If a pediculosis problem appears in the family, it must be eliminated immediately and together. Lice are very insidious and tenacious creatures, and if you do not notice them right away, you can infect not only your family, but also your guests, friends, employees and classmates, which will not be very pleasant for both you and them.
Unfortunately, not all drugs existing today can save you from this problem. Many drugs from the pharmacy are not effective, and they are also very expensive. As a result, you will have to disinfect several times and waste your precious time and money. What to do? What remedy can help in such a situation? Hellebore water will help you.
What is hellebore water? Composition and release form
Hellebore water is a solution containing alcohol tincture of hellebore and water (in a 1:1 ratio). This is an inexpensive but very effective remedy that has an antibacterial and antiparasitic effect.
You can find hellebore water at the pharmacy. Sold in dark bottles of 40ml and 100ml, use only for external use!
How to supplement the treatment?
It is undesirable to use strong insecticidal shampoos and sprays, since the combination of their toxins with poisonous hellebore water can lead to skin irritation. But weak, preventative preparations for lice and nits based on mineral oils will be a good help, as will natural rinses made from berries and herbal decoctions. You also need to supplement the use of the product with regular combing of long hair.
Principle of action on lice and nits
The juice of the root and stem of hellebore contains a large amount of alkaloids. They have a detrimental effect on the body of parasites, various types of fungi and bacteria.
What happens to lice and nits when treating the head with hellebore water? First of all, when this water gets on the body of a louse, it wets and envelops it. Next, the drug enters the respiratory tract of the parasite, then gradually reaches the internal organs of the insect. At first the insect is less mobile, then its legs become paralyzed and it stops moving, resulting in a fairly quick death.
About the same thing happens with the louse larva – the nit. However, unlike lice, which die almost immediately, nits are more resilient, and there is a small chance that some larva will survive. If this happens, the procedure will need to be repeated after some time.
Composition, action
Hellebore tincture for people is a multifunctional remedy that is used to strengthen hair, stimulate its growth, get rid of dandruff and skin fungus. The same drug can get rid of lice.
The active components are alkaloids. Alcohol enhances the effect and promotes deep penetration into the body of insects. Toxins penetrate the body of lice through the chitinous cover and spiracles. Within a few minutes, the poison reaches the internal organs. Within half an hour of exposure, adults and nymphs of different ages die.
On a note!
According to some reports, hellebore water not only helps remove lice, but also kills nits. Experts say this is not so. The dense shell of the egg protects the larvae from the effects of hellebore water. It does not even weaken the structure of the adhesive substance with which nits are attached to the hair.
Using hellebore water for lice and nits
It's time to treat your hair, but how to do it correctly? First you will need to wash your hair. You don’t need any special shampoo for this; we take the most common one that you use all the time. Wash your hair thoroughly, rinsing the areas behind the ears, the back of the head, the entire root zone and the entire length of the hair.
After this, you need to apply a solution of hellebore water to your hair. This can be done using ordinary cotton wool, thoroughly soaking it in the product. However, if you have cotton swabs, it is better to use them, as it is much more convenient. It is very important to process absolutely all the hair along its entire length and not miss anything. To do this, it is best to divide your hair into several parts (from 2 to 4) and then apply the composition to each strand of hair along its entire length. This way you won't miss anything.
When the product is applied to the hair, it should be wrapped with something. You can use any things you have at hand: a scarf or a simple plastic bag. Wait for 30-35 minutes, then rinse off the product with running water and rinse your hair with shampoo, preferably several times.
After this, you need to carefully examine your hair and make sure that there is nothing left there. The lice should disappear, but you will need to get rid of the nits manually, as they stick to every hair. The product kills them, but does not remove them from the hair. In order to remove the remaining nits, you will need a regular white sheet of paper and a special comb with bristles closely spaced together. You can buy a comb at a pharmacy; such combs are usually called a “comb for lice and nits.” With this very comb you just need to comb your hair, while bending your head down over a sheet of paper. Once you have combed your hair, carefully take the leaf, roll it up and throw it in the trash.
