Letter: Poison potion

Sir: Sassafras oil (letter, 22 June) may kill head lice. Unfortunately, it won't do the rest of you much good either. It is carcinogenic, an abortifacient, and swallowing a few drops of the neat oil may be enough to kill a small child. It is banned from use in cosmetic products throughout the whole of the European Community (EC Directive 27.7.76).

I would recommend a mixture of eucalyptus, rosemary, geranium and lavender to combat head lice.

Yours faithfully,

MICHAEL FEARS

Bay House Aromatics

Brighton