Unsupported Browser

You are seeing this message because you are using the Internet Explorer web browser. Internet Explorer has not been updated with new features since the release of Windows 10 in July 2015, so it doesn't support the modern standards that our website uses. We recommend switching to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, all of which our website is tested with.

Lavender & Tea Tree Oils As Potential Endocrine Disruptors

lavender

Gynecomastia Puberty

 

In January, 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study by Henley et al linking lavender and/or tea tree oil to prepubertal gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) in boys. Since that time, several industry experts have presented evidence that lavender and tea tree oils cannot be linked to prepubertal gynecomastia. It is NAHA's position that until proven otherwise, these oils are safe for use as long as NAHA's Safety Guidelines such as proper dilution are followed.

In partnership with NAHA, the Franklin School of Integrative Health Sciences’ Research Department led a 3-part research project to investigate the proposed link between lavender and tea tree essential oils and endocrine disrupting outcomes, including prepubertal gynecomastia.

Conclusion:

"This study provides evidence that lavender essential oil and tea tree essential oil are safe ingredients in formulations for personal care products for use in children. The prevalence of endocrine disorders among children exposed to these ingredients is consistent with the general population and the proposed links between these ingredients and endocrine disruption cannot be substantiated in epidemiological studies” (Hawkins et al).

Works Cited:

Hawkins, J., Hires, C., Dunne, E., & Keenan, L. (2022). Prevalence of endocrine disorders among children exposed to Lavender Essential Oil and Tea Tree Essential Oils. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 9(2), 117-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.10.001

 

Stay Informed

Not a member yet but would like to stay up to date with NAHA? Considering joining but would like to explore the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy more? Join our e-newsletter today and stay in touch.

Get in Touch

Our office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Mountain time, Monday - Friday.

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

6000 S. 5th Ave
Pocatello, ID 83204

877-232-5255

208-232-4911

info@naha.org

Search the Site

Let's Get Social

Copyright © 2024 National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. All rights reserved.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy is a 501(c)3 non-profit association.

All material provided on this website is provided for informational or educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.