Lavender

[#1]

I have read (from reputable sources) that lavender can mimic estrogen, and should not be used on children (or adults who have had certain estrogen-related cancers) in the form of soaps, lotions, and especially oils.

It was apparently discovered when a number of pre-adolescent boys were developing breasts. (Tea-tree oil was also implicated, but probably in a different study).

I know that many people are not aware of this, so I think that a warning or mention on lavender-containing products would be helpful.

[Former_Member]

Just wanted to point out that this thread is in the CPSIA section and is NOT a CPSIA issue....

[MaggieMcManeDesigns]

marking

[Former_Member]

electricbluebird says:
How strange that this is a new account with no feedback and offers no proof to back up these claims in the original post.

My first thought when I saw this post. No sales, no purchases, nada.

I suggested they re post it where it would get better views and they never replied.


Imho everything can be bad for us if we over indulge. I always use lavender and tea tree and not stopping now. For me benefits would outweigh any negativity that was actually legit although I have not really seen any yet

[Former_Member]

I wonder how much was spent on this study? I rate it up there with the millions spent on studies that tell us if we eat too much we'll get fat.

I hardly pay attention to them anymore...one study is a contradiction of another. It's a big giant circle of confusion and paranoia.

[Former_Member]

lmao

[rolanddesigns]

I'm french and we grew up with lavendar...I don't think french men have breast !

[Former_Member]

marking.

[Former_Member]

ElementsOfSaffron, thank you for your logical posts and for defending Lavender. I agree, it is indeed a wonderful gift from Mother Nature.
I use it all the time and have for years.
These sort of posts about isolated and unfounded studies, without complete information, just give people the wrong information....thanks for the voice of reason!

[Former_Member]

Thank you, it is a good idea to label any type of topical product this way, with a warning to check with a doctor, etc. For the most part, lavender is safe, most of us don't bath in essential oil. ; ) But the warning label should be there. I always put labels on my e.o. soaps so the customer is aware of possible risks.

[CHenry]

Marking !

Thanks

[Former_Member]

mimibuggy -- thanks for that excellent link!

Who knew?

[Former_Member]

reading the study, which I did, all the way through, since I'm a scientist.

The issue is in prepubertal boys, since both lavender & tea tree oil were found to have both mild estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. Kinda like a double whammy. It's not a concern after puberty, because of the strong androgens that kick in with that in boys, just pre-puberty.

The 3 cases were boys, 4, 10 & 11, who were slowly developing breasts. 2 had tea-tree oil + lavender applied, and one only lavender. They also tested the oils in cells that have estrogen receptors, and found they caused increased growth and receptors. WHen the oils were discontinued, the boys' breasts returned to normal.

The conclusion states
"This report raises an issue of concern, since lavender oil and tea tree oil are sold over the counter in their "pure" form and are present in an increasing number of commercial products, including shampoos, hair gels, soaps, and body lotions. Whether the oils elicit similar endocrine-disrupting effects in prepubertal girls, adolescent girls, or women is unknown. Since gynecomastia is labeled idiopathic in approximately 10% of men, one might speculate that unidentified exogenous sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to the onset or progression of the condition, or both, in such patients.1

The results of our in vitro studies indicate a dose–response relationship in the estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities of lavender oil and tea tree oil, suggesting that susceptibility to gynecomastia or other manifestations of endocrine disruption may require exposure to a threshold dose of these oils. The threshold might depend on several undefined factors, including the concentration of the oil in a product; the duration, frequency, and quantity of use of the product; and the genetic characteristics of persons exposed. Until epidemiologic studies are performed to determine the prevalence of gynecomastia associated with exposure to lavender oil and tea tree oil, we suggest that the medical community should be aware of the possibility of endocrine disruption and should caution patients about repeated exposure to any products containing these oils."

A good study, in a reputable journal, directed at doctors. The final phrase "we suggest that the medical community should be aware of the possibility of endocrine disruption and should caution patients about repeated exposure to any products containing these oils." is a caveat that should be listened to.


Of course, now that the word is out, I expect all the pot-smokers with gynocomastia will now claim "it's the tea tree oil I use after I shower!!!"

[vintagemarmalade]

wow, I have never heard this and have always used lavender on my son...it was in his baby wash. now I put in on his pillow at night. where did you here about this?

[ArtsyCrafty]

Here is one more link:
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2007/niehs-31.htm

[Former_Member]

Well then I am happy I just bought a bunch of lavendar scented things. My DR. says I have low estrogen and that is why I get migraines! So that is cheaper than the estrogen patch he has me wearing!

[Former_Member]

But then again I just sprayed my sons pillow with the linen spray? hum how proven is this??

[Former_Member]

Fyrecreek
Fyrecreek says:
And remember too that what an herb can do is very different than what an essential oil can do. EOs are far more potent than the same plant in herb form, and there are hundreds of (naturally occurring) chemicals in EOs that have yet to be identified. Aromatherapy is only regulated in France and Canada (as far as I know), and it can be dangerous if people don't know what they're doing. For example, Wintergreen EO is on the toxic, do-not-ever-use list, but you can get it at the store. Natural does not equal safe. I once knew someone who had a list of homemade products (soaps and things for personal and home use) that included an unbelievable amount of EOs, with many contraindications. Her instructions for making the stuff stated "add oils until it smells nice." Shocking.