Dosage
There is no set dosage as such. Everything is calculated individually for each person, since the thickness and length of hair is different for everyone. You will see how much product you will need directly during the processing process. It is important to simply wet your hair and scalp well so that there are no dry strands left. But at the same time, you should not pour a lot of product so that it does not flow down and get into your eyes.
A course of treatment
The course of treatment is as follows:
- You found lice and treated the head for the first time, after which you checked the result. If the result is positive and there are no more lice or live nits, great. But if there are still live parasites left, the procedure should be repeated.
- We carry out the second treatment against parasites only a day after the first!
- For prevention, it is advisable to treat the head again, but after a week.
Is hellebore water safe?
If hellebore water can kill parasites, the question arises: is it capable of harming humans? The answer is yes, it can, but only if you don’t follow the instructions. As mentioned above, there are a lot of alkaloids in the roots and stem of this plant, which is why hellebore water is toxic to both the parasite and humans. It is important to take precautions when working with it. Namely:
- Make sure that during processing, the product does not get on the person’s mucous membranes (in the eyes, nose and mouth) and if this suddenly happens, immediately rinse them with plenty of running water;
- If during treatment a person feels a burning sensation or itching of the head, there is no need to wait 30 minutes, the substance should be washed off immediately;
- And of course, if after using the drug a person feels ill, feels sick or has poisoning (this can happen if you accidentally swallow hellebore water), be sure to consult a doctor.
These rules are not new to anyone, because they are indicated on many drugs. Therefore, you just need to follow them and do everything correctly, then everything will be fine and nothing will harm your health.
Can it be used by children?
The instructions indicate that this substance should not be used by a child under 3 years of age.
In any case, even if your child is older than this age, you should use hellebore water very carefully and keep it out of the child’s reach.
Benefits for hair
In addition to being an antiparasitic agent, hellebore water is also used as a hair growth stimulant. Hellebore has a good effect on the scalp, improves blood circulation, reduces hair loss and treats dandruff.
On various forums, many women write reviews that when using hellebore water for lice, they not only got rid of this problem, but also improved the condition of their hair. And now they periodically use this method, but for cosmetic purposes.
Side effects
The drug may cause allergic reactions. If severe itching, redness, burning, tingling or pricking sensation appears in the area of effect of the drug, it should be washed off immediately. If the sensations do not go away, you should seek medical help immediately.
Due to its intense effect, the product causes increased blood circulation around the hair follicles. With its toxic properties, the drug destroys almost all fungal infections, including dry and oily seborrhea, and reduces the amount of dandruff.
As a result, one of the side effects is improved scalp health and faster hair growth. It still won’t work to use water for a course of healing procedures: with frequent use, the toxic effect will outweigh the positive effect.
Contraindications
Hellebore water is a very effective remedy for head lice, however, like any other drugs, it has a number of contraindications. Namely:
- Sensitivity to the components of the drug;
- Children under 3 years old;
- Presence of wounds on the scalp;
- During pregnancy and during breastfeeding;
- Skin diseases.
Under no circumstances should you take the drug orally, this will lead to serious negative consequences!
Avoid contact of the drug with mucous membranes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with running water.
Precautionary measures
First of all, the toxicity of the drug should be noted. It is poorly absorbed by the skin, so in the absence of intense rubbing, the risks are minimal. However, if it gets on the mucous membranes or if you try to taste it, intoxication (poisoning) of the body is possible.
In case of contact with mucous membranes, quick and abundant rinsing is necessary. If the hellebore drug is taken orally, call an ambulance immediately, as the consequences of poisoning can be very serious.
Due to the fact that the work is most often carried out with children, it is necessary to first explain to them that this is not a toy, and they cannot touch the liquid with their hands. If you are concerned about the question: can similar compositions be used for children, then the answer is yes, but if they are older than 2.5 years.
But those who are not recommended to use a hellebore-based product are pregnant women and women during lactation.
In addition, hellebore preparation should not be used on areas of the skin that have damage, since getting into the wound will lead to its absorption by the body and poisoning.
