Aromatherapy Thursday - Grapefruit

I know, I write these early in the morning and you are wondering, "Aromatherapy and Grapefruit?" But yes, a great essential oil is from Grapefruit.  The essential oil is cold pressed from the peel.  Have you ever noticed while peeling piece of citrus fruit, like the Grapefruit, that the liquid that get spurts from a fresh peel has a little bit of an oily look to it?  That is exactly what the essential oil is made of.  Originally Grapefruit was grown in Asia but fortunately they are now grown all over in warmer climate such as here in California.  I love driving by people's houses and seeing those large pink and yellow fruit clinging on to the trees, fighting their weight and gravity.  Unfortunately I don't know anyone personally that grows them so I have to buy mine but there is nothing that compares to fresh Grapefruit.

This lovely lip scrub can be found in ETSY shop AubreyEApothecary  at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AubreyEApothecary?ref=seller_info

Grapefruit has many known benefits, when ingested it is useful as a diuretic and for cleansing the body.  I am not sure if all of you have heard about the Grapefruit Diet, it had become a bit of a running joke more than something that people actually thought was seriously helpful.  But, with that mentioned please do not try something like that; while certain foods and plants can be helpful it can also be harmful if you eat too much of a good thing.  For every good property in the food there is a bad property and if you don't eat balanced you are going to notice that your health is negatively impacted.

Using Grapefruit in aromatherapy has a wonderful soothing and invigorating affect.  It is fruit and light and has this beautiful up lifting affect on the mood.  I always think of sunshine when I smell Grapefruit.  Using it in a diffuser would be a great way to clear the air in your home; while the fruity citrus smell will make the house smell light and fresh, the invigorating and uplifting properties will energize you to do your spring cleaning.    It is also a great scent to have when you are studying, doing taxes, or any task where you may become mentally fatigued.

You can purchase your own essential oil at ETSY shop WildHerb at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildHerb?ref=seller_info

My personal preference is the Pink Grapefruit since it is sweeter than Yellow Grapefruit; both when using it in aromatherapy and when eating it.  The Pink Grapefruit does not have a strong over powering scent so it is very versatile and blends well with other oils such as rosemary (another uplifting oil.)

Herer are some wonderful products from ETSY that are made with oils from this fun and sunshiny fruit.



When using it topically, please keep in mind that it has been known to cause photosensitivy. Do not use large quantities and stay out of direct sunlight if you are using it mixed in a massage oil. Although it will depended on your own skin's sensitivity, some may find that just a little will be an issue and some may find it is not. Always do a allergy test prior to using any essential oil, also never use it "neat" meaning directly on to your skin (it could cause many problems including burning the skin) and do not smell essential oils by putting them up to your nose (this could burn the tender membranes inside your nasal cavity.) When trying to smell the oils hold the open bottle a couple inches away from your face and with your other hand waft (wave) the fragrance to your nose. When using the oils on your skin you must always mix them with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, approximately 1 drop essential oil to 2-3 teaspoons of carrier.

Always consult your doctor prior to using any natural products for mental or medical reasons. Do not used if you are pregnant. And no natural product should be used in place of seeking medical treatment from your physician. Safety First!!!!