Grapefruit / Citrus paradise Infomation

NAME
Grapefruit

LATIN NAME
Citrus paradisi

ALSO KNOWN AS
The shaddock fruit

ORIGIN
Native to tropical Asia

PARTS USED
Peel of fruit

TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Grapefruit essential oil has an uplifting and refreshing aroma. It's latin name paradisi indicates its traditional use, which is to uplift, to "take to paradise". It is used for banishing sadness, apathy and nervous exhaustion. It is indicated for use in the case of dark moods and lack of enthusiasm. Grapefruit essential oil is a great aid in treating depression.

Grapefruit essential oil is also detoxifying to all the bodies systems, it is particually cleansing and stimulating to the lymphatic system and the kidneys. It can be used in the case of over indulgence and is a great hangover cure.

Grapefruit is good for tonifying the skin, particually problem skin. It is also used to break down cellulite when applied topically.

As a natural diuretic it can assist the detoxification process of the body by relieving fluid retention, and acting as a tonic for the kidneys.

Grapefruit essential oil is also the oil to use when treating exhaustion, including nervous, emotional and physical exhaustion.

PREPARATIONS:
Grapefruit essential oil can be used in the bath for relieving tiredness, stress, apathy and nervous exhaustion or it can be vapourised in an oil burner to create an uplifting and rejuvenating atmosphere. It can be added to a massage oil and used as a detoxifying rub, and when added to a face cream it can be used for problem skin. See How to use Essential Oils

ESSENTIAL OIL NOTE
Top note

BLENDS WELL WITH
For detoxification:
Grapefruit, Fennel, Juniper berry and Cypress.

For overindulgence:
Grapefruit, Peppermint, Fennel & Ginger.

To lift the mood:
Grapefruit, Frankinsence, Bergamot & other citrus oils.

To relieve exhaustion:
Grapefruit, Marjoram, Black pepper, Ylang ylang, Rosemary & Lavender.

AROMA
Refreshing & Citrus.

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
The grapefruit was originally cultivated in the West Indies in the 18th centuary where it was known as the shaddock fruit.

CONSTITUENTS
Monoterpenes as limonene, Aldehydes as citronellal, citral, sinensal, esters as geranyl acetate, alcohols as paradisol, geraniol, ketones, lactones and coumarins, limettin, sesquiterpenes as cadidene.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Grapefruit essential oil can be used in the bath, or vapourised in an oil burner. It can be added to a massage oil or cream. Use 6-8 drops per bath and 10 -18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. See Essential Oil Dosage Chart

PRECAUTIONS
None known. Avoid exposure to sunlight on skin after topical application. Avoid in epilepsy and pregnancy.