Grapefruit Oil
Tips on Using Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit oil comes from the rinds of grapefruits and is a byproduct of the production of grapefruit juice. It is considered to have many uses, both topically and internally (usually mixed with water or another substance). A ton of grapefruit produces about 1-½ pounds of essential grapefruit oil.
Grapefruit oil is used in many ways, from fat reduction to aromatherapy. It can be rubbed into the skin during massage to decrease cellulite. It can help cleanse the skin and aids in the treatment of several skin conditions, including acne. In aromatherapy, grapefruit scent is said to be uplifting and energizing. Inhaling the fragrance of the oil has resulted in feelings of well-being and euphoria. Some people claim that grapefruit oil is good for weight loss because inhaling it can reduce cravings for certain foods and suppress the appetite.
White, pink and red grapefruit oil is produced and usually is readily available to consumers. A “Sweetie” grapefruit oil is produced by Israel, and is quite popular because its cost is roughly only ten percent of what U.S. oil costs. Grapefruit oil is used in the production of perfumes, but because of the high cost, is now an ingredient in only the most expensive fragrances.
The availability of grapefruit oil can sometimes be a problem due to weather conditions that affect grapefruit production. For instance, in 2004 hurricanes greatly reduced the grapefruit crop in Florida, which produces four tons of grapefruit oil every year. Some of the oil that was imported from other countries, including those in South America and South Africa was found to be synthetic, and many people who use grapefruit oil for such purposes as aromatherapy were unable to recognize the substitute product.
It is known that eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can have an adverse effect on the way certain medications are handled by the body. Drugs with “statin” at the end of their names are not properly absorbed when grapefruit or its juices are present. One example of this negative interaction is the drug, lovostatin, which is used to treat high cholesterol.
It is not known if use of grapefruit oil can produce the same effects, but caution is advised if you take any of these medications and plan to use grapefruit oil, either topically or by ingestion. Check with your medical doctor or other health professional before using any type of grapefruit product.
There are several ways grapefruit oil can be used--in vaporizers or burners, added to massage oils or bath water, or used in a skin cream, wash or lotion. Many people report results that include help for depression, headaches, hangovers, flu and cold, cellulite, plus tiredness, both physical and mental.