Today Dominique Baudoux, founder of Pranarôm scientific aromatherapy, talks to us about Grapefruit Essence .
We all know this summer fruit but do we really know the benefits of Grapefruit essence on our health?
Grapefruit essence
Description
If you need a fruit, a citrus fruit more precisely, that fits perfectly with the summer months, it ’s grapefruit . Large, very recognizable, it is yellow in color with a more bitter taste or pink in color with a milder taste. Acidity remains the characteristic of these citrus fruits, greatly appreciated by consumers throughout the world.
Small botanical clarification: Grapefruit as we call it is not botanically correct. In fact, it is rather a hybrid between Citrus maxima (the true grapefruit) and Citrus sinensis (the sweet orange tree), this hybrid bears the name Citrus x paradisi.
This shrub requires excellent sunlight and the state of Florida (USA) has become the leading producer in the world. The fruit reaches 10 to 15 cm in diameter and often exceeds half a kilo. Its bark (pericarp) is rather thin compared to that of the real Grapefruit. The very juicy flesh gets its bitterness from a flavonoic glycoside.
From a biochemical point of view, grapefruit essence obtained by cold mechanical expression of the fruit zest shows great similarity with other fruit essences of the Citrus family.
Limonene is the terpene molecule mainly present and is associated with a very small percentage of highly active molecules: furocoumarins which give this essence skin phototoxicity marked by redness or, more severe, skin hyperpigmentation if the skin is exposed. permanently in the sun.
Grapefruit Essential Oil: Therapeutic activity
Its pharmacological action is strongly directed towards the hepato-digestive tract. It has a tonic digestive action and an action on the metabolism of lipids (fats) both orally and locally.
It is very useful in atmospheric diffusion to purify the air . On the nervous tissue, grapefruit provides a polarizing action (like lemon) and tones it. Its essence shows an interest in treating mycoses in synergy with other essential oils. Just like lemon essence , grapefruit helps “whiten” or reduce skin spots, outside of any exposure to the sun.
If we had to name the main therapeutic uses , we would cite all digestive food overloads, hepato-digestive sluggishness, nausea, vomiting of all kinds but also sweet bulimia.
Grapefruit essence is useful for promoting concentration and cognition in seniors , any other convalescent patient and, among others, Alzheimer's disease.
In local application and in synergy with other essential oils with similar activities, grapefruit essential oil promotes the metabolism of skin fats and helps refine the silhouette, acting on fatty deposits with or without cellulite.
For the therapeutic indications stated, we understand all the better the interest shown in this aromatic material during the summer period. Indeed, Grapefruit essence is particularly recognized in connection with bodily appearance as well as excess eating and drinking.
But still …
While medically, Grapefruit causes proven drug interactions , it must be emphasized that it is only grapefruit juice and not the essence of its zest . Remember that ALL activity is the result of natural molecules (biochemistry) and that an extract such as a juice from the flesh of the fruit does not contain at all the same molecules as another extract such as an essence expressed from the zest of the same fruit. The logic is obvious but often the medical world makes an unfortunate amalgamation between different extracts from the same plant.
In conclusion, grapefruit oil does not cause any interaction with any medication whatsoever.
Therapeutic indications for grapefruit essence
Heaviness and hepato-digestive laziness
- Grapefruit essence (zest) (Citrus paradisi) : 4 ml
- CTE Peppermint (Mentha x Piperita) : 2 ml
- HECT Ginger (Zingiber officinale) : 2 ml
- TEO Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) : 1 ml
- Apricot Kernel Vegetable Oil: 6 ml
5 drops in the mouth 2 to 3 times a day before meals for 3-4 weeks.
Concentration and cognition
- Grapefruit essence (zest) (Citrus paradisi) : 4 ml
- HECT Rosemary CT verbenone (Rosmarinus off CT Verbenone) : 2 ml
- TECT Field mint (Mentha arvensis) : 1 ml
- Apricot kernel vegetable oil: 3 ml
3 drops in the mouth and 3 drops on the inside of one wrist then massage the wrists one on top of the other, then join the hands in a cathedral and breathe deeply (repeat 3x successively). Repeat 3x per day for 3 to 4 weeks.
Sweet bulimia
- Grapefruit essence (zest) (Citrus paradisi) : 2 ml
- CTE Lemon litsea (Litsea citrata) : 0.8 ml
- CEO Ceylon Cinnamon (bark) (Cinnamomum verum) : 0.2 ml
- Apricot kernel vegetable oil: 7 ml
3 drops in the mouth and 3 drops on the inside of one wrist then massage the wrists one on top of the other then join the hands in a cathedral and breathe deeply, 3 times successively. To be renewed with each urge for a sweet treat.
Note: this protocol for this addiction covers excellent results as long as the patient shows determination and a real desire to want to cut themselves off from their oral food addiction.
Refine the silhouette
- Grapefruit essence (zest) (Citrus paradisi) : 5 ml
- HECT Lavandin super (Lavandula hybrida clone super) : 3 ml
- HECT Immortelle (Helichrusum italicum) : 2 ml
- HECT Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) : 5 ml
- Sunflower or grapeseed vegetable oil: 35 ml
2 local applications always on the affected skin areas (apart from any prolonged sun exposure) or 1 application in the evening if sun exposure during the day.
Why use grapefruit essential oil?
Grapefruit essential oil is a versatile natural product that has gained popularity in France and around the world due to its diverse uses and health and beauty benefits. This oil, extracted from grapefruit peel, is often produced organically to guarantee its purity.
Grapefruit essential oil is loved for its fresh, invigorating scent, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy to boost mood and reduce stress. It can also be added to vegetable oils for use in massage, helping to improve skin texture.
In addition, this oil is known for its detoxifying properties and its slimming potential. It is sometimes used topically to promote blood circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Some people also use this essential oil to condition their hair, adding a few drops to their shampoo to stimulate hair growth and fight dandruff.
In France, many beauty and wellness products contain grapefruit essential oil , reflecting its growing popularity. It is important to note that the advice of a healthcare professional or aromatherapist is recommended before using essential oils for specific purposes.
By choosing a quality grapefruit essential oil, with an organic label and a competitive price, you can take full advantage of its benefits. Be sure to store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness!
Article written by Dominique Baudoux , founder of Pranarôm scientific aromatherapy.
