M.After promoting the miraculous effects of tea tree oil on my social media page for a particularly nasty canker, my phone lit up with a notification. It was a good friend of mine, one who always takes pride in being up to date on healthy living. “I hate to tell you this,” the message said, “but there is some evidence that tea tree and lavender oils could be really harmful to you.”
Of course, I was surprised – tea tree and lavender oils are not only amazing, they are the powerhouses of essential oils. Almost everyone I know, even if they’re not particularly into oils, use tea tree and lavender for all sorts of home remedies. If you’re not convinced of the health benefits, they are certainly making an exception for one of the tons of commercial products that use these oils as an ingredient. They have soothing, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties – so how can something so good be linked to something so scary?
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows that consistent, long-term exposure to lavender and tea tree essential oils was associated with the development of prepubertal gynecomastia (more simply, the early development of breast tissue in boys and girls). . Labor theory holds that these oils in particular contain chemicals that the body interprets as estrogen, which upsets the balance of the endocrine system and poses potential dangers to both men and women.
Unsurprisingly, a Google search leads you down a rabbit hole – the same compounds appear in more than 65 other essential oils, which has led some experts to question regular essential oil usage altogether. Before throwing away all of your oils, however, it is important to note a few points – namely the small sample size and the “inconclusive” nature of the research available.
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“If people have used essential oils on purpose, and not on purpose, in their bath and body products that may be used at unsafe levels several times a day in dilutions, they shouldn’t experience any side effects,” says Lea Jacobson, Flinical Certified Aromatherapist. “This is a complex issue that is not being replicated. [and] further investigations are necessary. “
When presenting new research, scientists often remind readers that correlation does not necessarily equate causally – in other words, that a positive trend in two factors may not be related. Jacobson points out that she doesn’t think the oils are to blame, and says they get a “bad rap” for being used so frequently. She argues that the real culprit may not be the oils, but the phthalates in the petri dishes used in the laboratories. Phthalates are known to be hormone disruptors, and it is possible that the essential oils tested extract them from plastic dishes.
That being said, sometimes even knowing that there is little risk can be enough to put you off the lavender and tea tree. And some people, especially those who have survived cancer, are very young, or are otherwise sensitive, should watch out for potential hormonal imbalances. If the Melaleuca smells greener on the safe side, here are five essential oils to try that have similar benefits:
Roman chamomile
This oil has the light, fresh scent of a citrus fruit with floral undertones. If you love lavender and tea tree for their versatile and versatile uses, you will love Roman chamomile. With antifungal, antihistamine, antibacterial, and sleepy properties, it’s a versatile alternative.
Shopping now: Gya Labs Roman Essential Oil, $ 17
incense
Are you looking for an addition to your holistic first aid kit? Frankincense works wonders internally and externally. It is said to stimulate healing and promote liver health. It also improves focus and is said to be an effective mood enhancer.
Shopping now: Vitruvi Frankincense Essential Oil, $ 18
cedar
If you love the natural, woody smell of tea tree and lavender, cedarwood will be your new obsession. Cedar oil’s earthy notes inspire deep breathing, which is why it’s so good for anxiety and emotional balance. Similar to lavender, it is also an effective insect repellent.
Shopping now: UpNature Cedarwood Essential Oil, $ 16
Patchouli
Are you looking for an oil that can do everything? Patchouli is antifungal, calming, repels insects, and lifts the mood. In addition to treating a wide variety of skin problems, it even works as a deodorant. The versatility of patchouli makes me think that they might be on to something in the 70s.
Shopping now: Aveda Patchouli Essential Oil, $ 15
geranium
The calming and light geranium oil is a wonderful alternative if you are looking for an oil with the calming effects of lavender. Jacobson points out that geranium also has antifungal properties that are similar to tea trees and that when inhaled, it can make people feel “emotionally balanced without affecting the body’s hormones.”
Shopping now: Vitruvi Geranium Essential Oil, $ 18
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