Oils Of Ovey: Potential Dangers Of Essential Oils

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Women are often encouraged to unwind by treating themselves to the pleasures of pampering they experienced prior to a lifestyle full of stress and obligations. And, even those that don’t have the time or money are encourages to give themselves the spa treatment at home.

And, among the most poplar procedures is sensory stimulation via the use of natural scents found in natural products and “essential” oils.

But, now, some suggest that when it comes to certain scents, women should proceed with extreme caution.

In fact, some scientists suggest that these oils may be causing enlarged breasts in some boys.

Lavender and tea tree oils top the list, with professionals suggesting that these oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions may be causing some serious hormonal imbalances.

However, other experts note that the occurrence of such imbalance is typically infrequent and clears up when the oils are no longer uses.

Still, the research reported on a condition known as gynecomastia in three boys, ages, 4, 7, and 10; but note that the condition “reversed” itself once the youngsters stopped using the products containing these natural oils.

Experts add that while many health-care products contain the term “essential oils” to delineate a certain scent, primarily those mentioned above, there are also other “common” household products containing these oils and they can also be sold in purer forms. Plus, tea tree oil is sometimes used in shampoos for head lice.

The “phenomenon” is attributed to an undisclosed chemical within these oils, that experts suggest the body processes like estrogen, the female hormone that incites breast growth.

And, while nothing is completely conclusive, experts suggest that these oils may be disrupting the boys’ hormonal balance, especially since studies revealed they mimic estrogen and block the male hormone androgen.

And, they add that often time they may be listed by their scientific names such as Lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil) and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), especially since these products do not need government approval to be sold, unless they make specific health claims.

By the way, marijuana and soy products have also been tied to gynecomastia.

With that said, experts caution against giving these products to your children, and especially warn against prolonged use. They even caution against making allowances for girls, since some have linked these oils to a similar condition in very young girls.

But, others say the amount contained in these products is relatively negligible and not much to “worry” about, especially if you are only “exposed for a short time.

Additionally, they add that the study “failed” to identify any specific estrogen-related compounds in the oils, nor did it search for them in a range of products. In fact, at least one chemist suggest that advising people to avoid such oils is premature since addition research and studies still need to be done.