Health and Beauty: Health Benefit of Grapefruit Essential oil

What Is Grapefruit Oil?

Grapefruit is known by its scientific names Citrus Racemosa and Citrus Maxima. The latter as given to larger varieties to emphasize their size.

The history and origin of grapefruit is shrouded in mystery. However, some accounts show that the fruit was first bred in Jamaica. It was later on given the name "grapefruit" because it looked like clusters of grapes hanging on trees.

 Grapefruit oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. It is extracted from the peel of the grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), not its pulp or flesh. Like other citrus oils, grapefruit essential oil is obtained through compression and possesses similar therapeutic properties.

Uses of Grapefruit Oil

Grapefruit oil is popularly known as a detoxification agent, as it helps activate your lymphatic system. It is often used to clear toxins, remove excess fluids and help burn fat. Others specific uses of this citrus essential oil include.

• Aromatherapy oil — When inhaled, grapefruit oil can help curb hangovers, headaches, mental fatigue and depression.

• Ingredient in skin and hair care products — Grapefruit oil is often added to creams and lotions to help treat acne and prevent oily skin. It is also known to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. In hair products, this oil also helps address oily hair.

• Appetite suppressant — Grapefruit oil can suppress your appetite. The effects can be intensified when it's mixed with patchouli essential oil.

• Air freshener and deodorizer — Its fragrance is similar to citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. It can eliminate unpleasant odors in kitchens and bathrooms.

• Massage oil — When used as a massage oil, it can help relieve muscle and joint pain, menstrual cramps and headaches.

Composition of Grapefruit Oil

The most abundant constituent in grapefruit essential oil is limonene, which ranges from 88 to 95 percent. Limonene, found in grapefruit peels where the oil is extracted from, has been found to possessanti-cancer properties. It can also be found in other citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.

 Other major components of the essential oil of grapefruit are linalool, thujene, myrcene, terpinene, pinene, citronellol, caprinaldehyde, decyl acetate and neryl acetate.

Grapefruit essential oil, like the fruit itself, is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C.

 Other antioxidants that are present in grapefruit (in low concentrations) are vitamin A and lycopene.