Reviews of Chemerichnaya water against lice and nits
Alina, Moscow
Once again I am convinced that the instructions must be read. My daughter had a lice epidemic at school, and mine caught it too. The pharmacy offered many modern, expensive sprays, but on the advice of my mother-in-law, I bought hellebore water, it costs 35 rubles per bottle, and I took two. I took a good look at how to apply it correctly, otherwise I wanted to pour it on my head right above the bathtub. But it turns out you need to carefully apply it with a cotton swab and don’t let it get into your eyes. The lice disappeared completely only after a week, they were treated three times and combed out. The third time, no one was combed - clean. The product works. Of course, expensive drugs probably kill parasites in one pass, but for those who want to save money, this product is suitable.
Karen, Kyiv
I have no idea where the lice came from. The feeling is not the most pleasant. I bought hellebore water with a red star on the package at the pharmacy, applied it according to the instructions, but a drop got into my eye. I washed it right away, but it stung quite badly. Be careful. And the product is inexpensive and effective, sold everywhere. I also bought a comb separately for combing. I only used it twice and didn't have to anymore.
Alternative drugs
Hellebore water is a very effective remedy for the treatment of head lice. But there are situations when this substance is contraindicated for humans for some reason (for example, children under 3 years of age or if the person is sensitive to this drug). What to do then? What means should I use? And how to use them?
There are two options:
- turn to traditional medicine (a more budget-friendly option);
- use modern drugs.
ethnoscience
In folk medicine, there are a huge number of ways to combat parasites such as lice. Here are a few of them.
Getting rid of lice with vinegar, salt and vodka
Ingredients:
- a glass of vinegar diluted with water;
- 40 grams of boiled salt;
- 5 ml alcohol (96%).
For this recipe, you will need to dilute a glass of vinegar with water (to get a 3% solution), add 40 grams of boiled salt to it. Then mix it all well and add 5 ml of 96% alcohol and mix again. Apply the resulting mixture to pre-washed hair, leave for several hours, then rinse. Comb your hair with a special comb to remove lice and nits, and apply the compress again. It is advisable to repeat the procedure 3-4 times. After each use, comb your hair with a comb.
Removing lice using kerosene
This method requires special attention and caution from the person, since kerosene can burn the skin or dry it out. To prevent this from happening, you need to be very careful and listen to your feelings during this procedure.
It is important to remember that kerosene cannot be used in its pure form! Be sure to dilute it with some vegetable oil. It is also important not to forget that kerosene is a flammable substance; under no circumstances carry out this procedure in the kitchen, where there may be something on the stove, and do not smoke during the entire procedure.
After mixing kerosene with oil, apply the mixture to dry hair, wrap your head in a plastic bag and leave for 50-60 minutes. Then comb your hair with a comb, and then wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo several times.
Modern analogues
We looked at methods from traditional medicine. It's time to talk about modern drugs, now there are also a lot of them, and in different forms:
- aerosols;
- shampoos;
- sprays;
- ointments, etc.
Spray Lavinal against lice and nits
This spray is based on various essential oils, such as ylang-ylang, lavender, mint. This product is completely non-toxic and can be used even for the smallest children. Lice from this spray begin to suffocate, the oil that gets into their respiratory tract blocks access to air.
Apply Lavinal evenly to dry hair and leave for 30 minutes under a cap. After which it is washed off with water and washed with shampoo.
Shampoo Pedilin
The substances included in the drug destroy all blood-sucking insects. Can be used for children over 5 years old. Also apply to hair, leave for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. After the procedure, it is advisable to rinse your hair with vinegar. Repeat everything again after 7 days.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Hellebore water is used as an anti-pediculosis (anti-parasitic) agent. The drug has a pronounced neurotoxic effect against adult lice .
The pharmacological properties of the solution are determined by the properties of hellebore, a poisonous herbaceous perennial from the lily family, which is included in its composition as an active ingredient.
All parts of hellebore contain alkaloids from the cyclopentaneperhydrophenanthrene and glycoalkaloids (steroidal alkaloids), which are natural compounds that combine the basic properties of alkaloids and steroidal saponins .
So, in grass they contain approximately 0.55, in rhizomes - up to 1.3, and in roots - up to 2.4%. From the roots and rhizomes the alkaloid yervin (amino alcohol) and the lycoalkaloid pseudoyervin (chloroform) are isolated.
