WO2010134060A1

WO2010134060A1 - Natural compositions for the treatment of lice and nits

Info

Publication number: WO2010134060A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000873
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ben-Zion Yehuda Schwartz
Original assignee: Ben-Zion Yehuda Schwartz
Priority date: 2009-05-21
Filing date: 2009-09-08
Publication date: 2010-11-25

Abstract

The present invention discloses an all-natural, non-irritating pediculicidal composition for removing lice and/or nits from the hair and/or scalp of an infected individual, comprising a platform component comprising sugar beet soap, shea butter, and optionally at least one plant oil; an aqueous phase component comprising vinegar, an aqueous solution of at least one salt, and alcohol: and an essential oil component. This composition is effective in eradicating lice without the necessity of additional treatment such as combing. Methods of preparation and use of the composition are also disclosed.

Description

NATURAL COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATMENT OF LICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns compositions for removing lice from the body and hair, in particular, compositions that remove lice without need for further physical removal (e.g. by combing) and which contain only natural ingredients.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infestation by lice (pediculosis) is a public health problem as old as humanity. Lice (head, body, or pubic) are both irritants and responsible for the transmission of disease. Naturally, a tremendous amount of effort has been devoted to the development of methods for removing lice and nits from the hair. One approach has been to use chemical insecticides such as DDT or organophosphates to kill lice. Not only do these pesticides tend to be quite toxic, but in addition, continuous use of such pesticides can (and frequently does) lead to resistance on the part of the parasites against which the insecticides are being used (see, for example, Schachner, L. A., "Treatment Resistant Head Lice: Alternative Therapeutic Approaches," Pediatric Dermatology, 1997, 14, 409-410). Thus, there has been a significant effort to devise pediculicidal compositions that are based on natural ingredients that are not toxic to humans.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,593 to Juvin et al. (hereinafter '593) discloses a pediculicidal shampoo. The active ingredients in this composition are acetic acid and citronella oil. While it is effective in removing lice (occasionally, more than one treatment is needed) from the hair, it has a low pH (1.8 - 2.3), making it uncomfortable for the user. Furthermore, it contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a wetting agent, and many people who prefer the use of natural products object to the use of surfactants such as SLS on the grounds that their safety is not assured and that they may adversely affect people with sensitive skin. Additional patents or applications in which acetic acid is used as a pediculicide include U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,833 to Coleman; British patent 1,593,601 to SERTOG, and British patent 2,347,082 to Seale. As with '593, these compositions disclose compositions of low pH, that is to say, relatively high concentrations of acetic acid: the composition of Coleman has pH < 4.5; that of SERTOG has pH < 3.5; and while that of Seale does not disclose a pH, it uses undiluted malt vinegar, implying a pH of about 3. Several patents disclose terpene-based pediculicidal compositions. One such composition is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,163 to Eini et al. While the effectiveness of this composition in preventing infestation by lice was shown, there is no evidence that it is effective in eradicating lice from people already affected. A second example is the composition disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,186 to Franklin. Although an embodiment of this invention is disclosed in which it is added to a regular (laurel sulfate- or laureth sulfate-containing) shampoo, no evidence is presented that it is effective against lice in vivo, but rather is effective in eradicating lice from clothing, combs, etc.

Essential oils have also been used in pediculicidal compositions. U.S. Pat 6,277,415 to Levin et al. discloses a pediculicidal composition containing anise oil, isopropyl alcohol, and a plant oil. This composition was found to be effective against adult lice, but had poor ovicidal activity, and therefore requires repeated applications in order to completely eradicate lice from an infested individual. U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,253 to Whitledge discloses a pediculicidal composition in which the active ingredient is a combination of anise oil, tea tree oil, and lemon oil. This treatment has the disadvantage that the hair must be combed after application of the composition, which is time-consuming, uncomfortable, and (because small children, who are most likely to be affected, are unwilling to sit still for it) difficult. In addition, while the invention claims a composition in which the essential oils comprise as little as 2% of the total composition, in practice, the composition actually contains 12 - 20% essential oils.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,716 to Smith et al. discloses a pediculicidal composition in which the active ingredient is an alkali metal halide salt in addition to anise oil. This composition is in the form of a gel or lotion. As with the composition disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,253, treatment that uses the composition disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,716 requires combing after application of the composition. Furthermore, despite its claim to be "natural," the composition contains a carboxyvinyl gelling agent, propylene glycol, etc.

