8 Benefits Of Grapefruit Oil, How To Prepare, & Side Effects
Written by , MSc (Biotechnology), Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health
The benefits of grapefruit oil begin with its relaxing and rejuvenating aroma. This essential oil has that fresh, calming fragrance that you would crave after a tiring day of work. Curious to know more about this oil? In this article, we have discussed all you need to know about grapefruit oil, its benefits, its composition, how to make it at home, and precautions to keep in mind while using it. Read on!
In This Article
More About Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) is a hybrid that was initially grown in Barbados. It is a cross between sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and pomelo/shaddock (Citrus maxima). It got its name from the way a few of these hung in clusters on the trees – like a bunch of grapes.
What’s so unique about it that I want you to buy the essential oil right away? Read on to find out!
Benefits Of Using Grapefruit Oil
1. Heals Your Body, Mind, And Soul
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Grapefruit oil has a fresh, citrusy smell, which, when inhaled, gives a burst of freshness. The fragrance soothes your mind and body. Hence, it is used in aromatherapy.
Along with other essential oils, it is used to ease mental stress, depression, and post-partum sickness in patients undergoing intense trauma, labor, and harsh treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.).
Try adding grapefruit oil to your vaporizer and see how it brings in ‘soul’ace. And yes, your pets too are going to be extremely happy inhaling this essence.
2. Aids Weight Loss
According to a study performed on mice in 2014, grapefruit oil, when inhaled, increases nerve activity, causing breakdown of lipids (lipolysis) (1). It controls your blood pressure and decreases food intake.
In one way, this decrease in appetite is linked to weight loss as you don’t feel the need to binge on food at odd hours. Doesn’t that feel nice?
3. Has Antimicrobial Properties
Grapefruit extracts exhibit antibacterial properties, especially against the bacteria that are multidrug-resistant (MDR) and cannot be killed using usual doses of antibiotics (2). Apply grapefruit oil or inhale the essence if you are prone to or have a bacterial infection.
Studies have shown that this essential oil can cure fungal infections caused due to Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium chrysogenum (3).
You can also use grapefruit oil for managing viral infections – most commonly, the flu. Try adding the oil to your diffuser when you are down with flu for a calming effect.
You can also add it along with your nasal decongestant to the steam bath.
4. Manages Anxiety And Depression
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Due to its chemical composition, grapefruit oil, in combination with other essential oils, can soothe strained nerves.
Massaging with grapefruit oil can help fight peri-operative anxiety among patients due for surgeries – reducing the dependence on anesthesia.
Depression can be managed efficiently using aromatherapy. Grapefruit oil triggers your brain to produce hormones that uplift your mood and spirit.
5. Helps Burn Flab And Cellulite
Nothing can sound sweeter than this, isn’t it? A regular whole body massage for 30 minutes to 1 hour with grapefruit oil, in combination with other essential oils, can result in abdominal flab reduction. This finding was according to a study done on women who crossed 50 years of age (4).
It might work on women younger than 50 years too. Whole body massages can help in toning your entire figure, not just the cellulite.
So, grab a bottle of this fat burner if you need that hourglass figure now!
6. Stimulates The Immune System
Grapefruit oil is abundant in antioxidants, which make it one of the best immune system boosters. It cleanses the body of toxins and free radicals and ensures the lymphatic system runs smoothly. It can prevent premature aging, memory loss, and loss of eyesight.
7. Improves Blood Circulation – Cures Cramps And Hangovers
Can’t get off your bed because it’s that day of the month? Can’t move your head because it feels like a rock?
If you are looking for a solution, you are on the right page.
The tangy-smelling grapefruit oil is the single solution for all your cramps, hangovers, stiff muscles, catch in the neck, swollen feet, morning sickness, and even arthritis.
It improves blood circulation, prevents fluid retention, and relieves your body of stress caused due to alcohol and inhaled pollutants.
8. Is A Wonderful Hair Tonic
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Massaging your scalp with grapefruit oil, along with your regular hair oil, improves blood circulation and strengthens the roots. Due to its antimicrobial activity, grapefruit oil keeps infections at bay and gives you healthy scalp and hair. Say goodbye to hair fall!
But, hold on! What gives grapefruit oil its superpowers?
Composition Of Grapefruit Oil
Several studies identified terpenes, sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, and alcohols in grapefruit oil by chromatographic methods. Limonene is the most abundant component in this oil, (73.9%-96.2%), along with traces of ß-myrcene (1.4%), linalool, geraniol, and nerol (5).
