Grapefruit oil can be used to help with a long list of medical conditions. If you are looking for a more natural way to treat your body and mind, whether it be anxiety, inflammation or acne, grapefruit oil can be an alternative and effective treatment. Remember to always test the oil before applying on large areas of the body and always consume in moderation and never by itself.
As with any essential oil, quality is of the utmost importance. A high quality oil will be distilled from ingredients that were grown without the use of chemical pesticides, harvested correctly and were extracted correctly to preserve oil molecules. The provider of your oil should stand behind their product and should have conducted third-party testing of every batch to ensure quality. Here is a brief introduction to conditions that grapefruit oil may be able to help with.
As An Anxiety Reliever
The smell of grapefruit oil alone can help to instantly push your mood into a more positive light. Because of its abilities to create a happy and relaxed feeling, it is often used to treat individuals suffering from depression or chronic anxiety. Many people use the oil to reduce pulse rate and provide an overall calming effect throughout the body. You can also use the oil to help with fear, mental exhaustion and nervous tension. One of the best ways to benefit from grapefruit oil is to diffuse it throughout the room. This can be done at night when trying to wind down or before a long day to put your mind in the best possible mindset. Try adding several drops to a a hot bath for a spa like experience that is sure to have positive results. When you’re on the go, rub a drop of oil in between your hands and run through your hair or rub on your temples to keep the smell with you all day.
As A Preventative Cancer Agent
Several scientific studies have found that grapefruit oil may someday prove to be an effective and natural cancer treatment. It contains flavonoids, which help the body to fight infections and also rid itself of carcinogens that can cause cancer. It has shown the most promise with prostate, colon and lung cancers.
As A Detoxifying Agent
Adding a few drops of grapefruit oil to a glass of water at night can help to active the body’s natural detoxification system. It has been estimated that our bodies carry at least 700 different toxins, of which many have had very little research conducted on their effects. We inhale these toxins, consume them and absorb them through our skin through contact. Using grapefruit oil to begin a detox can give your body what it needs to heal damage and eliminate these toxins.
As A Weight Loss Aid
Both grapefruit juice and oil have been linked to weight loss and this is one of the most common ways that the oil is used. A 2005 study found that simply inhaling the oil decreased appetite and hunger in lab rats. While there has been limited research conducted with human subjects, many people add a drop of grapefruit oil to a glass of water in the morning and report that it helps to keep their cravings at bay throughout the day.
As An Antioxidant Provider
Grapefruits are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins. Both of these can help to reduce damage caused to your body by high levels of free radicals. They can also help cells to regenerate quicker, improving your appearance and also the functions of inner organs.
As A Natural Cosmetic
Grapefruit essential oil is a great ingredient in lotions, face washes, shampoos and other body products. When applied to the skin, it can help remove bacteria that can cause breakouts and also remove excess oil without drying the skin. It is great for your hair and can be used to treat oily hair and when mixed with aloe vera and glycerin, it becomes a great natural hair detangler. The oil can also be used to strip away chemicals that have built up in your hair. It can also fight dandruff and add plenty of shine to your hair while promoting healthy growth as well.
As An Disinfectant
Grapefruit oil can be used in homemade household cleaners or even added to store bought products to add a great scent and extra boost of cleaning power. It can also be used in a diffuser to eliminate bacteria in the air and remove unpleasant odors. The oil can also be made into a cream to place on cuts and wounds to help prevent infection. If a mild infection is present, the cream will help to eliminate it and speed the healing process.
As A Cooking Agent
Grapefruit oil doesn’t have to stay in the bathroom medicine cabinet. It can also be added to plenty of dishes in the kitchen. The oil adds a sweet taste and can add a unique flavor profile to lighter dishes, like salads and fruit bowls. It also works great in cakes and cookies or icings. As long as the oil is of a high quality it can be added in lieu of grapefruit zest or juice. Remember that oil is much more potent than juice or any other part of a fresh grapefruit so use sparingly. Often a drop or even half a drop is all that’s needed.
As A Sleeping Aid
If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for long periods of time, you may be suffering from insomnia. Most people are affected by insomnia at some point in their life and although it isn’t usually permanent it can cause a domino effect of health problems. Grapefruit oil may help get your body back on a regular sleep schedule. The calming effects of grapefruit oil combined with its sedative qualities can help someone fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Try diffusing the oil throughout the entire room or placing a few drops on pillow cases or sheets, as long as the oil doesn’t come into direct contact with the skin.
