Does Witch Hazel Kill Lice?

Witch hazel has been found to effectively repel head lice but there is no substantial evidence to suggest that Witch Hazel can actually get rid of head lice. Witch hazel can also provide effect relief from itching and sore bites causes by the head lice but head lice are extremely difficult to get rid of due to the resilience of the eggs which are difficult to kill and remove as they are in their protective case of the egg. Applying witch hazel to the hair may make it easier to remove the eggs by easing them away from the scalp. Apply generously to the roots, paying particular attention to the area around the ears as head lice are attracted to this warm area of the head and leave for as long as possible, overnight is best. Then take a fine tooth comb and carefully comb through every inch of the hair. Be sure to place the comb at the scalp and drag any lice eggs out with the comb. Wipe the comb clean every time to avoid putting the eggs back into the hair. A fine tooth comb can be bought from any pharmacy, drug store or supermarket.  If you wish to only use natural products then Tea Tree Oil is also a very effective oil in relieving the itching of head lice and easing the eggs away from the scalp.
Witch hazel is a natural product and has a variety of uses. It is mainly used externally on sores, bruises and swelling. The main constituents of the extract include tannin, gallic acid, catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, saponins and bitters. Distilled witch hazel sold in drug stores and pharmacies typically contains no tannin. Most drug stores and online pharmacies carry witch hazel in one form or another.