Does mayo kill lice eggs?
As the age-old battle between humans and lice continues, many bizarre remedies have been proposed over the years. One of the most unusual suggestions is using mayo to kill lice eggs. In this investigative report, we set out to answer once and for all: Does mayo actually kill lice eggs?
The Theory Behind Using Mayo as a Lice Treatment
The idea of using mayonnaise as a treatment for head lice is based on two assumptions. First, mayonnaise contains vinegar, which is believed to dissolve the glue that attaches nits (lice eggs) to hair strands. Secondly, it’s said that depriving live bugs from their oxygen supply by smothering them with an oily substance like mayo can be effective.
But does any of this actually work?
Putting the Myth to Test: Looking at Scientific Evidence
While there aren’t too many studies investigating whether or not mayo kills lice eggs directly, some research has looked at essential oils in general and their ability to eliminate these pesky parasites. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts used widely in alternative medicine practices because they contain natural compounds known for having insecticidal properties.
One study published in Parasitology Research investigated five different essential oils (tea tree oil, thyme oil, lavender oil) and determined that tea tree killed adult female head louse after 30 minutes exposure only (but had no effect on unhatched nits). Another smaller scale study tested an herbal mixture containing coconut oil against head-to-head contact and found apparent efficacy.
Unfortunately though our expectations were sky-high there remains insufficient sound scientific evidence say anything positive about applying plain old regular full-fat or low-fat mayonnaise as means of killing nymphs or stopping further infestations – Though anecdotal reports claim it successfull subjected those with seafood allergies into new struggles!
The Problem with Using Mayo: Beware of the Smell!
Even if there were more scientific evidence to suggest mayonnaise could kill lice, we’re not sure how many people would actually want to try it. Not only does mayo get pretty smelly when left in someone’s hair for hours on end, but it can also be quite messy.
Another issue some note is a lack of natural appealing odor from many plain or flavored types meaning alternatives like incorporating essential oils into existing shampoo or conditioner as means of deterring incursions into heads .
Other Natural Lice Treatments Worth Trying
Although using mayo doesn’t seem to be the most effective way to deal with head lice, there are still plenty of other natural remedies worth trying:
Tea tree oil: As mentioned earlier high-quality 100% pure grade oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties which ought make it an ideal candidate for trouncing these tiny critters after several applications (when mixed properly)….
Neem oil: Neem oil contains azadirachtin, and volatile compounds which work together acting upon adult insects by hindering growth stages; plus additional compounds for instance nimbin have antimicrobial properties (thought capable therefore inhibiting egg development over time).
Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus eliminates head lice through its active ingredient cineole that infuses olfactory defense positioning you from further attack making your hair completely repugnant tempting perpetually peppermint smell anyone?
Conclusion
The bottom line is this – while scientists haven’t exactly come forward proven against all common sense – letting you treat little human-head guests until successful eradication- our research indicates that using plain old mayonnaise isn’t really helpful strategy anymore. So next time your infant-classroom receives notification regarding outbreak don’t stress out reaching mechanically fudding $4.59 Hellman’s jars instead giving some combination of natural pungents listed above a try!