Grapefruit

Botanical Name: Citrus paradisi

Botany and Origins: Grapefruit is considered to be a hybrid between pomelo and sweet orange. Grapefruit is the only citrus species native to the New World and probably originated in the West Indies from a natural cross between introduced parents some time in the 17th century. The oil is produced in USA, the West Indies, Brazil, Israel and Nigeria. Grapefruit is a large, vigorous tree that growns up to 30m, with a single trunk, many branches, and has a round to blunt conical shape if left unpruned. The fruit is large, up to 15cm diameter, generally spherical but often compressed laterally, light wellow to orange. The shape and colour of the fruit are dependent on the cultivar. The difference between the essential oil from the white-fleshed and red-fleshed cultivars is that the former generally has a higher aldehyde content and lower evaporative residue than the latter, which also contains a small percentage of linalool.

Method of Extraction: Grapefruit oil is expressed from the peels.

Cultivation: Conventional

Historical and Traditional Uses: Apart from its recent use in aromatherapy, grapefruit is extensively used as a flavour in soft drinks and as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents and personal care products.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Studies indicate that Grapefruit oil has considerable antimicrobial activity when tested against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and the generally difficult to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Indications:

• Lymphatic System: Grapefuit oil is a lymphatic stimulant and is indicated for cellulitis, obesity and water retention.
• Nervous System: Grapefruit oil has an uplifting and reviving effect which makes it valuable for treating stress, depression and nervous exhaustion. It is recommended for people who are depressed and lethargic, particularly in winter.
• Skin Care: It is beneficial for treating oily skin and acne, and has a tonic effect on the skin and scalp.

Safety: Grapefruit oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising and is not photo-toxic to humans.

Country of Origin: USA

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)