Lavender should be avoided for breast cancer
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil has been used for centuries to reduce pain, combat infection, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Like other essential oils, lavender essential oil is very concentrated; at least 60 lbs of lavender flowers typically are used to make 16 fluid ounces of the oil. The oil is used in detergents, baked goods, candles, cosmetics, body powder, massage oil, shampoo, soap, perfume, and tea. It is also an ingredient in some breast enlargement pills and creams. Some cancer patients are receiving aromatherapy massage using lavender essential oil.
Breast cancer-related effects of eating lavender
Lavender essential oil has been shown to have a high antioxidant content and a component of lavender, perillyl alcohol, has been studied in cancer prevention. However, lavender essential oil (in the concentrations found in commercial hair care and body cream products) can cause breast enlargement in otherwise healthy and normal boys through its estrogenic activity. The implications for the potential for stimulation of estrogen positive breast cancer cells by lavender essential oil are sobering.
Additional comments
Use of lavender products can trigger allergic contact dermatitis and allergic reactions to lavender are not uncommon. For example, lavender flower satchels placed inside pillowcases have been found to cause facial rashes in some individuals. Lavender baby products probably should be avoided.
Note that while we are continually searching for new evidence specifically concerning this herb, there is not much interest in it among breast cancer researchers, so few studies are available.