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Grapefruit Oil


Grapefruit oil is an essential oil which is produced from the skin of the grapefruit. Distillation is used to extract this natural grapefruit oil from the grapefruit’s skin. Grapefruit oil is very aromatic and has many benefits as well. It can either be consumed or applied to the skin. The people of Israel regard grapefruit oil as the queen of all essential oils. Grapefruit oil originated in Asia but is now grown in Brazil and North America as well (particularly in California and Florida). The botanical name of grapefruit is Citrus paradis. Grapefruit oil has many medicinal properties that match the essential oils of other citrus fruits. However, the shelf life of grapefruit oil is very short and it only maintains its therapeutic properties for about six months.

The two main components of grapefruit essential oil are Limonene and Myrcene. Grapefruit essential oil has a fresh but citrus sharp sweet smell. Grapefruit essential oil blends well with other oils and is thus used as massage oil, in perfumes, in baths, as well as in skin care preparations. It can also provide sweet fragrance to the room or can be used in a vaporizer.

Grapefruit oil is one of the major oils in aromatherapy as there are many health benefits that can be attained by using it this way. Grapefruit oil aromatherapy helps to alleviate stress as grapefruit essential oil helps to uplifts one’s mood. Grapefruit essential oil is a stimulant and an antidepressant at the same time. Therefore it helps to relax the muscles and the nerves. Grapefruit oil also acts as a detoxifier and helps to eliminate toxins present in the body. Grapefruit oil can also be used in aromatherapy as the fragrance of the oil helps to elevate the senses. Migraine sufferers get relief when they use this oil in aromatherapy.

Grapefruit Oil Benefits


Grapefruit essential oil benefits are manifold. It has many therapeutic uses and applications which include:-

1. Treating menstrual cramps: Mix two or three drops of grapefruit essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil and massage this onto your lower back and abdomen. Or use grapefruit essential oil in a hot compress to get relief.

2. For Acne: Grapefruit essential oil is also good for treating acne. Place a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Or you can make a mixture of the oil and carrier oil and apply it as mentioned above.

3. Adding grapefruit oil to your bath, hot compress or simply using it as massage oil will help you to attain relief general stiffness, rheumatism, muscle fatigue and arthritis.

4. For the lymph glands: Experts believe that grapefruit essential oil stimulates the lymphatic system and helps to remove toxic wastes from the body.

Grapefruit oil can be used for weight loss. Do however keep in mind that grapefruit oil for weight loss can help aid in weight loss but it will not help you to lose weight by itself. Inhaling grapefruit before meals is believed to curb one’s appetite. This essential oil also has excellent fat dissolving properties. Grapefruit oil is also known for its diuretic properties which help to eliminate excess water from the body.

Using grapefruit oil for skin and grapefruit oil for hair is also recommended. It is useful for treating dandruff and other scalp infections. Grapefruit oil can also be diluted and added to anti-ageing, saggy skin and other similar skin conditions.

Grapefruit oil diet


A grapefruit oil diet is recommended as grapefruit essential oil is rich in fiber that enhances the digestive health. It also stimulates the secretion of gastric enzymes which help to break down food and help with digestion as well. Research has shown that grapefruit oil can also regulate the body’s blood sugar and glucose responses. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor before trying out any of the grapefruit oil remedies mentioned above.

Submitted on November 24, 2011
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Grapefruit Oil