These complex terpenes and alcohols exhibit antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.
What if I told you that making grapefruit oil was as easy as making its juice? Yes, it’s that simple. Let me share a short and easy recipe with you.
DIY: How To Prepare Grapefruit Oil
What You’ll Need
- Grapefruits (preferably ones with not very thick peel/skin/rind)
- Kitchen grater
- Base/carrier oil (olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil)
- Small pot or thick saucepan or mason jar
- Cheesecloth
- Amber-colored containers or aluminum foil
Let’s Make It!
1. Wash the grapefruits thoroughly. Get rid of the wax or any debris on the skin.
2. Peel the grapefruit. Using a kitchen grater, remove the pith (white layer) stuck to the skin. Grate it carefully to not lose too much of the skin along with the pith.
3. Spread the skins out on a plate and leave it in a warm place to dry. Ensure the area and the plate are dry to avoid unnecessary microbial growth and moisture in your oil.
4. You can either heat the oil with the skins (Method I). Or you can just let the skins soak in the oil (Method II).
5. Method I: (Quick)
- In a thick saucepan, place the skins and add the base oil until they sink into it.
- Switch on the heat/stove, place this vessel on it and cover with a lid.
- Leave the oil to slow boil over low heat/flame. Keep mixing intermittently.
- It might take several hours for the essence to infuse well into the oil.
Method II: (Slow)
- Place the skins in a mason jar or any small glass bottle.
- Add the base oil until the skins sink in it.
- Seal the jar and expose it to direct sunlight for about two weeks.
6. Transfer the contents to a vessel covered with 4 to 5 layers of cheesecloth.
7. Squeeze as much oil as you can into the vessel.
8. Store the oil in cool, dry place in amber or dark-colored bottles, away from sunlight.
Alright. You read about grapefruit oil, thought about using it, and made yourself a batch of it too. Good progress!
But you would find it too-good-to-be-true and get all skeptical about using this oil. Am I right?
Before the questions pop up in your head, scroll down to read about the side effects of using the oil.
Cautions When Using Grapefruit Oil
1. Might Increase Photosensitivity
Certain essential oils or formulations with grapefruit oil can increase your skin’s photosensitivity. Long hours of exposure to the sun after applying this oil topically might cause redness, dark spots, pigmentation, or blisters.
You should avoid UV rays (from the sun or tanning beds) for 12 hours after using grapefruit oil. It is better if you don’t use it if you are going to be out in the sun for a long time.
2. Pregnant Women And Young Children
Pregnant and nursing women should consult their doctor before using this oil. For infants and children (or anybody, for that matter), use only 100% pure essential oil. The maximum concentration of this oil you can use is 4%.
Grapefruit oil benefits you in numerous ways. It aids weight loss, has antibacterial properties, and helps manage anxiety and depression. It also burns flab and cellulite. The oil can be made at home easily. However, it can also increase photosensitivity and may negatively affect pregnant women. It may cause certain side effects in children too. Hence, practice caution and visit your doctor if you experience any adverse effects. Also, ensure you pick good quality grapefruit oil to reap all its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pink and white grapefruit oils?
There is not much difference between pink and white grapefruit oils. The pink one smells sweeter than the white and is used more commonly.
Does grapefruit oil interfere with medication?
No interaction between grapefruit oil and medication has been reported. There are studies about grapefruit juice actively interacting with certain drugs, but this activity is relatively weak in the oil.
Unless you ingest reasonable amounts of the oil, you can safely use it while on medication. The right quantity to ingest is still unclear, but aromatherapy is considered safe in most cases.
Which essential oil is a substitute for grapefruit oil?
Tangerine oil and lemon oil can be good substitutes for grapefruit oil. They have similar physical properties but might have different therapeutic benefits.
- It is better to double check with a physician or the vendor’s safety data sheet before using any essential oil.
References
- “Olfactory stimulation with scent of grapefruit oil affects…” Neuroscience Letters, US National Library of Medicine
- “The Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities…” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, US National Library of Medicine
- “Essential oil of Grape Fruit (Citrus paradisi)…” American journal of Plant Sciences
- “Effect of Aromatherapy massage on…” US National Library of Medicine
- “Essential oil components of orange peels…” US National Library of Medicine
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