Ever heard of Essential oils? Essential oils are derived from natural sources and get the name from the plants they are sourced from. They are known for their therapeutic properties, which offer soothing relief to the body and mind with their distinct aroma. One such oil known for it’s tangy, fruity scent is the Grapefruit oil. Extracted from the Grapefruit, the oil is widely used in aromatherapy to treat many health problems like mood swings, depression and even headaches. Let’s explore Grapefruit essential oil benefits and how to use it.
What is Grapefruit Oil?
Grapefruit essential oil is a natural oil obtained from the peel of Citrus Paradisi fruit, commonly known as Grapefruit. Also known as Chakotra in Hindi, this oil has a wonderful fruity aroma. It belongs to the family of citrus oils and is known for its wide range of benefits for a healthy body and mind.
Is Grapefruit Oil Safe?
As with any other essential oil, Grapefruit oil must be used only topically. It is dangerous to consume this oil internally and can lead to toxicity. Also, pure grapefruit oil is highly concentrated and must be used along with other carrier oils like coconut oil and olive oil. Using the undiluted oil directly on the skin can lead to burns, rashes and other reactions. Grapefruit oil also causes photo-sensitivity in many people. It is better to use with great caution if you are stepping out in the sun.
How Does Grapefruit Oil Work?
The funda behind any aromatherapy oil is that their distinct scent stimulates the brain functions when inhaled. Grapefruit oil works precisely in the same way. By smelling the oil or rubbing it on the skin, the brain transmits messages to the area that controls our emotions. It can trigger positive reactions and helps us overcome extreme feelings including depression, restlessness, stress, etc.,
How To Make Grapefruit Oil At Home?
The easiest way to get Grapefruit oil is, buy it from a reputed essential oils brand. However, you can also make it at home by following the steps given below:
Things You Need:
- Grapefruits with Thick Skin – 2
- Spoon
- Grater
- Cheesecloth or strainer
- Container
- Carrier Oil Like Coconut or Olive
Process:
- Wash the grapefruit with plain water thoroughly.
- Peel the grapefruit and scrape off the white layer from the skin using a spoon.
- Dry these peels in a dehydrator, or you can also sun dry them for a couple of days.
- Place the dry peels in little carrier oil and warm up the mixture for at least 8 hours.
- This concentrated oil can now be strained and transferred into a container.
Note: The oil obtained through this method is quite strong and cannot be used directly in any of the remedies. You must use it along with a carrier oil to reduce its potency.
How To Use Grapefruit Oil?
Grapefruit oil can be used for external application or in a diffuser. If you are looking for massage therapy, the oil is mixed with a carrier oil before applying it on the skin. For aromatherapy, you can add a few drops of grapefruit oil in an electric, weed or a candle diffuser to enjoy the fantastic smell.
Wonderful Grapefruit Oil Benefits:
Read on to know more about the Grapefruit oil uses for skin, hair and health.
Health Benefits Of Grapefruit Oil:
Here we enlisted top 13 health benefits of grapefruit oil. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Immunity Booster:
Grapefruit oil is rich in antioxidants that offer protection from oxidative damage to the cell. Compounds like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Lycopene help in fighting free radicals and strengthening the immune system. Use a diffuser to inhale the vapours of this oil. You can use along with carrier oils like Olive oil to massage it on the skin.
2. Treating Menstrual Cramps:
Grapefruit oil works like a wonder on menstrual cramps. Just add 2-3 drops of grapefruit essential oil with a little amount of carrier oil. Massage it on your lower back and abdomen. This will surely give you relief from menstrual cramps. You can even use grapefruit oil in a hot compress to obtain relief.
3. Grapefruit Oil Uses For Weight Loss:
Grapefruit oil has fat-dissolving properties and may aid in losing weight. Inhaling grapefruit oil directly from the bottle just before having a meal can cut down one’s appetite. While grapefruit directly cannot be used as a dietary supplement or fat burner, it just acts as an agent to curb your sugar and food cravings.
