Essential Oil Profile: Grapefruit Essential Oil a Fresh and Tangy Aroma

Grapefruit essential oil Citrus paradisi is a hybrid brought about by cultivation of C. maxima and C. sinensis.

The essential oil, pressed or distilled from the fresh peel of the fruit, is a yellowish to pale-green oil with a fresh, bright, and tangy aroma. It feels thin and watery. Like many citrus oils, grapefruit will deteriorate quickly if exposed to moisture, air, or light and should be used within six months.

Traditionally, grapefruit essential oils has been used for its antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, digestive, and stimulant properties. In perfumery, it blends well with bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, geranium, lavender, and rosemary.

Note, grapefruit's photosensitive effect is a current topic of research. Until there is definitive clinical testing, avoid citrus oils if there is a chance of being exposed to the sun after an aromatherapy treatment. A skin patch test is also recommended as the oil may cause skin irritation.

Winter Pick Me Up Blend

Grapefruit Citrus paradisi oil: 6-drops
Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia oil: 6-drops
Lime Citrus aurantifolia oil: 6-drops
Ginger Zingiber officinale oil: 4-drops
Sandalwood Santalum album oil: 2-drops

Blend all the oils and use in a diffuser or atomizer. It can also be added to the bath water; add 5-6-drops maximum.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract

BY ACHS Student Emily Stein, Diploma in Holistic Health Practice

The grapefruit originated in Barbados with documentation of its growth dating back to 1750. Known for its high vitamin C content and body-cleansing properties, grapefruit can help the body maintain homeostasis. Though less well-known, grapefruit seed extract (GSE), also known as Citricidal, has been used by healthcare professionals for decades.

How GSE works is somewhat of a mystery. GSE seems to disorganize the cytoplasmic membrane of the pathogens which prevents uptake of amino acids. Leakage of cellular content contributes to the inactivation of the pathogens which eventually leads to their destruction. What is puzzling, however, is that viruses do not have a cell membrane yet GSE acts as an antiviral remedy. Virtually no toxicity to the body coupled with immune support makes GSE “the smallest portable medicine chest in the world,” according to Shalila Sharamon and Bodo J. Baginsky in their book The Healing Power of Grapefruit Seed.

Another advantage to GSE is its alkalizing effect on the body. As many people today suffer from acidification, which encourages pathogen growth and proliferation, GSE is an easy and gentle way to increase body pH and is proving itself to be of widespread use. GSE is an easily digested liquid that is concentrated, making it cost effective. It is generally hypoallergenic, which is advantageous to people who suffer from food allergies, even citrus allergies.

Read the full-text article in the February 2011 issue of the ACHS newsletter, The Reporter, HERE.

Essential Oils for Winter

As winter unfolds its many surprises--cold temperatures and short, gray days among them--it's a great time to enjoy adding warming and uplifting essential oils into your seasonal blends. Warming essential oils like cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum and ginger Zingiber officinale have fresh, spicy aromas that blend well with citrus oils like grapefruit. Citrus oils are pleasant to use during the winter season because their fresh, uplifting scents can help support healthy emotional well-being.

Air Purification Formula with Cinnamon Essential Oil

• Clove Syzygium aromaticum oil: 3-drops
• Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil: 3-drops
• Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 3-drops
• Peppermint Mentha piperita oil: 3-drops
• Pine Pinus sylvestris oil: 3-drops
• Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis oil: 3-drops
• Thyme Thymus vulgaris oil: 3-drops
• Water (distilled): ½-oz
• Alcohol: ½-oz

Directions: Mix the essential oils with the distilled water and ethyl alcohol in a 1-oz amber bottle. Place in a pump-action atomizer or blend 5-10-drops of each of the oils, and place in a vaporizer.

More information about cinnamon, ginger, and grapefruit essential oils to come!

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, heal, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician, a naturopathic doctor, or a Registered Aromatherapist before making any significant changes in your health and wellness routine.