Help please…today i was told that lavender essential oil can not be used when using estrogen cream therapy because of it’s phytoestrogen content…do you know of any research i could read about this or is this just an outrageous sweeping statement?
Lauren, via Facebook
Lauryn, lavender oil has an in vitro estrogenic action, as do many foods and natural substances (phytoestrogens) but most of these have a negligible effect in reality. To start putting out contraindications for lavender oil until we know more is scaremongering in my opinion. No-one yet knows which constituent(s) of the oil interact with estrogen receptors, nor what the interaction involves (could promote estrogen, or block it). Either way, it’s very likely that the effect is so minimal as to be a non-issue, unless you are talking about ingesting the oil daily in quite large amounts.
–Robert
When using lavender in a topical preparation, isn’t it in such a small amount that that alone would preclude it from having great estrogenic effect? I think the concern she’s referring to relates to phytoestrogens in the amount that would be consumed if it would be soy beans in the form of edamame or regular soy milk.
I’ve been told that Native American Indians used lavender to treat for women during menstruation, perhaps there’s a connection.
I think we are saying the same thing.
Can anyone recommend a scientific study link regarding the estrogenic properties of lavender. I use an aromatherapy containing lavender several days a week 4-5 hours a day rubbing it into my arms and hands. Would like to find some actual studies, not just hearsay pro or con.
Pam, here is the original research: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa064725
Click PDF (under tools) to download the article.
Here is one comment: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc070572
Hello,
I have a question regarding Lavender EO. I use lavender under my arms as a deodorant. I am wondering if this is to close to breast tissue and perhaps problematic?? I tend to use lavender for many different skin irritations – have always had success with it.
What is your opinion? Thank you in advance!
Claudia – no, I don’t think there is a risk, though I would not recommend using undiluted lavender in copious amounts.