4. Relief From Sore Throat:
Grapefruit oil is used to get relief from a dry throat. Take a cup of warm water and add 1-2 drops of grapefruit oil and gargle with it. Be careful not to swallow this mixture, as it is quite toxic. After gargling, you must wash your mouth thoroughly to make sure the residue of the oil doesn’t stick to the floor or roof of the mouth.
5. The Anti-Depressant:
Grapefruit essential oil is an excellent anti-depressant; It stimulates specific hormones that can trigger positive emotions. Grapefruit oil has a calming and comforting effect on the body that results in tackling nervousness, anxiety, stress, and depression. Next time you face a hard day, keep a grapefruit oil bottle handy to control your emotions faster!
See More: Grapefruit Benefits
6. As a Digestive Aid:
Grapefruit oil is shown to improve digestion and also treat stomach disorders like nausea. You can use it by inhaling the vapours from a diffuser or even massing a mixture of Grapefruit and carrier oils on the stomach region. Mild compression can aid in smooth digestion and also reduce gas.
7. Relief From Hangover:
Partied hard last night and unable to come out of your hangover? Try inhaling the aroma of grapefruit oil to get instant relief. The scent of this oil controls certain brain functions and makes your body alert and active.
8. As a Disinfectant:
Grapefruit essential oil is regarded as a strong disinfectant as it has properties like anti-microbial and anti-viral. They can be used to protect the body from infections both internal and external infections, particularly from acne, cuts, bruises, stomach, intestinal, urinary, colon and kidney infections.
9. The Diuretic Properties:
Grapefruit essential oil removes extra water, fats, uric acid and sodium from the body by flushing them out through urination. And thus maintains and reduce the blood pressure, keeps the heart healthy and cure urinary tract infections. It also helps in cleaning unhealthy deposits of the kidneys and protects them against any kind of infection. Grapefruit oil is believed to be excellent for people with renal calculi, arthritis, blood urea and cellulite.
10. Prevent Skin Cancer:
Grapefruit oil with its anti-oxidant properties is known to reduce the chances of skin cancer. By massaging it along with a carrier oil on skin regularly, you can attain clear, glowing skin. Along with cancer, you can also prevent other ailments like eczema, blemishes and dark spots.
See More: Amla Oil Uses
11. Removes Toxins:
Grapefruit oil helps in flushing the toxins out by aiding in smooth digestion which can lead to smooth bowel movements. People who suffer from poor digestion due to anxiety issues can benefit greatly from Grapefruit oil.
Grapefruit Oil For Skin:
Here we enlisted top grapefruit oil benefits for the skin. Let’s have a look into them.
12. Treat Acne & Prevent Aging:
Grapefruit essential oil is good for skin and is quite effective in treating acne. Take a few drops of grapefruit essential oil in a cotton ball and apply it by dabbing it slowly over the affected area. You can also form a mixture by putting the grapefruit oil and carrier oil together, and then apply this mixture in the same way as mentioned above. Grapefruit oil for face is also used for the treatment of ageing and other skin problems.
Grapefruit Oil For Hair:
Here we enlisted top grapefruit oil benefits for hair. Let’s have a look into them.
13. Treat Scalp Infections & Dandruff:
Grapefruit oil is full of vitamin C and Vitamin A which is very important for hair’s health; A head massage can enhance the blood circulation of the scalp that helps hair growth. Using grapefruit oil on hair is useful for taking care of scalp infections and dandruff.
Side Effects Of Grapefruit Oil:
Along with knowing the benefits of Grapefruit oil, it is also important to understand it’s dangers:
- Grapefruit oil must be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- Never use the oil undiluted, as it can lead to severe burns.
- Grapefruit oil can be lethal if consumed internally.
- Avoid its usage if you are stepping out in the sun, as the oil can increase UV damage.
- Do not use the oil directly on the skin without doing a patch test.
See More: Ginger Oil Uses
We hope you have now understood the wonderful health benefits of Grapefruit oil. It’s time you recreate a spa-like environment in your house by getting a small diffuser and filling your home with this citrusy scent. It is also a great way to wrap up a hectic day with this aroma that works like magic on your mind. What are you waiting for? Try this wonderful oil now and let us know what you feel about it!