Thus, it can be seen that despite this massive effort, natural ingredient-based pediculicidal pediculicidal compositions tend to have serious problems limiting their ease of use: they tend to be irritating, low pH, and require further treatment after application, in particular, combing the hair. The present invention is designed to meet the long-felt need for an all-natural pediculicidal composition that is free from these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The composition disclosed in the present invention is designed to provide an all-natural, non- irritating, non-toxic pediculicide that both kills lice and removes lice and nits from hair without the necessity for using a comb or other means for physically removing the lice and nits from the hair. The composition is an effective pediculicide both for humans and for non- human mammals affected by lice. The composition disclosed in the present invention differs from those known in the prior art in that it comprises both vinegar (acetic acid) and salt as well as essential oils. As will be shown below, the combination of vinegar (which acts to loosen the lice and nits from the hair) and salt (which acts to kill them) leads to a synergistic effect requiring a far lower concentration of acid than is disclosed in the compositions known in the prior art.

It is thus an object of the present invention to disclose a non-irritating pediculicidal composition for removing lice and/or nits from the hair and/or scalp of an infected person comprising (a) a platform component comprising sugar beet soap, shea butter, and optionally at least one plant oil; (b) an aqueous phase component comprising (a) vinegar, (b) an aqueous solution of at least one salt, and (c) alcohol; and (c) an essential oil component. It is within the essence of the invention wherein said pediculicidal composition is adapted for killing lice and automatically loosening and removing them from the hair and scalp.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition, wherein the pH of said composition is greater than about 6.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition, wherein the pH of said composition is between 6.0 and 6.5.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said platform component comprises sugar beet soap, shea butter, and plant oil in a ratio by volume of between about 6 : 2 : 1 and about 7 : 2 : 1.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said at least one plant oil is almond oil.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said platform component comprises sugar beet soap, shea butter, and almond oil in a ratio by volume of about 6 : 2 : 1 and about 7 : 2 : 1. It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said platform component comprises sugar beet soap and shea butter in a ratio by volume of between about 3 : 1 and about 4 : 1.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said aqueous phase component comprises an aqueous solution of at least one salt, vinegar, and alcohol in a ratio by volume of between about 0.5 : 1 : 1 and about 1 : 1 : 1.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said aqueous solution of at least one salt is an aqueous solution of sea salt.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said aqueous solution of said at least one salt is substantially saturated in said at least one salt.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said essential oil component comprises at least one essential oil chosen from the group consisting of (a) citronella, (b) patchouli, (c) eucalyptus, (d) lemon eucalyptus, (e) tea tree, (f) lemon grass, (g) anise, (h) garlic, (i) ginger, and (j) any combination of the above.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said platform component and said aqueous phase component are present in a ratio by volume of about 3 : 1.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, comprising a volume of said essential oil component corresponding to between about one-half drop and about one drop of said essential oil component for each milliliter of other ingredients.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, comprising said platform component, said aqueous phase component, and said essential oil component in a volume ratio of about 15 : 5 : 1.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a composition as described in any of the above, wherein said essential oil component comprises a mixture of citronella, patchouli, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemon grass oils in a ratio by volume of about 1.5 : 1.5 : 1 : 1 : 1.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose a method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition, comprising the steps of (a) preparing a platform component; (b) preparing an aqueous phase component; (c) mixing said platform component and said aqueous phase component until a substantially homogeneous mixture is obtained; (d) preparing an essential oil component; (e) adding a predetermined quantity of said essential oil component to said mixture of said platform component and said aqueous phase component; and (f) mixing until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a method, wherein said step of preparing a platform component comprises the steps of (a) adding a predetermined volume of shea butter to a predetermined volume of sugar beet soap; (b) mixing said predetermined volume of shea butter and said predetermined volume of sugar beet soap; and (c) applying sufficient heat to produce a substantially homogeneous platform contemporaneously with said mixing step.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a method, wherein said step of adding a predetermined volume of shea butter to a predetermined volume of sugar beet soap is preceded by a step of mixing a predetermined volume of plant oil with said predetermined volume of sugar beet soap.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a method, wherein said step of preparing an aqueous phase component comprises the step of mixing vinegar, alcohol, and an aqueous solution of at least one salt in a volume ratio of between about 0.5 : 1 : 1 and about 1 : 1 : 1.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a method, wherein said step of preparing an aqueous phase component comprises the steps of: (a) mixing a predetermined quantity of at least one salt with a volume of boiling water at least sufficient to dissolve said predetermined quantity of at least one salt; (b) dissolving said predetermined quantity of at least one salt in said boiling water; (c) allowing said solution to cool to a temperature not greater than about 25 ⁰C; and (d) mixing said cooled aqueous salt solution with predetermined quantities of vinegar and alcohol until a homogeneous aqueous phase component is obtained.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a method, wherein step of preparing an aqueous phase component comprises the steps of: (a) mixing 25 ml shea butter, 55 ml beet sugar soap, and 15 ml of 95% drinking alcohol, (b) heating said mixture to a temperature of at least 80°C while adding in 10 ml of sea salt, (c) continuously stirring said mixture until sea salt is dissolved, (d) cooling said mixture to a temperature of not more than 25 °C, (e) adding citronella, 20 drops of lemon grass, 30 drops of patchouli, 15 drops of lemon eucalyptus and

