NewScientist (UK) reported yesterday on a disturbing condition.
Three young boys grew breast tissue after exposure to lotions and shampoos containing lavender or tea tree oil, researchers say.
It is not uncommon for boys to develop breast tissue during puberty or just after, but the boys affected by the plant oils were aged four, seven and 10.
In follow-up lab tests on breast cells, they confirmed that the oils act both as oestrogen mimics, and as suppressors of masculinising hormone signals. “These are definitely the first substances to show a combination of oestrogen mimicry and anti-androgenic activity,” says [Derek] Henley [of the US National Institute of Health Sciences labs in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US].
The boys were otherwise normal, and lost the breast tissue within months of discontinuing use of the products.
This is just one example of "natural ingredients" being less than benign.
It drives me nuts when I hear someone touting Dr. Feelgood's Magic Elixer of some sort or other on the radio, and they claim, "And it's All Natural!" As if that's good.
Hemlock is all natural. Ask Socrates if he recommends it.
Arsenic is all natural. Cyanide is all natural. People, we've got to be careful about what we consume or spread all over ourselves. It looks like lavender oil and tea tree oil should be off limits for pre-pubescent children.
But maybe they'd be good for women who want to improve their endowments without plastic surgery....
3 comments:
I am with you 100% on this subject. Science isn't a bad thing when used responsibly.
Interestingly, I believe that there is also some concern about boys and the rise in soy product usages in children for similar reasons. It makes sense to me.
I also thought it was interesting that the same thought occurred to you as to me...a lot of young teenage girl might suddenly be investing in these two oils...
Christina,
And some not-so-young "girls" might invest in them too.
As a long time student of breasts I found your post udderly fascinating.
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