Bittersweet, juicy, colorful grapefruit has different colors. Even its pulp is multi-colored, from yellow or pink to dark red, and the darker the color of the pulp, the sweeter its taste. Thick skin with reddish spots covers the fruits with dark red pulp. This exotic fruit owes its beautiful shades to the coloring substances carotene and lycopene. The bitter taste is due to naringin. Wonderfully fresh, but at the same time sharp and bittersweet aroma of grapefruit refreshes, giving a feeling of vivacity and a positive attitude. Studies have shown an amazing side effect: under the influence of the aroma of grapefruit, a woman in the perception of a man seems to be 6 years younger.
Origin and characteristics of grapefruit
Grapefruit (Citrus X paradise) is a hybrid that was originally grown in Barbados. It is a cross between a sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and a pomelo/shaddock (Citrus maxima). It got its name from the fact that its fruits grow on trees, resembling a large bunch of grapes. Although grapefruit itself is already pleasant to taste, this is definitely not all that health needs. Its taste and aroma are only a small part of the beneficial properties of this fruit, but this immediately reveals the obvious secret of the essential oil obtained from this super fruit. Grapefruit essential oil nourishes the body and revitalizes the skin and hair. It is rich in antioxidants and therefore useful as a remedy for many diseases.
The composition of grapefruit oil, as established in several studies, consists of terpenes sesquiterpenes and aldehydes. Limonene is the most abundant component of this oil. The combination of these components gives the oil antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Grapefruit oil has a fresh citrus aroma that gives a surge of fresh energy when inhaled. The aroma of the oil soothes the body and mind, and therefore it has gained recognition in aromatherapy. It is used (also in combination with other essential oils) to relieve mental stress and depression, in the treatment of diseases after severe trauma or after childbirth, and during difficult procedures such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Grapefruit Oil and Its Benefits
Let’s just dive into it!
Boosts the Immune System
Grapefruit oil is rich in antioxidants, making it one of the best immune system boosters. It cleanses the body of toxins and free radicals and ensures the smooth functioning of the lymphatic system. It can prevent premature aging, memory loss, and vision loss.
Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
In laboratory studies, grapefruit essential oil has shown potent antibacterial and antimicrobial activity against potentially harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and E. coli. Compared to other essential oils, grapefruit oil was found to be one of the most potent in terms of antimicrobial activity against MRSA, a group of bacteria that are often resistant to common antibiotics.
Grapefruit Oil for Skin Care. Acne Treatment
Grapefruit essential oil promotes healthy skin by preventing and treating conditions such as acne. With its fresh aroma and powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, citrus essential oils are added to many skin care products such as face lotions and creams. The power of citrus oils lies in their ability to protect the skin from bacteria, which helps in the healing process of acne. Pimples and acne are usually caused by clogged hair follicles with dead skin cells, excess oil and/or bacteria. Grapefruit oil removes the material that causes clogged hair follicles by helping to regulate sebaceous gland activity, reducing sebum production and preventing the buildup of bacteria that usually leads to infections. This amazing essential oil cleanses and disinfects the skin and can be added to facial cleansers. When combined with a carrier oil, the results will be even more impressive.
Facial Cleanser
Pimples and acne are unpleasant things, we all love to keep our faces clean to prevent those unsightly blackheads, whiteheads and pimples from forming on our skin. Grapefruit oil helps keep the skin clean and fresh, and the pores deeply cleansed. With grapefruit essential oil, you can make a nice facial toner. This toner will help reduce the oiliness of the skin, tighten large pores and tighten the skin.
Reduces Cellulite
Grapefruit oil is one of the most popular remedies among aromatherapists for cellulite treatment. It has detoxifying and circulatory properties that help reduce cellulite and water retention in the body.
