Lavender and tea tree oils cause breast growth in young boys

In other news, women in Hollywood start drinking the stuff:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 U.S. National Institutes of Health scientists say repeated topical use of products containing lavender or tea tree oils can cause enlarged breasts in boys.

The study suggests the use of such oils causes prepubertal gynecomastia, a rare condition that reverses itself when use of the oils is discontinued.

Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences confirmed in laboratory studies what a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Colorado suspected after diagnosing three of his young male patients with prepubertal gynecomastia.

The researchers found an association between the use of soaps, skin lotions, shampoos or styling products containing the oils and the disorder but say more research is needed. At this point, the scientists said, their findings are only applicable to young males with unexplainable enlarged breasts who are regularly use products containing lavender or tea tree oils.

The study appears in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.