The Origins of the Myth
The calm that “essential oils cause precocious puberty” has actually been circulating for several years, but people still have concerns about the safety of essential oils. We have received questions from parents with young children: “Why do you not recommend your products for children under 3 years old? Are essential oils harmful to children?” “I heard that essential oils can cause precocious puberty in children. Does this mean your products unsafe?”
The idea that essential oils contribute yo precocious puberty stems from a 2007 study, which suggested that lavender and tea tree essential oils contain trace amounts of compounds that mimic estrogen in human breast cells. The study observed three young who developed temporary symptoms with early puberty.
However, this study did not specify the concentration of essential oils in the products used by the subjects, nor the frequency and intensity of using these essential oil products. Under media sensationalism, essential oils were stigmatized until 2013 when new research findings confirmed that these two essential oils have almost no estrogenic effect inside the human body. The estrogen-like effects observed externally are very temporary and do not cause permanent damage.
Expert Insights: A Balanced Perspective
Beyond scientific studies, German aromatherapist Bai-He Luo also provides us with an easier-to-understand explanation: “If low doses or reasonable use of lavender could cause precocious puberty, then many lavender field villages in southern France should have experienced widespread precocious puberty, as local people live among hectares of lavender fields. Winter celery and coriander, autumn citrus, spring and summer mint tea, herbal tea, or Indian curry and spiced stews – all these aromatic items like coriander or spices can be extracted into essential oils and contain ‘aromatic molecules.’ So when used within physiological dosages, without oral consumption or high concentration/high dosage use, appropriate low-concentration exposure to essential oils is actually equivalent to eating an orange or a plate of curry.”
As for whether children are suitable for using essential oils, this question cannot be answered simply because each essential oil has different characteristics – some are gentle, while others have significant effects. Some products are not recommended for infants and young children because children’s skin is more delicate, and if the essential oil concentration is slightly higher, it may cause discomfort. It is not because essential oils are harmful to physical and mental development.
(Children over 3 years old can try using it locally. If there is no discomfort, they can use it with peace of mind.)
Whether for children or adults, essential oils, like most products, are not good in excess or insufficiency. So rather than exploring essential oil concentrations and formulas yourself, it’s better to leave it to the experts! Before using essential oil products, be sure to read the instructions carefully to achieve the best results. If you have any questions about how to use Inna Organic products, please feel free to contact us!
