NATURAL HEALING GUIDE

The aroma of grapefruit essential oil sparks dreams of much needed escapes from the world, such as getaways under palm trees in tropical climates. The grapefruit tree is a member of the Rutaceac family that grows primarily in the United States, East Asia and the Mediterranean region. Israel, in particular, has extensive grapefruit plantations, and as such, it supplies much of the grapefruit oil available. It takes about 575 pounds of grapefruit skins to make one quart of the essential oil, which is produced by cold pressing and is often blended with other types of oil to make perfumes. The oil's euphoric scent balances emotions and mood swings, giving you a new zest for life. It can banish depression, cares and fears and help to alleviate exhaustion. The oil is also thought to have a toning and drying effect on the body, and therefore is considered a good skin-care remedy. Mildly antiseptic, it helps fight inflammations and the formation of pimples; grapefruit oil can be very cleansing to the skin.

For depression and lethargy
The fresh, fruity, familiar scent of grapefruit oil helps revive the spirit and refresh the mind and body. Try this blend in an aromatherapy lamp to bring the positive energy of the sun straight into your room.

8 drops grapefruit oil
5 drops bergamot oil

Therapeutic effect
Some of the important components found in grapefruit oil are pinene, limonene and geraniol. Pinene and limonene are particularly refreshing and toning for the entire body. These two substances may help fight cellulitis and edema because they stimulate the metabolism, supporting the removal of waste and lymphatic fluid from tissues.

For swollen feet
When your feet are tired and swollen, revitalize them with a warm, relaxing footbath. For the footbath, add 2 drops of grapefruit oil, 1 drop of peppermint oil and ¼ cup of vinegar to the water.

After exercise
The stimulating effect of a blend of grapefruit oil, sweet almond oil and rosemary oil gives the muscles new vigor and energy after exercise. This prevents stiff and aching muscles the next day. Blend 5 drops of grapefruit oil, 5 drops of rosemary and 4 tsp. of sweet almond oil and gently rub into sore and aching muscles for a comforting massage.

For skin care and well being
Grapefruit oil is thought to be a beneficial treatment for oily skin and hair, which is why the grapefruit essence is a favorite addiction to skin creams, body lotions, and some hair products.

Body oil for toning
To tone your skin, use massage oil made of sweet almond oil that is enriched with grapefruit and geranium oil. After bathing, massage your skin from your feet to your head. This helps stimulate blood flow to the tissues and strengthens circulation.

Extra tip
For a refreshing pick me up spray, mix 1 cup of cool water and 25 drops of grapefruit oil. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and shake before using-avoid your eyes.

For exhaustion, depression, oily skin, acne, cellulitis, edema; to curb appetite and relieve aching muscles

Take Care!
Like all citrus essential oils, grapefruit oil may increase your skin's sensitivity to light. This means that when your skin is exposured to strong sunlight or even ultraviolet rays, slow to fade brown pigment spots may form. If the oil is not properly blended or if it is applied unevenly, darkening and skin irritation could result. For these reasons, avoid using any products that contain grapefruit essential oil before lying out in the sun or visiting a tanning salon.

Applications

External Use

• The stimulating effect of grapefruit oil helps prevent unattractive scarring. Mix 3 tbsp. of sweet almond or avocado oil with 5 drops of grapefruit oil, 2 drops of frankincense and 2 drops of patchouli, and rub on wounds daily as they heal.
  
• For inflamed, painful pimples, grapefruit oil promotes faster healing because of its astringent effect on the tissue. Dab the affected skin several times a day with a mix of 1 drop of grapefruit and 1 drop of lavender oil or 1 drop of tincture of myrrh in 2 tsp. of witch hazel.
  
• Grapefruit oil is thought to drive away malaise and exhaustion, to a full hot bath, try adding 5 drops of grapefruit oil and 3 drops of mandarin orange oil mixed with 1 cup of whole milk or 4-5 tbsp. of cream. Bathe for approximately 20-30 min.

Conflicting Views
Massage aoils enriched with grapefruit are often used in massage therapy. But many aromatherapists have conflicting views as to grapefruit's role in reducing cellulite and toxins-some believe it is more the massage than the essential oil that stimulates the lymphatic system, triggering the liver and kidneys to process toxic material.