How to Get Rid of Lice Using Custard Apple Seed Paste

Last Updated: April 19, 2020

The seeds of the custard apple (Annona squamosa Linn., Annonaceae) can be used to remove lice and lice eggs from the hair.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}^{[2]
X
Research source} The seeds need to be collected, then prepared by soaking and grinding, to form a paste for spreading on the scalp.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Making the Custard Seed Paste

1
Get seeds from the custard apple. Custard apples are cultivated in most parts of the world. They are available in markets throughout the autumn season.
- In Hindi, custard apple seeds are called "Sharifa".
2
Soak the seeds for a few days. Wash and soak a handful of seeds in some water for 2 to 3 nights. This will assist in grinding shortly.

Advertisement
3
Grind the seeds to produce a paste. Drain the water after the recommended days and grind the soaked seeds well.
4
Turn the ground seeds into a paste. Mix the ground powder of the seeds with adequate water in a bowl to make the paste. You can also use a water-based cream lotion to mix the seed paste into.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Using the Custard Seed Paste

1
Spread the paste on the scalp. Cover the scalp completely. Do not allow it to get into the eyes, as it is an eye irritant.
- Expect some of the paste to fall to the ground if you haven't used a cream lotion to help it hold. That's okay.
2
Secure the hair. It can be secured in a bun or a braid, or you can place a shower cap over the scalp. This keeps the paste intact and working on the scalp area.
3
Sleep with the paste on your scalp. The custard seed oil's antibiotic properties will zap the lice and their eggs.
4
Dust and rinse off the paste the following morning. Before shampooing, untie your hair and manually pick out any seed crumbs. Shampoo well and condition if you wish.
5
Let the hair dry naturally. Use a lice comb to comb out the residue of the seeds. There should be no sign of any live lice. You can comb out visible nits if you prefer, otherwise they will gradually dry out and fall off.

Advertisement