Characteristics of Grapefruit

The grapefruit – Citrus paradisi – is an evergreen fruit tree belonging to the large citrus family. It has dense foliage and can reach a height of 4–5 meters. Under ideal cultivation conditions, the tree’s lifespan can reach 50 years.
Its edible fruits are harvested three years after planting; they are large in size with yellow or reddish-yellow color, depending on the variety. Its characteristic taste is intensely sour, bitter, astringent and slightly sweet. It is a rich source of vitamin C, after lemon and orange.

Grapefruit essential oil is extracted from the fresh peel of the fruit, from the thick flesh that encloses the juice, using the cold-press method. The ideal time for producing the essential oil is when the fruit is properly ripe and the peel is still firm with an intense color.

History of Grapefruit

The tree appeared in tropical countries, as for its growth it chooses warm, sandy soils. When its fruits are fully developed, they hang close to each other, resembling bunches of grapes. This is, after all, the reason it was given the name grapefruit.
The ancestors of the tree come from Indonesia and Malaysia and its cultivation began relatively recently, around the mid-1600s and onwards. Later, in the early 1800s, America adopted the grapefruit and its cultivation started slowly, since the fruit’s bitter-sour taste did not favor consumption. Over time, people who consumed the fruit noticed a significant improvement in their health
in issues related to detoxification, fluid retention, intestinal parasites, etc.
Thus it began to be consumed in juice, combined with other citrus fruits such as orange and mandarin.

Ingredients

Grapefruit essential oil from the peel of the fruit, obtained by cold pressing.

Chemical composition of grapefruit essential oil:

Sesquiterpenes, 90% D-limonene (limonene, a substance from the monoterpene group that gives the characteristic aroma), Vitamin C, citronellal, geraniol, α-pinene, myrcene, terpineol, sabinene, decyl acetate, neryl acetate.

Directions for use

- Added to therapeutic products for the treatment of acne. Its astringent property effectively addresses skin oiliness and regulates the secretion of the sebaceous gland, while its antiseptic capacity limits the spread and recurrence of acne.
- Add a few drops of grapefruit, cypress and cedar essential oils to a blend of argan oil and grape seed oil to combat cellulite. Grapefruit essential oil enhances decongestion of the lymphatic system and the elimination of excess fluids. In this way it significantly improves the appearance of orange peel skin.

Consult our pharmacist for the appropriate formulation.

- To combat nail fungal infections, add 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil and 2 drops of tea tree into warm water during a foot bath.
- The antiparasitic properties of the fruit help cleanse the intestine and restore the microbiome. The essential oil can be used, after specific processing, to address bloating, gas and parasites.
- To give a sense of freshness to your home, put 2 drops of grapefruit and lemon essential oil in an oil burner.
- It blends very well with lavender, rosemary, bergamot, cypress, juniper, geranium and lemon essential oils.

Chinese medicine - Ayurveda

In Eastern medicine, grapefruit essential oil is considered cooling, soothing, and expectorant, as it expels phlegm. Its aroma and overall properties increase the air element and reduce the fire and earth elements. Its energetic nature enhances self-control, discipline and connection with the spirit.
Ayurvedic recipe for swollen joints with a burning sensation:
Dilute a few drops of grapefruit essential oil in almond oil and gently massage the painful joints early in the morning.