lavender and boys etc.

[Guest guest]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/03/AR200607\

0300769.html

<http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/03/AR20060\

70300769.html> Worry File Bad Shampoo for Boys?

Tuesday, July 4, 2006; Page HE02

 

The Suspicion A preliminary finding presented at the Endocrine Society's

conference last month could prompt parents to read product labels more

closely. The unpublished research suggests that shampoos, soaps and body

lotions containing lavender and tea tree oils -- commonly added for

their aromas and marketing cachet -- may cause hormonal imbalances and

breast growth in young boys.

 

The study was carried out by scientists at the National Institute of

Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) after a Denver pediatric

endocrinologist reported abnormal breast development, known as

gynecomastia, in five boys, aged 4 to 7, who used products containing

the oils. The symptoms subsided after the boys stopped using the

products.

 

The Test NIEHS researchers Derek Henley and Kenneth Korach tested the

effects of lavender and tea tree oils on human breast cancer cells. They

found that both oils mimicked estrogen (a hormone that promotes the

development of female breasts) while reducing the activity of androgens,

which inhibit such growth. " Boys are getting a double hit, " said Korach,

who added that this hormonal imbalance may explain the Denver cases.

 

The Caveat Steven Dentali, vice president of scientific and technical

affairs for the American Herbal Products Association, a trade group,

said it's premature to worry, given the paucity of clinical evidence and

many questions that the lab work left unanswered. Still unknown, he

said, are the tolerable limits of use and the specific compound in these

oils that may be producing the observed effects.

 

While they acknowledged that more studies are needed, the NIEHS

investigators said they hoped their preliminary research would alert

doctors and parents to the possible association. They advised parents to

discuss any fears about herbal oils with their pediatrician. Parents who

notice potentially related symptoms in their boys should also report

them promptly to their physician.

 

-- Jeffrey G. Ghassemi

 

 

 

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from wikipedia

 

Medicinal use

Lavender has been extensively used in herbalism

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbalism> .

English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula_angustifolia> , yields a highly

effective essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in

balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. French

lavender, Lavandula x intermedia, yields a similar essential oil, with

higher contents of turpin <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turpin> , which

adds a harsher overtone to the fragrance. Spanish lavender, Lavandula

stoechas <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula_stoechas> is not used

medicinally, but mainly for landscaping purposes.

 

Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors,

walls and other surfaces.

 

An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites.

Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the

temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is

frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: Seeds and flowers of

the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infusion> of three flowerheads added to a

cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime

drink. Lavender oil <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender_oil> (or

extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris> when used diluted 1:10

with water, rosewater <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewater> , or

witch hazel <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_%28astringent%29>

; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory

conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in Iran

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran> ).

 

Health precautions: There is scientific evidence to support the

effectiveness of some of these remedies, especially the

anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with caution since

lavender oil can also be a powerful allergen

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergen> . Ingesting lavender should be

avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.[1].

 

A preliminary finding presented at the Endocrine Society's conference in

June 2006 had suggested that shampoos, soaps and body lotions containing

lavender and tea tree oils may cause " hormonal imbalances and breast

growth in young boys " [2]