15 drops of tea tree oil to said mixture until a homogenous aqueous phase component is obtained.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a method, wherein said salt is sea salt.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose such a method, wherein said aqueous solution is substantially saturated.

It is a further object of this invention to disclose a method for eradicating lice and nits from the hair of a host organism, comprising the steps of (a) contacting the affected area topically with a composition comprising a platform component comprising (/) at least one ingredient chosen from the group consisting of sugar beet soap, shea butter, and at least one plant oil; (H) an aqueous phase component comprising vinegar, an aqueous solution of at least one salt, and alcohol; and (Hi) an essential oil component; (b) leaving said composition in place for about 10 minutes; and (c) rinsing said composition from said affected area. It is within the essence of the invention wherein said method kills said lice and automatically loosens and removes lice and nits from said hair of said host organism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description, various aspects of the invention will be described. For the purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are other embodiments of the invention that differ in details without affecting the essential nature thereof. Therefore the invention is not limited by that which is described in the specification, but only as indicated in the accompanying claims, with the proper scope determined only by the broadest interpretation of said claims.

In the description that follows, we adopt the following definitions:

"Drop" as a measure of volume is the volume of liquid provided by a standard dropper as used in aromatherapy. Conventionally, one drop is taken to have a volume of about 0.05 ml.

"Alcohol" refers to any alcohol suitable for external application. In preferred embodiments of the composition disclosed herein, the term, when used without further qualification, refers to 95% ethyl alcohol (absolute alcohol). "Vinegar" refers to any commercially available vinegar (dilute acetic acid). In preferred embodiments of the invention, the term "vinegar" refers to any commercially available vinegar derived from plant sources (grain, fruit, wine, wildflower honey, etc.).

In reference to numerical quantities, when not further qualified, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of ±20% about the nominal value.

In all cases, when mixtures are described in terms of the volumes of their components, the terms "volume" and "by volume" refers to volumes of the components as measured prior to mixing.

The pediculicidal composition disclosed in the present invention comprises three components: a platform component, which acts essentially as a carrier; an aqueous phase component, which contains the primary active ingredients for killing the lice and for loosening the lice and nits from the hair (salt and vinegar, respectively); and an essential oil component, which contains additional active ingredients as well as ingredients for providing a pleasant scent.

In one embodiment, the platform component comprises sugar beet soap and shea butter. In a preferred embodiment, the platform component comprises these two ingredients in a ratio of between about 3 : 1 and about 4 : 1 by volume. In another embodiment, the platform component comprises a plant oil in addition to sugar beet soap and shea butter. In a preferred embodiment, the platform component comprises sugar beet soap, shea butter, and a plant oil in a ratio of between about 6 : 2 : 1 and about 7 : 2 : 1 by volume. In more preferred embodiment, the plant oil is almond oil. In a most preferred embodiment, organic pressed almond oil is used. Almond oil, which is frequently used as a massage oil, is used in this most preferred embodiment because it is believed to be particularly hypoallergenic.

