Grapefruit essential oil has a light aroma that is refreshing, citrusy, tangy and sweet. It is good for instilling clarity of thought and can enhance positive energy, vitality, and promote joy and spontaneity.
Grapefruit essential oil is pale yellow and extracted through cold expression from the rind of the grapefruit.
Use of Grapefruit Essential Oil for the Body
Grapefruit essential oil is very versatile and has many therapeutic uses in aromatherapy.
It is antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, an immune booster and a skin tonic.
During a massage, grapefruit essential oil can be used to improve lymphatic flow and to disperse lactic acid from muscles after exercise. Grapefruit’s detoxifying effects make it a very helpful oil for treating cellulite and fluid retention. It is often used in blends with Rosemary or Geranium for anti-cellulite treatments.
Because it stimulates the immune system, grapefruit essential oil can treat the common cold and the flu and can be diffused to disinfect rooms during the cold and flu season.
Grapefruit oil also has toning benefits and can be used to treat oily skin and acne. It is a rejuvenating oil and can energize the body and the mind. Grapefruit is effective against fatigue, tiredness, physical and mental exhaustion and jet lag.
Use of Grapefruit Oil for the Mind
This citrus oil is an antidepressant oil, and it is energizing and uplifting. It is a good choice for mental fatigue, exhaustion, mild depression or the winter blues. In fact it can be used whenever there is a need for a mentally or emotionally uplifting oil.
Grapefruit Essential Oil Relieves Depression And Stress Caused By:
- General irritability
- Self-blame or self-criticism
- Deep-seated frustration
- Angry disappointment
Grapefruit in Modern History
The accidental cross-pollination between the pomelo and orange occurred in Barbados during the 18th century. The new hybrid received its name from the clusters of fruits that formed on the trees which resembled a cluster of grapes.
Gabriel Mojay writes in his book Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit (p. 80):
“The pomelo was brought to Spain from tropical Asia by Arab traders in the 12th century via the same route that the orange traveled. From there it was introduced into the West Indies by the mysterious Captain Shaddock in the 18th century. This soon led, following its hybridization, to the New World cultivation of the grapefruit”.
According to Mojay, grapefruit is “cooling, cleansing and decongesting, and is beneficial for both an overheated Liver and a sluggish lymphatic system.”
Grapefruit was mentioned in 1750 in the Natural History of Barbados by Welshman Rev. Griffith Hughes. When the hybrid fruit was first found, it was called “the forbidden fruit”. It has also been called one of the seven wonders of Barbados.
Today the fruit is cultivated in California and Florida as well as Brazil and Israel. The main essential oil producer is California.
Grapefruit Essential Oil Cautions:
It is best to be careful with using grapefruit oil on the skin before going out in the sun or to dilute it to very low dilution. Grapefruit essential oil is generally safe but anyone with sensitive skin should dilute it well, as all citrus oils can irritate sensitive skin types.
