100% Grapefruit Essential Oil
BEST USES FOR GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL
Aroma: Tart, citrusy, fresh and fruity
Production method: Cold pressed
Plant part: Grapefruit peel/rind
Main constituents
d-Limonene, Myrcene and alpha-Pinene
QUALITIES
- astringent (causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues)
- antiseptic
- slightly aquaretic(promotes the excretion of water without electrolyte loss)
- brightens up and clears the mind
GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS
Grapefruit oil has an energizing and invigorating aroma and helps create a cheerful environment.
If you are looking for ideas on grapefruit oil blends, you may want to consider mixing grapefruit oil with bergamot, black pepper, frankincense, lemon, orange, tangerine, ginger, lavender, mint, geranium and rosemary.
5 BENEFITS OF GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL
Due to its main therapeutic constituents, grapefruit essential oil is good for treating several conditions:
HISTORY OF GRAPEFRUIT OIL
Considered one of the seven wonders of Barbados, grapefruit is a small perennial tree that usually grows up to 10 meters. Did you know that grapefruit is a crossbreed of sweet orange and the pomelo species?
One of the narratives around the grapefruit origin tells the story of Captain Shaddock, who brought the pomelo species to Jamaica and through a natural crossbreeding, the first grapefruit trees came into existence. Grapefruits were also often referred to as shaddocks by the West Indies during the 17th century.
Another fun fact about grapefruits is related to the alias that fruit used to have during the 18th century - 'the forbidden fruit'. One of the versions around that nickname has a biblical theme since some believe the nickname came from Europeans who were coming to the island and searching for the identity of Eden’s tree of good and evil. Another version suggests that local folks used the nickname as a warning to avoid the slightly bitter grapefruit. Nevertheless, most botanists are united around the notion that grapefruit was given its name because of the cluster-like resemblance to how grapefruits grow.
An interesting piece of information for the women out there could be that, according to a far-fetched claim, based on psychiatrist Alan R. Hirsch’s work, spraying grapefruit scent on you can make men perceive you to be up to six years younger than you are. Go figure. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure, grapefruit has an immense impact on human health as food and as an essential oil used in aromatherapy.
WHAT IS GRAPEFRUIT OIL GOOD FOR?
Grapefruit oil has been used for ages to help fight inflammation, obesity, sugar cravings and even hangover symptoms. It is one of the most versatile essential oils. The aroma of grapefruit is very refreshing and a little bit tart, just like the actual fruit itself.
Because of its signature aroma and benefits, many people like to use it in natural body and hair care. It is particularly recommended for oily and combination skin. Grapefruit oil is also commonly used in natural home cleaning sprays.
MEDICINAL USES OF GRAPEFRUIT OIL
Staphylococcus aureus is a common skin bacterium responsible for skin infections such as eczema. Developing a cell damage model of skin inflammation caused by S. aureus, scientists analysed and measured grapefruit’s biological activity and its potential to treat skin inflammation. Rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, grapefruit oil has exhibited great potential in alleviating and repairing inflamed skin.
Another study also focused on the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and graded grapefruit oil as second best to cinnamon oil. The trial studied the antimicrobial activity of citrus oils and cinnamon oil and measured the oil’s potential against various strains of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella abony, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Moreover, grapefruit oil has the highest antioxidant potential among the tested ones.
A 2016 clinical study discusses the grapefruit plant’s potential as an anti-aging agent. The pilot project focused on photoaging in particular. Skin redness, skin content, wrinkle depth and elasticity were monitored and measured. The results suggest that taking grapefruit extract can decrease UVB- and UVA-induced skin inflammation and improve skin elasticity.
In an animal study, researchers have found that olfactory stimulation with grapefruit aroma has a positive effect on weight loss and fat cell metabolism through regulation of the autonomic nervous system. When rats inhaled grapefruit oil, they experienced increased lipolysis, which is the process of breaking triglycerides in the body.
GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL - BENEFITS
Promotes lymphatic drainage
Grapefruit essential oil is said to be an excellent diuretic and lymphatic stimulant. It is a key ingredient in body massage gels and creams. Moreover, some beauty and wellness experts often recommend it as part of morning dry-brushing rituals.
While grapefruit oil won’t do the magic overnight and help you shed away that stubborn fat, it can make a difference as a complementary natural remedy. You can use grapefruit-infused bath oil or massage it to preferred areas (diluted in a carrier oil) to speed up sluggish lymph.
Can reduce the appearance of cellulite
Grapefruit essential oil is a detoxifying and circulation-boosting oil that can help reduce cellulite and water retention. It is a common ingredient in most cellulite-reducing creams, as it has a proven effect on breaking fatty tissue in the body.