In one embodiment, the aqueous phase component comprises vinegar, an aqueous solution of at least one salt, and alcohol. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous phase component comprises vinegar, an aqueous solution of at least one salt, and alcohol in a ratio of between about 0.5 : 1 : 1 and about 1 : 1 : 1 by volume (volumes measured prior to mixing). In a more preferred embodiment, the aqueous solution of at least one salt is substantially saturated in said at least one salt. In a most preferred embodiment, the aqueous solution of at least one salt is an aqueous solution of natural sea salt.

The essential oil component comprises at least • one essential oil chosen from the group consisting of citronella, patchouli, eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus {Corymbia citriodorά), tea tree, lemon grass, anise, garlic, ginger, and any combination of the above. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the essential oil component comprises a mixture of citronella, patchouli, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemon grass oils. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the essential oils constituting the essential oil components are organic pressed oils. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the essential oil component comprises a mixture of citronella, patchouli, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemon grass oils in a ratio of about 1.5 : 1.5 : 1 : 1 : 1 by volume.

The composition disclosed in the present invention is prepared as follows. The first step is preparation of the platform component. In embodiments in which the composition includes a plant oil (including, as described above, the most preferred embodiment of the invention), a predetermined quantity of the plant oil is mixed with a predetermined quantity of sugar beet soap. The sugar beet soap (in embodiments that do not include plant oil as an ingredient of the platform component) or sugar beet soap / plant oil mixture (in those embodiments that do) is then mixed with a predetermined quantity of shea butter. This step is generally performed with gentle heating, sufficient to melt the shea butter and to produce a substantially homogeneous platform component. For preparations of small quantities of the composition, it is possible to achieve the heating by placing the ingredients of the platform component in a vessel, introducing the vessel into a microwave oven, and heating in the microwave oven for no more than about 1 minute.

The aqueous phase component is prepared separately. A solution of at least one salt in water is prepared; in preferred embodiments of the invention, the solution comprises sea salt as the solute. In the most preferred embodiments of the invention, this solution is substantially saturated. The salt solution is then mixed with vinegar and alcohol in a ratio by volume of about 1 : 1 : 1.

The platform and aqueous phase components are then combined. In a preferred embodiment, the two components are combined in a ratio of about 3 parts platform component to 1 part aqueous phase component by volume, based on the volumes of the individual ingredients used in the preparation of each component. The platform and aqueous phase components are then stirred or shaken until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. The mixture is then allowed to cool to a temperature below about 25 °C. The essential oil component is then added dropwise .to the platform / aqueous phase component mixture. The essential oils in the component may be pre-mixed, or predetermined quantities of the oils added one at a time. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a predetermined volume of each of the plurality of essential oils of which the essential oil component is composed is added dropwise (separately) to the composition, followed by thorough mixing (e.g. by shaking or stirring) in a closed container until a homogeneous composition is obtained. This procedure is followed separately for each of the essential oils that make up the essential oil component. In a most preferred embodiment, a volume of essential oil component corresponding to about one-half to about one drop of essential oil component per milliliter of other ingredients (all volumes measured prior to mixing) is added.

This method produces a peliculicidal composition that is essentially non-irritating to the skin and eyes, with a pH greater than about 6. In particular, we note that the final concentration of acetic acid in the final composition is less than 1% (in preferred embodiments, less than about 0.5%). This acetic acid concentration is significantly lower than that found in acetic acid- containing pediculicidal compositions known in the prior art, implying a synergistic effect among the ingredients of the composition herein disclosed. In particular, the joint action of acetic acid and salt appears to lessen the concentration of acetic acid needed to remove the lice effectively from the hair.

The invention herein disclosed also provides a method for eradicating lice and nits from the hair of a host organism. According to this method, the composition (produced as described above) is applied to the affected area, e.g. as a shampoo. If necessary (e.g. in the case of long hair), the composition may be worked into the hair in order to assure good topical contact with the entire affected area. The composition is then left in place for about 10 minutes and then rinsed from the affected area. Because the components of the composition automatically loosen the lice and nits from the hair, there is no necessity for further physical removal, e.g. by combing. This method is also effective against infestation by other ectoparasites, e.g. fleas.