Moreover, in the summer, the concentration of alkaloids in the plant decreases sharply, and in the spring it increases, therefore, it is in the spring months that hellebore is considered the most poisonous.
The main structural element of all alkaloids are alkalines (amino alcohols or amino alcohols), which are secondary and tertiary bases containing a piperidine ring .
In medical practice, hellebore preparations are used as an effective remedy against ectoparasites , that is, parasites that live on the surface of the body and external organs.
Used as an external remedy, hellebore solution has a pronounced anti-scab effect . In veterinary practice, a decoction prepared from the roots and rhizomes of hellebore is prescribed as a digestive aid and also as an emetic.
Experiments have shown that the complex of ordinary alkaloids also helps to reduce blood pressure while simultaneously increasing the amplitude of heart contractions , provokes irritation of the endings of sensory nerves , causes severe sneezing and coughing attacks .
When taken orally, it causes vomiting . In foreign countries, alkaloids isolated from hellebore are used as an antihypertensive agent .
protoveratrine, which is part of the plant, has a long-term hypotensive effect : the substance reduces systolic and diastolic pressure , provokes bradycardia , dilation of the lumen of blood vessels, and reduces the minute volume of blood flow.
In addition, it reduces diuresis a hypothermic effect to some extent . However, the breadth of therapeutic action of protoveratrine is small, so the best effect from its use is observed in the initial (I-II) stages of hypertension . It is also sometimes used for eclampsia and preeclampsia .
Veratramine, which is part of hellebore, reduces blood pressure and heart rate , has a blocking effect on the pressoreceptors of the carotid sinus , and reduces the excitability of the vasomotor center .
Germitrin and neogermitrin have a stimulating effect on vascular baroreceptors (sensitive nerve endings in blood vessels that sense changes in blood pressure and reflexively regulate its level) and, unlike protoveratrine , on the contrary, increase the excitability of the vasomotor center .
Widespread use alkaloids is difficult due to their high toxicity .
Preparations in which the plant acts as an active substance are used exclusively as an external agent. They are effective as an antifungal , irritant and analgesic .
The use of hellebore significantly increases the tone of skeletal muscles, dilates the vessels of the circulatory system , and excites the nervous system .
Its drugs are used for pain syndromes that accompany neuralgia , myositis , arthritis , gout , rheumatism and various types of musculoskeletal diseases .
The alcohol solution is used externally, rubbing into the scalp, for dandruff and for hair growth . The use of hellebore water against lice : the product has a detrimental effect on the condition of the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract of parasites and their reproductive system, as a result of which they lose the ability to feed and reproduce.
In folk medicine, the drug is also used to combat alcohol addiction .
As a remedy against alcoholism, hellebore water is consumed orally (despite the prohibition of this method of use in the instructions and the disapproval of official medicine).
The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the ability of hellebore to provoke severe intoxication of the body when taken orally. The tincture is mixed into an alcoholic drink without the patient’s knowledge, resulting in the person being poisoned.
alkaloids ( protoveratrine , nervin, etc.) first have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system , and then block it, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
- severe vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- general excitement of the body;
- deterioration of general health;
- a steady increase in muscle tone, which is replaced by spasms;
- acute heart failure.
In almost 100% of cases, the patient requires hospitalization and medical care. This method of using hellebore water assumes that after the experience, the alcoholic, believing that the cause of everything is alcohol poisoning, will forever feel disgusted with it.
However, this treatment of alcoholism causes skepticism and rejection among doctors. Firstly, the human body may not be able to cope with the load, and everything will end in death .
This is due to the fact that the protoveratrine has an extremely adverse effect on the digestive and circulatory systems , as well as on the brain .
Secondly, reviews of the use of hellebore water for alcoholism indicate that having fully recovered after treatment, the majority of those suffering from alcohol addiction return to their addiction.
the alkaloids contained in hellebore are practically not absorbed and do not have a resorptive effect (or the latter is extremely insignificant).
Prolonged use of hellebore water or excessively active rubbing of the drug into the skin can lead to the penetration of the drug into deep tissues and cause the development of various kinds of resorptive effects (in particular, intoxication of the body ).
