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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East, as a natural remedy for treating head lice. Traditionally, henna paste is applied to the scalp and hair, where it is believed to suffocate and kill lice and their eggs. The understanding is largely anecdotal, rooted in folk medicine, and passed down through generations. The rationale is that the sticky nature of the paste and its drying, slightly astringent properties may help dislodge lice and nits during the washing process.

However, scientific evidence supporting henna's efficacy against lice is limited. There are few formal studies that have rigorously tested henna as a pediculicide (a lice-killing agent). The existing scientific literature does not provide robust, controlled clinical trials to validate its use for this purpose. Some laboratory studies suggest that certain compounds in henna have antimicrobial or insecticidal properties, but these are not specifically focused on lice in a clinical setting.

In summary, henna is used primarily based on traditional practices rather than scientific validation. Its evidence rating is moderate to low (2 out of 5) due to the lack of high-quality studies, but its continued use in folk medicine reflects a level of anecdotal support. For definitive management of lice, medically approved treatments remain the standard recommendation.

More about henna
More about Lice

Products containing henna

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.