Evidence supporting the use of: Lavender
For the health condition: Lice

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been used traditionally as a natural remedy to help repel lice, often as part of folk medicine and home remedies. The primary rationale comes from its pleasant scent and purported insecticidal properties. Historically, essential oils, including lavender, have been incorporated into hair washes or applied to personal items like hats and brushes to deter lice infestations. However, while there is a strong tradition of use, the scientific evidence remains limited. Only a few laboratory and small-scale clinical studies have assessed the effectiveness of lavender oil against lice. Some in vitro studies suggest that lavender oil may have some activity against lice and their eggs, particularly when combined with other essential oils such as tea tree oil. For instance, a 2010 clinical trial published in BioMed Central Dermatology found that a combination of lavender and tea tree oil was more effective than a standard chemical treatment, but lavender oil alone has not been robustly validated in large, high-quality trials. Most health authorities, including the CDC and NHS, do not currently recommend lavender as a primary treatment for lice due to insufficient clinical evidence. In summary, lavender is used against lice mostly based on tradition, with only modest support from scientific studies, and should not be relied upon as a sole therapy.

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