However, cellulite creams and gels can be quite expensive and full of synthetic ingredients! You can easily replace conventional cellulite creams with an easy, homemade recipe. You can try mixing coconut oil with grapefruit essential oil and apply the mixture at least twice a week.
Soothes skin inflammations such as dermatitis
Grapefruit essential oil has proven antibacterial and anti-aging properties. It can help fight bacteria and cope with oily skin, acne, or even inflammatory diseases such as dermatitis. Moreover, grapefruit oil is good for keeping the skin’s natural barrier strong and thus preventing outdoor pollution and UV-induced damage.
Packed with Vitamin C and polyphenols, grapefruit essential oil helps keep the skin smooth, hydrated and tight. It is good for brightening the skin and thus very suitable if you suffer from hyperpigmentation.
Uplifts and refreshes the mind
Citrus essential oils have been proven to help restore stress-induced immunosuppression and support calm behavior, as observed in a study using mice.
As one of the most versatile oils used in aromatherapy, grapefruit essential oil can increase alertness and give you a natural energy boost. When inhaled, it is good for coping with conditions such as brain fog and adrenal fatigue.
If you struggle with low motivation and feel sluggish, consider incorporating grapefruit oil into your daily self-care routine. Limonene is the main chemical constituent of grapefruit oil. It gives an uplifting and cheery aroma.
Good as a bug repellent
Grapefruit oil exhibited high insect-repellent activity against cockroaches and its bug-repellent efficacy was higher than the lemon, lime and orange essential oils. (Yoon et al., 2009)
Grapefruit oil is a promising, safe and environmentally friendly alternative for the biocontrol of bug-related diseases. It has been proven effective against house flies, mosquitoes, ticks and flea species.
Because of its antibacterial activity, grapefruit oil is often used in natural home cleansers.
Kill two birds with one stone - keep your home dirt and bug-free with a grapefruit oil-infused cleaning spray.
APPLICATION METHODS
GRAPEFRUIT OIL RECIPES
Grapefruit cellulite cream
To create an all-natural cellulite cream, mix 45 drops of grapefruit oil with 30 ml of almond oil. Mix both oils in a glass jar and apply in the evening. Massage well clockwise for 5 to 10 minutes.
You can also mix 20 drops of grapefruit essential oil with 10 drops of ginger and 10 drops of cinnamon essential oils.
Anti-acne mask with grapefruit oil
For those with oily and clogged skin, a grapefruit oil-infused mask can help relieve the symptoms. Simply mix 3 to 5 drops of grapefruit oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and almond oil. Apply the mixture on well-cleansed skin and leave for at least 20 minutes. Rinse well.
Know that grapefruit oil can cause skin sensitization, so avoid exposure to the sun after usage.
Cheer-me-up aroma blend with grapefruit oil
For those grey days when you feel down and sluggish, here is an easy recipe to try. Mix:
DIY grapefruit scrub for the face
This DIY salt scrub is perfect for blemish-prone skin. Use this homemade salt scrub recipe to regain a healthy and glowing look on your face. Gently exfoliate your face while enjoying the benefits of grapefruit oil. DIY skincare has never been so easy! Use a glass jar and mix:
Rub and gently massage your face. Rinse well and hydrate.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: Grapefruit oil is a highly concentrated product and should only be used with extreme caution. Please note that all information is provided for informational purposes. We always recommend additional consultation with a specialist before usage, especially when used in childhood, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if you suffer from chronic diseases! Grapefruit essential oil might interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Citrus oils are photosensitive, so you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight at least 12 hours after topical usage.
Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, inner ear and other sensitive parts of the body! Keep out of reach of children.
Grapefruit cellulite cream
To create an all-natural cellulite cream, mix 45 drops of grapefruit oil with 30 ml of almond oil. Mix both oils in a glass jar and apply in the evening. Massage well clockwise for 5 to 10 minutes.
You can also mix 20 drops of grapefruit essential oil with 10 drops of ginger and 10 drops of cinnamon essential oils.
Anti-acne mask with grapefruit oil
For those with oily and clogged skin, a grapefruit oil-infused mask can help relieve the symptoms. Simply mix 3 to 5 drops of grapefruit oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and almond oil. Apply the mixture on well-cleansed skin and leave for at least 20 minutes. Rinse well.
Know that grapefruit oil can cause skin sensitization, so avoid exposure to the sun after usage.
Cheer-me-up aroma blend with grapefruit oil
For those grey days when you feel down and sluggish, here is an easy recipe to try. Mix:
DIY grapefruit scrub for the face
This DIY salt scrub is perfect for blemish-prone skin. Use this homemade salt scrub recipe to regain a healthy and glowing look on your face. Gently exfoliate your face while enjoying the benefits of grapefruit oil. DIY skincare has never been so easy! Use a glass jar and mix:
Rub and gently massage your face. Rinse well and hydrate.
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