Great importance is attached to Essential oils as these have life-enhancing benefits. These are used to enhance beauty but also have several health benefits. One among these is Grapefruit essential oil which is a tangy, sour orange-looking fruit, and citrusy aroma. 

Grapefruit Essential Oil is extracted from the peel of the grapefruit plant, scientifically known as Citrus paradisi. It is extracted through the cold-pressing method. It is known to provide several benefits due to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. These help to reduce oxidative stress and disease-causing inflammation.

Importance of Grapefruit in Ayurveda

Grapefruit is considered sweet, bitter, and has a cooling fruit. It is great to increase bile(Pitta) and mucus (Kapha). Grapefruits are said to balance excess Vata in the body. Rich in vitamin C, grapefruits are also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, bioflavonoids, and potassium.

Benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil

Disinfecting surfaces-

Grapefruit essential oil has potent antibacterial and anti-microbial properties which can effectively be beneficial for disinfecting surfaces and eliminating harmful bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli).

Cleansing the body-

Grapefruit essential oil can be great for providing smooth and glowing skin. For this, combine it with a salt body scrub and enjoy a rich home spa experience that provides smooth-looking skin.

Used as a flavoring agent-

Grapefruit oil can be used to add a citrus flavor to water, meals, seltzer, and smoothies too.

Reducing depression-

Grapefruit has a fresh, invigorating aroma that uplifts a person’s mood by promoting feelings of joy, satisfaction, and joviality. It can be used in the kitchen, living room, or office in diffusers or applied topically.

Improves Hair Health-

Grapefruit oil has antibacterial properties that enhance the susceptibility of microorganisms that are normally resistant. This extremely beneficial oil may help to cleanse your hair and scalp thoroughly. Just add a few drops to the shampoo or conditioner. It can also reduce greasiness and add volume and shine to the hair.

Fight Acne-

Grapefruit essential oil helps to reduce greasiness that results in acne and blemishes. It may also be useful for keeping the skin’s immunity strong against indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Curbing sugar cravings-

Grapefruit oil may reduce sugar cravings due to the presence of Limonene, one of the primary components in grapefruit oil. It is known to balance blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. A study conducted on rats shows that grapefruit oil affects the autonomic nervous system, which acts to regulate functions related to how we handle stress and digestion.

Helps in weight loss-

When applied topically or inhaled, grapefruit oil can lower cravings and hunger, which makes a person consume less which leads to losing weight fast in a healthy way.

Side-effects of Grapefruit Essential Oil

• Applying grapefruit essential oil may increase your sensitivity to UV rays emitted by the sun which may pose a risk of skin cancer.
• Pregnant women and children should consult a doctor before using essential oils.
• Make sure to blend the grapefruit essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil.
• People with sensitive skin may experience irritation or an allergic reaction when applying grapefruit essential oil. Therefore, it is always recommended to carry a skin patch test before using any new essential oil.
• Grapefruit essential oil should not be taken ingested without the supervision of a health professional as it may have toxic effects.

Where is it Cultivated?

Grapefruit originated from Jamaica. It is found throughout the world including South Africa, United States, Brazil, and Israel. The grapefruit tree is about 20 feet tall with dense foliage. Since the fruit grows in grape-like clusters, it is known as the grapefruit.