Lavender and Tea Tree Oils Can Cause Breast Enlargement. Is This a Troublesome Side Effect or a Wonder Treatment?
Q. I've heard on the news that lavender and tea tree oils can cause breast enlargement. Is this safe?
A. Reports in the New England Journal of Medicine indicate that there were a few cases of breast enlargement (also known as "gynecomastia") in pre-pubertal boys. This was the result of repeated use of products containing lavender or tea tree oils on the skin.
Lavender and tea tree oils do contain chemicals that act like estrogen and decrease the effects of male hormones (androgens). This is the theory why breast enlargement has occurred. So far these reports are only in pre-pubertal children. A population where this is an undesired side effect. Stopping these products will lead to disappearance of the breast enlargment.
So, for women thinking this is the next wonder lotion, don't go out and purchase lavender or tea tree oils for breast enlargement just yet! The safety of this is not known and it is not certain whether these oils have the same effect in adults.
For more information about what products contain lavender and tea tree oils... Ask Your Pharmacist!
