well this is interesting!
I wonder what prolonged mild exposure will do to the male hormonal profile over and during purberty?
Another reason for soyboy-ness?
Many people i know have some sort of lavender or tea tree product at home - I’ve got 3different types of TTshampoo in the shower alcove right now!
In laboratory tests, scientists at the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found that tea tree and lavender oil can mimic the action of the female hormone oestrogen.
They can also block male hormones that control both masculine characteristics and inhibit the growth of breast tissue.
But NIEHS researcher and co-author Dr Ken Korach is cautious about saying the essential oils cause the breasts to grow.
“Although we found an association between exposure to these essential oils and gynaecomastia, further research is needed to determine the prevalence of prepubertal gynaecomastia in boys using products containing lavender and tea tree oils,” Dr Korach says.
[quote]ShaunW wrote:
In laboratory tests, scientists at the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found that tea tree and lavender oil can mimic the action of the female hormone oestrogen.
“Although we found an association between exposure to these essential oils and gynaecomastia, further research is needed to determine the prevalence of prepubertal gynaecomastia in boys using products containing lavender and tea tree oils,” Dr Korach says.[/quote]
I hate it when these people have solid evidence that there is a risk involved but they won’t provide any advice to the public.
Of course further research is needed, but IN THE MEAN TIME, we can all check our products for these ingredients and avoid them… at least if we are male.
Is it only me, or does the world seem to hate testosterone these days? Man, any hint of something that promotes maleness would be hunted down with a vengeance, but womenize men, more research is needed.
There was actually a thread about this a few months ago. Just remember that not all products contain the actual essential oil of lavender, most mainstream products use artificial scents. (before you all panic and chuck your gf’s bodywash! )
)