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 these oils are safe for use as long as NAHA's Safety Guidelines such as proper dilution are followed.

As questions about this issue continue to arise, we have created a new safety page to address it: http://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/gynecomastia-puberty

Additionally, NAHA director Jessie Hawkins, Ph.D. presented a free workshop entitled Essential Oils as Endocrine Disruptors: The State of the Science on Friday, March 30. Click here to access a free replay of the workshop:  https://franklininstituteofwellness.com/naha/

NAHA's April webinar will be a replay of Jessie's workshop. A link will be sent to the NAHA membership soon. This workshop will count toward NAHA CEs. Our thanks to Jessie for sharing this valuable information with NAHA!