An estimated 12 million children in America, in all segments of society, get head lice each year. These tiny bloodsucking parasites live on the human scalp and lay eggs (nits). The egg or nit will hatch in 7-10 days. Upon hatching, the louse is not much bigger than the tip of an ink pen and is in the first of three nymph stages. It will take approximately 10 days for the nymph to mature into an adult capable of reproducing. Therefore, it is of great importance to remove the lice prior to reaching adulthood. Once the louse becomes an adult the female can lay 5-10 eggs each day and will live for approximately 30 days. That equates to 150-300 eggs per female (Schmidt and Roberts, 1989).

Sales of products that deal with lice in the US total $170 million per year. Yet, many lice have become resistant to the typical treatments used. The Archives of Dermatology recently published a study in Southern Florida, reporting that of the five products tested (Ovide lotion, Lindane, A-200, Nix, and Rid), only one (Ovide, a prescription-only product) had not become less effective (Meinking et al., 2002). A safe lice treatment has been sorely needed considering the ineffectiveness, the inconveniences, the toxicity, and the environmental persistence of the available products.

According to an article from Purdue University, ?The greatest harm associated with head lice may result from the well-meaning, but unwise, use of toxic shampoos, such as those containing Lindane, an organo-chlorinated pesticide in the same chemical family as DDT, ? Lindane is thought to cause seizures, and studies indicate that head lice has become resistant to many other existing products, including pyrethrin-based pesticides. However, our pawpaw shampoo can safely and effectively eliminate the problem without side effects or pest resistance.?

(Purdue News, June 10, 1002 ? http://news.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html3month/020610.Kuuttila.2001report.html)

Paw Paw Lice Remover Shampoo

Nature's Sunshine Products developed an all-natural, unique lice remover shampoo that was both safe and successful. Although it is no longer being manufactured, NSP has provided us with a recipe to make your own Lice Remover Shampoo.

Paw Paw Lice Remover Shampoo contains essential oil ingredients of tea tree and thyme, plus standardized paw paw extract* in a gentle shampoo base. Unlike other harsh chemical treatments, this shampoo will leave the hair soft and healthy.

Laboratory (in vitro) and human testing have found that this shampoo successfully removes lice and their nits when used as instructed. Developmental studies showed that this combination product was successful in preliminary human trials with numerous volunteers without safety problems. The product softens the nits and facilitates their easy removal by a special lice comb, available from most pharmacies. It is backed by a history of safe and successful folkloric use of the plant materials. A recent clinical trial conducted by school nurses in New Jersey resulted in 100% successful removal of the lice, and thousands of bottles have now been sold with nothing but positive testimonials (McCage et al., 2002).

Great for pets too! Testimonials from pet owners support the use of the shampoo in removing pests from pets while leaving their hair soft and silky. How to make Paw Paw Lice Remover Shampoo

*Protected by U.S. patents 4,721,727, 4,855,319 and 09/213,164