Herbaceous top notes for a fresh earthy scent
The Origins Of Grapefruit Essential Oil
A glossy leaved tree with the large fruits hanging from it. The yield from Grapefruit is very low compared to other citrus such as Orange and Lemon. Expeller is the best method of extraction as distillation yields a low quality
Extraction
The oil is expressed from the peel of the ripe fruit
INCI
Citrus paradisi
Aromatherapy Uses
Grapefruit Essential Oil is associated with decreasing fluid retention and curbing Sugar cravings, which makes Grapefruit very much the detox and diet oil
Skin Uses
The ability of Grapefruit with fluid retention help to improve skin tone and appearance. Grapefruit is often used for acne blends.
Hair Uses
Lab studies of Grapefruit Essential oil have shown antibacterial effects which help to maintain a healthy scalp. Grapefruit is also useful on greasy hair.
Therapeutic Properties
A 2005 scientific study published in Brain Research found that inhaling the scent of Grapefruit Essential Oil stimulated the sympathetic nervous system to help fight the bodies response to stress.
Grapefruit Blends well with
Blends well with all other citrus and spice oils and also with Palmarosa, Neroli, Rosemary, Cypress, Juniper, Lavender, Jasmine, Rosewood and Ylang Ylang
Precautions
As with all essential oils we do not recommend using Grapefruit during pregnancy, especially as it regulates the hormonal system. Skin irritation could occur if exposed to direct sunlight straight after application
Understanding Oil Extraction Methods
What is Steam Distillation?
Steam Distillation is the most popular method of distillation of Essential oil. High pressure hot steam is passed through the plant material. The volatile compounds of the plant material are transferred to the steam and pass through a coil where they are cooled.
On cooling, the oil being lighter than water will separate from the water where it is possible to syphon off.
The remaining water becomes the floral water / hydrolat of the plant material.
What is Expression?
This is just like the process of peeling a citrus fruit. Effectively it is the cold processing of the fruit to extract the essential oil.
Primarily this technique is used on Citrus Essential Oils where the heat of steam would destroy the scent and properties.
Mechanical pressure is applied to the fruit and the resulting oil is the essential oi.
What is an Absolute?
Absolutes require solvent extraction in order to extract them.
Some plants are very difficult to extract the essential oil, either to produce a quality product or to obtain a yield which is economical. Examples of oils which are normally obtained by Solvent extraction are Vanilla, Jasmine and Rose.
Normally Organic ethanol is used to steep the flowers and then evaporated to leave just the concentrated absolute of the plant.
Important Information
Naturallythinking Essential oils are for external use only. We do not sell aromatherapy oils / products for internal use. The information contained on these pages is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aromatherapy should not be used by those who are pregnant or under the supervision of a medical practitioner / doctor without consultation with the medical practitioner / doctor. If you have a medical condition or any worries, always consult with a doctor / medical practitioner first.