A common name for grapefruit is Shaddock, which is also known by the scientific name Citrus paradise. The scientific names Citrus racemosa and Citrus maximum are also other names for grapefruit. In this article we will examine the grapefruit essential oil benefits and its uses.
Grapefruit essential oil is orange-coloured and citrus-scented and is commonly used in aromatherapy. The oil is derived from glands found in the grapefruit peel using cold pressing. The primary elements of grapefruit essential oil are limonene and myrcene. The remaining ingredients are geraniol, linalool, citronellal, decyl acetate, neryl acetate, and terpineol. Reduced blood pressure and stress levels are just a couple of the health benefits that grapefruit essential oil may provide.
Benefits Of Grapefruit Essential Oil
1. Antibacterial Activity
Due to its antibacterial properties, grapefruit aids in the reduction or eradication of dangerous bacterial strains that enter the body through contaminated food, water, or parasites. According to studies, grapefruit oil can even combat virulent bacterial strains like salmonella and E. coli that cause food-borne diseases.
Grapefruit is also used to cleanse water, prevent mould growth, remove parasites in animal feeds, and destroy germs and fungi on the skin and within the body.
The grapefruit-seed extract showed antibacterial activity against all 67 different gram-positive and gram-negative biotypes evaluated in a lab trial that was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
2. Relieves Stress
Grapefruit is an upbeat, calming, and purifying scent. It is well known for reducing stress and promoting emotions of tranquilly and relaxation. By utilising grapefruit oil for aromatherapy in your home or inhaling it can help activate relaxation responses in the brain and even naturally lower blood pressure. Grapefruit vapours can swiftly and effectively carry information to the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotional reactions.
Grapefruit oil, along with other essential oils like peppermint oil, estragon, fennel, and rose essential oil, highly influenced brain activity and relaxation, according to a study that was published in the Journal of Japanese Pharmacology. The study examined the effects of grapefruit oil fragrance inhalation on sympathetic brain activity in healthy adults. The relative sympathetic activity increased 1.5 to 2.5 times in the individuals who inhaled the oils, which lifted their mood and lessened stressful emotions. In addition, they saw a significant drop in systolic blood pressure compared to when they inhaled an odourless solvent.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Citrus essential oils of therapeutic grade are popular for their capacity to promote blood flow and reduce inflammation. Because of grapefruit’s blood vessel-dilating properties, PMS cramps, headaches, bloating, exhaustion, and muscle pain may be treated naturally.
According to research, the limonene compound found in grapefruit and other citrus essential oils is what the body uses to control its natural immune response and to minimise inflammation.
4. Helps with Digestion
Grapefruit essential oil aids in detoxifying the body because it increases blood flow to the digestive system’s organs, including the bladder, liver, stomach, and kidneys. It improves digestion, can aid in reducing fluid retention, and battles microorganisms in the gut, intestines, and other digestive organs.
Drinking grapefruit juice supports the pathways that aid in metabolic detoxification, according to a scientific review published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism.
5. Helps with Weight Loss
Although there are few studies in this area, grapefruit essential oil might aid with weight loss. However, grapefruit essential oil applied topically has been proven to help people lose weight.
One study looked at the effects of abdominal essential oil massages on weight loss in postmenopausal women. Five days a week, participants rubbed their bellies twice, and once a week, they each had a full body aromatherapy massage with 3% grapefruit oil, cypress, and three additional oils. After the six-week research, the group utilising the essential oils had reduced waist circumference in addition to abdominal fat. Nonetheless, more research needs to prove such thing.
6. Eases Hangover Symptoms
Being a potent liver and gallbladder stimulant, grapefruit oil can help prevent migraines, alcoholic-induced cravings, and sluggishness. It serves to improve urination and detoxification while reducing cravings that may arise as a result of hormonal and blood sugar changes brought on by alcohol consumption.
7. Enhances Mood
Grapefruit oil, one of the most often used oils in aromatherapy, can improve your mental focus and act as a natural mood booster. Its energising qualities make it beneficial for relieving headaches, weariness, brain fog, mental exhaustion, and even bad moods when inhaled.
Research also suggests that grapefruit essential oil suppresses acetylcholinesterase activity, also known as AChE, according to a research carried out by the Department of Applied Chemistry at Kinki University in Japan. AChE metabolises the neurotransmitter acetylcholine within the brain and is located largely at neuromuscular junctions and brain synapses. Because grapefruit prevents AChE from degrading acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter’s level and duration of action rise, which elevates a person’s mood.
8. Improves Hair Health
According to laboratory tests, grapefruit oil possesses antibacterial properties and makes usually resistant germs more susceptible. Because of this, adding grapefruit oil to your shampoo or conditioner may aid in properly cleansing your hair and scalp. You can also use grapefruit oil to create volume and gloss while lessening oily hair.
Precautions
Photosensitivity: Certain essential oils, particularly citrus oils, may increase photosensitivity and burn if applied prior to exposure to the sun.
Pregnancy: Although some essential oils seem to be safe to use during pregnancy, it is advised that you consult with your doctor first.
Pets: The effects of using essential oils topically or using them in aromatherapy may extend to domestic pets.
Uses Of Grapefruit Essential Oil
You can inhale, use topically, and utilise grapefruit essential oil internally.
Aromatherapy
You can breath in grapefruit oil directly from the container or spread around your home using an oil diffuser. To assist the body in releasing bloating and retained water, headaches, tension, and depression, try this method by breathing grapefruit vapours.
Topically
Additionally, you should dilute grapefruit oil with equal proportions of a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying it to your skin. Mix the two, then apply the mixture to any painful muscles, acne-prone skin, or area of your stomach that needs it.
Internally
It is only advised to use a very high-quality, pure grade oil brand when using grapefruit oil internally. You can mix 1-2 drops with honey or a smoothie to consume it as a dietary supplement or add a drop to your glass of water. FDA approval is required, but only if you use a therapeutic-grade essential oil that is 100% pure and made exclusively from grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) rind oil.
Final Thoughts
Common applications for grapefruit essential oil include aromatherapy and topical usage. According to research, utilising this citrus oil may help to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and balance mood. Also, the antibacterial and antimicrobial characteristics of grapefruit essential oil may aid in the treatment of several ailments, including acne and stomach ulcers.
To learn more about grapefruit essential oil benefits, you can check Healthline and Dr. Axe. Finally you can check Aromavibes for a wide range of essential oils.