Natural Deodorant
Sweating is a normal biological function of the body that is important for maintaining a constant body temperature and cooling it down. Hot weather or physical exercise, mental stress or nervousness increase sweating. But we are talking about excessive sweating, when a lot of sweat is released even if there is almost no activity. And then there is the smelly side effect of sweating, which can be treated with substances containing chemical components. Grapefruit oil is ideal as a 100% natural deodorant because it reduces sweat secretion by sweat glands and inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Grapefruit Oil and Circulation
With its pungent scent, grapefruit oil is the perfect solution for cramps, muscle tension, swollen legs, hangovers, morning sickness, and even arthritis. It improves circulation, prevents fluid retention, and relieves stress on the body caused by inhaling pollutants or drinking alcohol. Menstrual cramps can also be relieved by rubbing a little oil on the painful area.
Grapefruit oil has a number of properties that reduce blood pressure and stress levels. Hypertension is a common condition that many people suffer from, and using natural treatments has become fashionable and in some cases helps to avoid taking medications. A recent clinical study showed that inhaling citrus oils, among other things, has an immediate and long-term effect on reducing blood pressure and stress. In addition, they showed a decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone. Another study concluded that the main active ingredient, limonene, probably contributes to this.
Grapefruit Oil for Hair Care
Hair Health
To speed up hair growth and maintain healthy hair, massage your hair with grapefruit oil. It will give your hair a shiny and healthy look. A hair mask is made by simply mixing grapefruit essential oil with orange, lemon and sage. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then rinse. This treatment will effectively cleanse your scalp and leave your hair feeling elastic, vital and beautifully scented.
Hair Cleansing
Daily exposure of hair to dust, pollen, chlorine and other environmental pollutants requires regular hair cleansing. In addition, chemicals in our hair care products such as hairsprays, creams and gels can also clog hair follicles, causing hair to lose its shine and look less healthy. Grapefruit oil massage, a 100% natural cleansing method, helps remove impurities without damaging the hair. It is an excellent remedy for oily scalps. The amazing result is soft and silky hair that is easy to comb, as well as a wonderfully clean scalp.
Dandruff Control
The deep cleansing action of grapefruit essential oil also helps fight dandruff. It promotes healthy hair follicles and hair growth. Simply add a few drops of grapefruit oil to your favorite shampoo and let the magic happen!
Scented Hair Water
Want to improve the smell of your hair? Or don’t like the smell of your shampoo? Adding a few drops of grapefruit oil to a spray bottle of water is a natural way to deodorize your hair. Simply spray onto damp hair after washing and enjoy the refreshing sweet aroma.
Grapefruit Oil and Aromatherapy
The refreshing, relaxing scent of grapefruit oil can be used for a variety of purposes. Suffering from the winter blues? Feeling under the weather? Feeling sluggish? Need an overall boost of energy or improved concentration and focus? The answer to all these problems and many more may be grapefruit oil.
Grapefruit oil invigorates and refreshes the mind, improves metabolism and stimulates fat burning. The oil has a detoxifying effect on the organs, has an astringent effect on the skin and activates cheerfulness with its fresh bittersweet aroma. It is rich in antioxidants and fights tension, fatigue, colds, stress and headaches.
Inhaling grapefruit oil through a diffuser balances the hormonal system and increases concentration.
Anxiety and Depression
Thanks to its composition, grapefruit oil in combination with other essential oils calms the nerves. Massage with this oil helps reduce perioperative anxiety in patients who are about to undergo surgery. Using aromatherapy with grapefruit oil, you can effectively cope with depression. This essential oil causes the brain to produce hormones that improve mood and mental state.
Appetite Suppression
Studies show that aromatherapy with grapefruit oil suppresses appetite. Another study on rodents showed that the smell of grapefruit reduces appetite by increasing the activity of the gastric vagus nerve. This nerve plays an important role in stimulating the production of gastric juice necessary for digestion.
Grapefruit oil can be diffused or mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the skin. To help relieve cold and flu symptoms, grapefruit oil can be used in an aromatherapy lamp or diffuser. Inhaling the oil’s vapors can help boost energy levels and make you feel refreshed.
Safe Use
Grapefruit essential oil is non-toxic and generally non-irritating. It is phototoxic, so it is strongly recommended not to apply it to the skin before sun exposure.
This oil is not intended for consumption and contact with the eyes should be avoided. Inhaling the oil through a diffuser or by applying it to fabric does not pose any risk.