help suffocate lice and possibly repel new infestations. But it does not kill nits.
Salt water
Salt may draw moisture out of lice cells and damage them. Salt water soaks or sprays can be applied before shampooing.
Natural nit combs
Combs made from metal or natural materials can mechanically remove lice and nits after treatment.
These natural options are often combined for greater efficacy against lice. But caution is needed as they are not FDA-approved treatments.
Prescription lice treatment options
While natural treatments may help, proven prescription medications are still the most effective options for getting rid of lice in most cases. Some common prescription treatments include:
| Medication | Method | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin lotion (Sklice) | Apply to dry hair/scalp | Paralyzes and kills lice |
| Malathion lotion (Ovide) | Apply to dry hair/scalp | Disrupts lice nervous system |
| Pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide shampoo/sprays | Wash into hair | Disrupt lice nervous system |
| Spinosad suspension (Natroba) | Apply to dry hair/scalp | Neurotoxin that kills lice |
| Benzyl alcohol lotion (Ulesfia) | Apply to dry hair/scalp | Asphyxiates lice |
Prescription lice medications are stronger than natural approaches and may fully eliminate lice with one application in many cases. Talk to your doctor about prescription options if over-the-counter or home treatments are not effective.
Conclusion
Onion does appear to have some pesticidal effects against lice based on its sulfur-containing compounds. However, research shows it may not fully eliminate lice infestations when used alone. Some key takeaways include:
- Onion juice or extract may help kill some live lice but does not destroy all nits.
- Should be combined with thorough nit combing and hygiene measures.
- May be more effective when used with other natural treatments.
- Prescription medications are still the most reliable option in difficult cases.
Using onion juice or slices can be considered as a supplemental treatment but should not replace proven lice removal methods. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about using onion or other natural treatments for lice.