Grapefruit Essential Oil
The Properties and Use of Grapefruit Oil in Aromatherapy
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) belongs to the Rutaceae plant family; it is thought to be a hybrid of pumello fruit (Citrus maxima) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Grapefruit is native to tropical Asia; it is believed that the pumello fruit was brought to Europe by early medieval Arab traders and cross-pollinated with sweet orange in the West Indies, where both plant species were introduced, resulting in the birth of the grapefruit. However, there are no records to verify the grapefruit's exact origins.
Cultivation and Characteristics of the Grapefruit
The grapefruit is today cultivated in Florida, California, Brazil and Israel where the essential oil is also produced; California is the main producer of grapefruit essential oil. In Israel, grapefruit is used for many ailments and is treated with the same respect that lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is given by the English.
The cultivated grapefruit tree grows to over 33 feet in height; it has green, glossy leaves, large, round, yellow fruits and white, aromatic flowers which are star-shaped. The essential oil of grapefruit is obtained by the cold expression of the fresh peel of the fruit; it has a fresh, sweet citrus aroma.
Phototoxicity of Grapefruit Oil
It is thought that Grapefruit essential oil is not phototoxic, unlike most of the other citrus oils; although Grapefruit oil does contain furocoumarins, which are responsible for phototoxic effects, it also contains other chemical components which appear to neutralize the potential phototoxicity. Therefore, it is a good alternative oil to use in place of other similar citrus oils, as it shares the same properties as other citrus oils.
The Properties of Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit essential oil is anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, detoxifying, anti-depressant, immune boosting, skin-toning and mentally rejuvenating. It is used to treat acne, oily skin, cellulite, muscle stiffness, water retention, obesity, colds, flu, depression, headaches, jet-lag, stress and nervous exhaustion. It is good for use in a diffuser to disinfect a room.
The Use of Grapefruit
Grapefruit is known as a 'happy' oil due to its uplifting qualities and is liked by children for this reason; it is said to improve concentration and self-confidence. It is used in aromatherapy spa treatments to improve lymphatic drainage and to ease muscle stiffness, by dispersing lactic acids.
Grapefruit is also used as a fragrance component in the perfumery industry, in soaps, cosmetics and detergents; it is used in both the food and drinks industry too. Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and is cultivated in southern Europe and Israel for the extraction of its juice and the canning of its fruit.
Cautionary Note
As with the use of all essential oils, care should be taken and a medical practitioner consulted if any medication is currently being taken by a person. Grapefruit juice is thought to interact with many prescription medications, sometimes adversely, and therefore it is wise to consult a medical practitioner before using grapefruit essential oil too, in case of any contra-indicators. Any person belonging to a 'high risk' group should take particular caution when combining prescription and natural medications, particularly if unfamilar with the product.
References:
Davis, Patricia 1999 Aromatherapy An A-Z UK: Vermilion
Harding, Jennie 2005 Aromatherapy Massage For You London, UK: Duncan Baird Publishers
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils London, UK: Element
Essential Oil From The Grapefruit
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