Description
Grapefruit oil is extracted from Citrus paradisi (also known as Citrus racemosa and C. maxima var. racemosa) from the Rutaceae family and is also known as shaddock.
This essential oil is useful for more than just fighting cellulite and boosting your lymphatic system – it positively affects your mood and revives the mind while stimulating the digestive system and clearing up congested oily skin and acne.
Oil properties
Grapefruit essential oil has a sharp refreshing smell and is either a pale yellow or light ruby color with a watery viscosity. Like all citrus oils, grapefruit oil should be used within six month of purchase.
Origin of Grapefruit
Originally from Asia, it is now cultivated in the USA, Brazil and Israel. Grapefruit is picked from a glossy-leaved tree, about 10 meters (30 feet) high, with white flowers and large, pale yellow fruit.
The oil glands are imbedded deep within the peel and yield a small amount of essential oil.
Extraction
Grapefruit oil is extracted from the fresh peel by cold compression and yields 0.5 – 1 %.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components are a-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, geraniol, linalool, citronellal, decyl acetate, neryl acetate and terpinen-4-ol.
Precautions
Grapefruit oil is non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing and although listed as non-phototoxic, it can irritate the skin if exposed to strong sunlight after treatment.
Therapeutic Properties
Some of the therapeutic properties of grapefruit oil are antidepressant, antiseptic, aperitif, diuretic, disinfectant, lymphatic stimulant, tonic and anti-infectious.
Uses
Grapefruit has a high vitamin C content and is therefore valuable to the immune system. It helps protect against colds and flu, has a very positive effect on obesity and also has diuretic properties, helping to remove excess water from the body and is therefore also great for treating cellulite.
It has an uplifting effect on the mood and helps with stress and depression. It is used with great success to combat muscle fatigue and stiffness while stimulating the lymphatic system and thereby clearing the body of toxins. It helps to clear congested oily skin and also assists with acne, while toning the skin and tissues. Grapefruit is used in hair care to promote hair growth.
Summary
This refreshing oil helps to boost digestion, benefits the immune system by helping to clear the lymphatic system, helps with skin problems, and can be used for muscle stiffness, water retention and for bolstering the nervous system.
- Burners and vaporizers
- In vapor therapy grapefruit oil can be used for hangovers, headaches, over indulgence, mental exhaustion and depression.
- Blended massage oil or in the bath
- Grapefruit oil can be used in a blended massage oil, or may be diluted in the bath to assist with cellulite, colds and flu, lack of energy, jet lag, muscle fatigue, overweight, headaches, moodiness and mental and physical tiredness.
- Lotions, creams and washes
- Used in a base cream, lotion or as a wash, grapefruit oil can help to clear a greasy, congested and acne skin, while also helping the tissue get rid of cellulite and drain any excess retained water.
More information about Grapefruit Oil
Skin Care ~ beneficial for treating oily & congested skin ~ blemishes, spots, acne, bruises, wounds, cuts, skin & fungal infections ~ keeps skin toned & clean
Hair Care ~ promotes hair care ~ keeps your hair healthy & strong ~ helps with oily skin
Digestive System ~ stimulating ~ treatment for abdominal distension, constipation & nausea ~ suppresses the appetite
Immune System ~ boosts the immunity
Lymphatic System ~ detoxifying & cleansing ~ stimulant ~ excellent for combating cellulite ~ weight ~ helps burn fat ~ boosts your lymph system, obesity & water retention
Musculoskeletal System ~ combats muscle fatigue, cramps & stiffness ~ muscular & joint aches & pains ~ helpful for arthritis & rheumatism
Nervous System ~ provides a relaxing, reviving & uplifting feeling ~ recommended for depression, stress, nervous exhaustion, lethargy, tension, pressure ~ used for headaches & hangovers ~ ~ excellent for those that resort to ‘comfort eating’ as a means of dealing with difficult & stressful situations
Respiratory System ~ recommended for cold & flu
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ releases confusion & mental clutter ~ induces positive feelings of hope
Blends well with ~ Amyris, Aniseed, Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cananga, Cedarwood, Carrot Seed, Cinnamon, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Dill, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Lemon Scented, Eucalyptus Peppermint, Fennel, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Geranium, Ginger, Gingergrass, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Mandarin, May Chang, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose Geranium, Rosewood, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tangerine, Thyme, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ non-toxic, non-irritating & non-sensitizing
