Grapefruit essential oil is not new, it’s been used for hundreds of years because of its healing benefits. Eating a grapefruit provides the body with many essential nutrients and health benefits. The oil has many healing applications too. The oil is produced by cold pressing the rind. What makes this citrus fruit unique? It has oil glands located deeper in the peel than other fruits in the citrus family. The slightly more complicated extraction process is what makes it a little more expensive than its cousins lemon and orange essential oils. Grapefruit EO smells just like the fruit; a bit zesty, bitter and fresh. But what is grapefruit oil good for? Turns out there are lots of benefits and many ways to use the essential oil.
Ways to Use Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit should not be applied directly to the skin. It needs to be diluted with a carrier oil before it is used topically. There are several carrier oils suitable for diluting grapefruit EO including coconut, almond, avocado, or jojoba oil. Once it is diluted, it is safe, but it should not be applied to skin right before exposure to strong sunlight. This can cause some skin irritation.
Many of its benefits can be obtained by diffusing it. It’s widely used in aromatherapy. It is also beneficial when added to bath water.
Tips for What Grapefruit Oil is Good For
There are a lot of things grapefruit oil is good for. Perhaps you’ve already heard how good it is for things like fighting fatigue, curing infections, weight loss, and helping improve arthritis. It’s a natural detoxification agent, disinfectant, antibacterial, and stimulant. These qualities broaden the range of benefits. Here are the top 6 ways to benefit from grapefruit EO.
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Boost Energy and Mood –This is one of the most popular ways grapefruit EO is used in aromatherapy. When diffused, the oil can increase mental focus and provide a natural pick-me-up. The stimulating effects make it an effective tool for relieving headaches, mental fatigue, brain fog, and poor moods. It’s ability to reduce sluggishness may be a remedy for conditions like adrenal fatigue and depression.
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Improve Skin and Complexion – You may have already seen many skin care products like lotions and soaps that contain citrus essential oils. This is due to their ability to fight aging and bacteria. Bacteria mixes with oil excreted from the skin to cause acne and skin blemishes. Diluting it and applying it to your skin may help fight acne and keep your skin’s immunity strengthened.
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Eliminate or Prevent Infections – Grapefruit EO has antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. These qualities make it a good choice for disinfecting surfaces. The oil kills bacteria and fungus like mold. It is useful for making your own powerful household cleaner.
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Manage or Reduce Stress – The scent of grapefruit oil is clarifying, uplifting, and soothing. It can help relieve stress and promote feelings of relaxation and peace. Some suggest when it is diffused, it helps to turn on responses in the brain that induce relaxation. This may be beneficial for lowering blood pressure in many people.
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Improve Hair Health – The antibacterial properties in grapefruit EO make it beneficial for hair health. It can be added to shampoo or conditioner to thoroughly cleanse the scalp. It may be useful for reducing oily hair while also adding both shine and volume. It may also provide some protection for colored hair.
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Eliminate Unpleasant Odors – Oftentimes, the kitchen and bathroom areas can present unpleasant odors in your home. Diffusing five drops of grapefruit oil can help eliminate strong odors. While it is powerful on its own, it can also be used along with other citrus oils like lemon EO and orange EO. These work together to form a potent remedy for eliminating odor-causing bacteria from the air. You may also use a little bit of grapefruit oil on countertops, wooden surfaces, flooring, or on appliances to naturally kill odors and bacteria.
Recipes Using Grapefruit Oil
Moisturizing Hair Serum
Ingredients:
- 20 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 2 teaspoons of argan oil
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin seed oil
Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a glass dropper bottle and mix well.
- To use the moisturizer put a few drops in the palms of your hands and rub them together. Work the mixture into your hair. Your hair can be wet or dry. Start at the ends and work your way up. Don’t use too much as it can cause the hair to look limp and greasy.
Grapefruit Oil Bath Bomb
Ingredients:
- A cup of baking soda
- ½ cup of citric acid
- 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tablespoon of beet juice
- 4 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- At least one teaspoon of water
Directions:
- Combine the baking soda, Epsom salts, and citric acid in a large bowl and mix well.
- In a small bowl combine the beet juice, melted coconut oil, and grapefruit oil and mix well.
- Slowly combine by adding the wet ingredients to the dry ones. Use a whisk to combine the two until it is a crumbly consistency.
- Use either a mold or an ice cream scoop to shape into balls. If the mixture doesn’t stick together to form a ball, add a little more water. Add one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Allow the bath bombs to dry overnight (at least 12 hours).
- Drop into warm bath water and enjoy the bubbles and scent.
Easy Grapefruit Oil Body Wash
Ingredients:
- 50 to 60 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 2/3 cup of liquid castile soap
- ¼ cup of raw honey
- 2 teaspoons of the carrier oil of your choice
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a squirt bottle and mix well.
- Squirt the body wash onto a washcloth or bath pouf or pour directly on the skin. Lather up and enjoy!
- Remember to mix well before each use.
Skin Tightening Lotion
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Fill a glass jar half full of the shea butter or lotion.
- Add one of the oils to the lotion and mix thoroughly before adding the next oil. Continue until they are all added in and mixed in well.
- Fill the rest of the jar with more shea butter or lotion.
- Apply to the skin as desired.
