7 Benefits and Uses of Grapefruit Essential Oil

1. Has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties:
   • Grapefruit is well-known for its ability to support a healthy metabolism through its limonene content.
   • Various in vitro (test-tube) and in vivo (animal) studies have reported the ability of grapefruit to exhibit antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
   • A study suggested that this oil is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a group of bacteria that are hard to treat due to their naturally stronger resistance to everyday antibiotics.
   • Test-tube studies have reported that this oil is effective against potentially harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli.
2. Helps lower blood pressure:
   • Hypertension affects one in four Americans and is triggered by stress and an unhealthy lifestyle.
   • Some researchers suggest that aromatherapy in conjunction with prescription medications may help control blood pressure and stress levels.
   • Inhaling the vapor of heated grapefruit and lavender essential oil has immediate and long-term positive effects on people with hypertension.
   • Moreover, these essential oils help decrease cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress.
3. Prevents and treats skin ailments:
   • Grapefruit essential oil can effectively heal the skin and provide a barrier against bacteria.
   • It contributes to healthy skin by preventing and treating skin conditions, such as acne, because of its refreshing aroma and potent antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
   • This oil helps improve the appearance of blemishes when applied topically.
   • In addition, researchers concluded that grapefruit essential oil has some antibacterial activity against P acnes, a bacterium commonly associated with the development of acne.
4. Rich in antioxidants:
   • Studies have reported that grapefruit essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which help the body fight cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
   • Research suggests that grapefruit essential oil can effectively fight fungal strains, such as Candida albicans, especially in people with a weakened immune system.
5. Helps uplift mood:
   • Studies suggest that aromatherapy is a beneficial complementary therapy for balancing mood and relieving anxiety.
   • Diffused grapefruit essential oil contains limonene that invokes a sense of clarity and helps to alleviate the mood.
6. Promotes weight loss:
   • Grapefruit essential oil adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to food and beverages and may provide circulatory and lymphatic support and help support healthy weight management when taken internally.
   • One animal study reported that the scent of grapefruit essential oil stimulated the breakdown of fat tissue and led to a reduction in food intake.
   • A human study reported that its use in massage therapy may help reduce abdominal fat and waist circumference.
7. Suppresses appetite:
   • One animal study suggested that the scent of grapefruit essential oil helps reduce appetite, food intake, and body weight by increasing activity in the gastric vagal nerve, which plays an important role in stimulating the production of stomach juices needed for digestion.
   • However, the same effect is not confirmed in humans.

Essential oils are widely utilized as natural medicinal components of plants.

Grapefruit essential oil contains mixtures of volatile compounds, predominantly monoterpenes, and some sesquiterpenes, which are responsible for their characteristic aroma.

Limonene, a major compound in grapefruit essential oil can dissolve oils, which makes it a common ingredient in hand cleansers.

It may help prevent stomach ulcers caused by the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H pylori).

Grapefruit essential oil blends well with frankincense, ylang-ylang, geranium, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and bergamot essential oils, which can provide additional body and mind benefits.

Experts suggest that grapefruit leaves and peels should be incorporated as an essential part of the diet because it has nutritional supplements and helps reduce the risks of several illnesses.

The simplest ways to use grapefruit essential oil include:

• Inhaling the fragrance of grapefruit oil directly from the bottle relieves stress and headaches.
• Combine grapefruit oil with carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and rub it topically on sore muscles.
• Mix one to two drops of grapefruit oil with half a teaspoon of jojoba or coconut oil and apply to the acne-affected region.

Grapefruit essential oil is safe to use topically or via inhalation for most people. However, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Internal consumption: Essential oils are proven to be safe when used after dilution on the skin or inhaled when heated, but they are toxic and can be fatal in high doses if ingested.
• Photosensitivity: The use of citrus essential oils enhances photosensitivity and may cause sunburn.
• Pregnancy: Essential oils have been used by many women to help with the stress and anxiety of pregnancy, but it is recommended to consult with the doctor before using them.
• Infants and children: It is best to check with a healthcare provider before using essential oils on children due to safety concerns.
• Pets: They can be more sensitive to essential oils than humans.