A suspected link between abnormal breast growth in young boys and the use of lavender and tea tree oils has been given new weight, after a study found eight chemicals contained in the oils interfere with hormones.
Gynaecomastia is rare, and there is often no obvious cause. But there have been a number of cases linked to use of these essential oils.
The American study found that key chemicals in the oils boost oestrogen and inhibit testosterone. Not everyone will have the same reaction to an essential oil.
The plant-derived oils are found in a number of products such as soaps, lotions, shampoos and hair-styling products.
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The new study looked at eight key chemicals from the hundreds that make up the oils. Four of the tested chemicals appear in both oils and the others were in either oil.
They were tested on human cancer cells in the laboratory to measure the changes.
The researchers found all eight demonstrated varying degrees of promoting oestrogen and/or inhibiting testosterone properties.
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Prof Ieuan Hughes, emeritus professor of paediatrics at the University of Cambridge said the findings “have confirmed why an individual using such oils containing these chemicals may develop breast tissue”.
“The anti-male hormone effects are rather unexpected and it is not possible to comment further without the data.”
Read full, original post: More evidence essential oils ‘make male breasts develop’
