Posted 21 November 2016
An article by Dr Hansa Bhargava, MD, published in Medscape week, asks whether Lavender and Tea Tree oils are safe for children: “Both are touted as safer and more natural alternatives to chemical ingredients. But are they really safer? It is difficult to know for sure, because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t oversee essential oils that are not used in a drug.”
“Tea tree and lavender essential oils are two popular ingredients in many personal care products, including ones marketed to children. Tea tree oil has become a common addition to kids’ hair and body products. Lavender oil is often added to calming sprays and aromatherapy products.”
“Over the past few years, the safety of these oils has been called into question after a few small studies suggested that frequent use might cause gynecomastia in boys as young as 4 or 5 years … Read the rest