I have definitely heard that about soy, though.

.............I know...so many people have no clue of the potency of therapeudic grade essential oils. I used to administrate a group on cafe mom that was strictly about making all things homemade. I had several sections about essential oil safety and lists of child/ pregnant/nursing safe oils...but some people just don't get it. I suppose you either do or you don't. I would have people post about their new recipes...and they were literally "dumping" the EO's in their formulations. I would about have a stroke. I eventually gave the admin position up.....I got tired of people not listening.

I have never heard of Wintergreen being on the toxic list?? Hmmm...going to have to look into that. I have never used it for anything other than diffusing......almost all essential oils are considered to be toxic if ingested. This is one of those controversial subjects though. I know some people that use several Essential Oils for culinary purposes...then I know people who advise greatly against it. I personally advise against it.

Thanks for sharing the info!!

[Former_Member]

blackmountaincandle
blackmountaincandle says:
ElementsOfSaffron, thank you for your logical posts and for defending Lavender. I agree, it is indeed a wonderful gift from Mother Nature.
I use it all the time and have for years.
These sort of posts about isolated and unfounded studies, without complete information, just give people the wrong information....thanks for the voice of reason! ....

Thank you so much for listening!!

[Former_Member]

piprobins
piprobins says:
I try to tell as many people as possible: JUST BECAUSE IT'S ON THE SHELVES DOESN'T MEAN IT'S SAFE.

The blind trust out there is really astounding. .....


My family has been living in a toxin free home for about 3 years now. We can't even walk into gift shops, or down the laundry soap isle anymore. It makes our skin crawl. I make everything in our home.....soaps...lotions, and cleaning supplies. I only use therapeutic grade essential oils...and never fragrance oils. I knew that it was all horrible, but now that I am so desensitized to it.....I KNOW it is beyond horrible!

I hope some day that these horrid toxins become illegal and we can all breathe fresh air everywhere!!

[Former_Member]

RUNS WITH SCISSORS>>>>

You did not break this down to lamens terms very well for many...and now people are misinterpreting again....so I will help people to understand better.

NO ESSENTIAL OILS SHOULD BE USED DIRECTLY ON THE SKIN...however, this is what they did in this study. I personally find their method testing to be assanine, and therefore inconclusive. There were no test subjects...and they used a powerful essential oil, in a manner in which it should not be used.

Most likely anything you buy that is "lavender scented" really doesn't have true lavender essential oil in it anyhow, so there isn't much cause to be concerned.

As a rule.... All essential oils must be diluted to 1% with a carrier when used a topically. No one should ever buy a bottle of any essential oil and just dab it on their skin! They are the life and blood of the plant from which they were distilled. They have such a complicated structure to them....they are full of all the plants life and wisdom.

[Former_Member]

oops...please let me correct myself.

I originally wrote:NO ESSENTIAL OILS SHOULD BE USED DIRECTLY ON THE SKIN...however, this is what they did in this study. I personally find their method testing to be assanine, and therefore inconclusive. There were no test subjects...and they used a powerful essential oil, in a manner in which it should not be used.


I meant to say that there were not ENOUGH test subjects to come up with accurate conclusions. The point is...they are using a powerful oil in a way it was not meant to be used. I want to know who lets their children get tested like this anyways......goodness!!

[LeafandYard]

ElementsOfSaffron says:

Most likely anything you buy that is "lavender scented" really doesn't have true lavender essential oil in it anyhow, so there isn't much cause to be concerned.
------

This was my first thought.

Generally Tea Tree, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang are considered safe for direct topical application without diluting. That is, in perfectly healthy adults. I don't have any of my notes with me right now, but I believe it was a 5% dilution that is recommended for children and the elderly (my teacher was a certified aromatherapist from Canada, one of the few places where they certify aromatherapists). You are definitely right about their testing. A three-person sample is not definitive.


Wintergreen is on the list with mugwort, wormwood, rue, pennyroyal, and sassafras (among others), but it's the only one I've found on the market thus far. Wintergreen is very common in ointments, but it is a serious skin irritant and very poisonous. If I were to use it at all, it would only be for cleaning products and seriously diluted.

I do use EOs in my cooking. I put a drop of peppermint (or any of the mints) in fondant and chocolate. Rosewater, which is a byproduct of distillation, is used in Turkish Delight (I admit I've never made that, though).

[Former_Member]

Yes, it's true. Pregnant women shouldn't use it either.

[Former_Member]

I never heard of this either...but thanks for posting

[Former_Member]

Thanks for sharing Fyrecreek! I wish the art of aromatherapy was more recognized in America as a true science and profession! I use a 5% in my perfume oils...but not for medicinal applications. Every source has a different opinion about the ratio of EO to carrier it seems. It is great to hear other views. I personally never ever use more than 1% on my children...or in products I make for friends or make to sell. I do however use 5% in my perfume oils.

The highest percentage I have ever seen recommended for children is 2%....I personally don't find the need to use more than a 1% blend....why use more when you don't need to. Using a higher rate can cause a child to become over-sensitized to an oil.....which is similar to an allergic reaction. Why take the risk..in my eyes.