EXAMPLE 1

While the methods of preparation disclosed in this and the following examples yield about 100 - 125 ml of the final composition, one skilled in the art will understand from these examples how to scale the preparation up to commercially viable quantities.

A sample of a pediculicidal composition according to the present invention was prepared as follows. Approximately 35 ml of boiling water was poured into a vessel containing about 5 ml (i.e. about 1 teaspoon) of sea salt. The sea salt/water mixture was then stirred until all of the salt dissolved. The solution was then allowed to cool to room temperature. 5 ml of the salt solution, 10 ml of wildflower honey vinegar (5% acidity), and 10 ml of absolute alcohol were mixed together until a homogeneous aqueous phase component was obtained. In a separate vessel, 65 ml of sugar beet soap (obtained from J. D. Schloss) and 10 ml of organic almond oil were mixed. To this mixture, 20 ml of shea butter were added, and the vessel then heated for about 1 minute in a microwave oven until the shea butter melted and a homogeneous platform phase was obtained. The platform phase component and aqueous phase component were then mixed together until a homogeneous composition was obtained. To this mixture, 30 drops each of citronella oil and patchouli oil, and 20 drops each of eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and lemon grass oil were added (i.e. a total of 120 drops or about 5 ml of essential oil component were added, corresponding to 1. drop per 1 ml of other ingredients). After the addition of each essential oil, the vessel was closed and then shaken until a homogeneous composition was obtained. The pH of the resulting composition was measured to be 6.3.

EXAMPLE 2

A sample of a pediculicidal composition according to the present invention was prepared as follows. A mixture of 25 ml shea butter, 55 ml beet sugar soap, 15 ml of 95% drinking alcohol, was heated to a temperature of 80°C, and while stirring 10 ml of sea salt was further added, until a homogenous aqueous solution was obtained. The sea salt containing mixture was allowed to cool and to a temperature of not more than 25°C and to the mixture was further added, 15 ml of 5% natural vinegar, 10 ml almond oil and essential oils including 40 drops of citronella, 20 drops of lemon grass, 30 drops of patchouli, 15 drops of lemon eucalyptus and 15 drops of tea tree oil. The mixture was shaken after the addition of each essential oil, until a homogenous composition was obtained with a pH of about 6.

, EXAMPLE 3

A sample of 25 children, schoolmates in a class in which a lice infestation had been observed, along with 4 of their mothers, all of whom were observed to be infested with head lice, was obtained. A composition produced according to the method given in Example 1 was applied to the hair of each affected individual in the form of a shampoo. The composition was then allowed to stand on the hair of each affected individual for 10 minutes and then removed by rinsing with water. After rinsing of the hair, no lice or nits were observed on any of the previously affected individuals.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition for removing lice and/or nits from the hair and/or scalp of an infected individual comprising: a. a platform component comprising sugar beet soap, shea butter, and optionally at least one plant oil; b. an aqueous phase component comprising (a) vinegar, (b) an aqueous solution of at least one salt, and (c) alcohol; and, c. an essential oil component; wherein said pediculicidal composition is adapted for killing lice and loosening and removing them from the hair and scalp.

2. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the pH of said composition is greater than about 6.

3. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the pH of said composition is between 6.0 and 6.5.

4. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said platform component comprises sugar beet soap, shea butter, and plant oil in a ratio by volume of between about 6 : 2 : 1 and about 7 : 2 : 1.

5. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plant oil is almond oil.

6. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 5, wherein said platform component comprises sugar beet soap, shea butter, and almond oil in a ratio by volume of between about 6 : 2 : 1 and about 7 : 2 : 1.

7. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said platform ' component comprises sugar beet soap and shea butter in a ratio by volume of between about 3 : 1 and about 4 : 1.

8. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said aqueous phase component comprises an aqueous solution of at least one salt, vinegar, and alcohol in a ratio by volume of between about 0.5 : 1 : 1 and about 1 : 1 : 1.

9. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said aqueous solution of at least one salt is an aqueous solution of sea salt.

10. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said aqueous solution of said at least one salt is substantially saturated in said at least one salt.

11. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said essential oil component comprises at least one essential oil chosen from the group consisting of (a) citronella, (b) patchouli, (c) eucalyptus, (d) lemon eucalyptus, (e) tea tree, (f) lemon grass, (g) anise, (h) garlic, (i) ginger, and (j) any combination of the above.

12. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said platform component and said aqueous phase component are present in a ratio by volume of about 3 : 1.

13. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, comprising a volume of said essential oil component corresponding to between about one-half drop and about one drop of said essential oil component for each milliliter of other ingredients.

14. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, comprising said platform component, said aqueous phase component, and said essential oil component in a volume ratio of about 15 : 5 : 1.

15. A non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein said essential oil component comprises a mixture of citronella, patchouli, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemon grass oils in a ratio by volume of about 1.5 : 1.5 : 1 : 1 : 1.

16. A method of preparing a non- irritating pediculicidal composition, comprising the steps of: a. preparing a platform component; b. preparing an aqueous phase component; c. mixing said platform component and said aqueous phase component until a substantially homogeneous mixture is obtained; d. preparing an essential oil component; e. adding a predetermined quantity of said essential oil component to said mixture of said platform component and said aqueous phase component; and, f. mixing until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained.

17. A method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 16, wherein said step of preparing a platform component comprises the steps of: a. adding a predetermined volume of shea butter to a predetermined volume of sugar beet soap; b. mixing said predetermined volume of shea butter and said predetermined volume of sugar beet soap; and, c. applying sufficient heat to produce a substantially homogeneous platform contemporaneously with said mixing step.

18. A method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 17, wherein said step of adding a predetermined volume of shea butter to a predetermined volume of sugar beet soap is preceded by a step of mixing a predetermined volume of plant oil with said predetermined volume of sugar beet soap.

19. A method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 16, wherein said step of preparing an aqueous phase component comprises the step of mixing vinegar, alcohol, and an aqueous solution of at least one salt in a volume ratio of between about 0.5 : 1 : 1 and about 1 : 1 : 1.

20. A method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 16, wherein said step of preparing an aqueous phase component comprises the steps of: a. mixing a predetermined quantity of at least one salt with a volume of boiling water at least sufficient to dissolve said predetermined quantity of at least one salt; b. dissolving said predetermined quantity of at least one salt in said boiling water; c. allowing said solution to cool to a temperature not greater than about 25 ⁰C; and, d. mixing said cooled aqueous salt solution with predetermined quantities of vinegar and alcohol until a homogeneous aqueous phase component is obtained.

21. A method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 16, wherein said step of preparing an aqueous phase component comprises the steps of:

a. mixing 25 ml shea butter, 55 ml beet sugar soap, and 15 ml of 95% drinking alcohol,

b. heating said mixture to a temperature of at least 80°C while adding in 10 ml of sea salt,

c. continuously stirring said mixture until sea salt is dissolved,

d. cooling said mixture to a temperature of not more than 25⁰C, e. adding 15 ml of natural vinegar, 10 ml almond oil, and essential oils comprising 40 drops of citronella, 20 drops of lemon grass, 30 drops of patchouli, 15 drops of lemon eucalyptus and 15 drops of tea tree oil to said mixture until a homogenous aqueous phase component is obtained.

22. A method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 16, wherein said salt is sea salt.

23. A method of preparing a non-irritating pediculicidal composition according to claim 16, wherein said aqueous solution of said at least one salt is substantially saturated.

24. A method for eradicating lice and nits from the hair of a host organism, comprising the steps of: a. contacting the affected area topically with a composition comprising i. a platform component comprising at least one ingredient chosen from the group consisting of (a) sugar beet soap, (b) shea butter, and (c) at least one plant oil; ii. an aqueous phase component comprising (a) vinegar, (b) an aqueous solution of at least one salt, and (c) alcohol; and, iii. an essential oil component; b. leaving said composition in place for about 10 minutes; and, c. rinsing said composition from said affected area; wherein said method kills said lice and automatically loosens and removes lice and nits from said hair of said host organism.