Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Plant Family Rutaceae
Synonym –
Origin
The grapefruit is thought to have evolved from citrus fruit known as shaddock, which is native to the Caribbean. Cultivation now occurs in the USA, South America, the Caribbean and Israel. There are many varieties of grapefruit, including ruby or pink grapefruit, which is also available as an essential oil. Grapefruit are rich in Vitamin C and are known as a cleansing and beneficial food.
Extraction Method
Grapefruit oil is produced by cold pressing the fresh peel and collecting everything that is expressed. This is then fresh clarified and filtered to become expressed oil of Grapefruit. It is necessary up to 100 kg of fresh Grapefruit peel to obtain 1 kg of essential oil.
Nature of the Oil
Grapefruit has a fresh, sweet, citrus smell, similar to sweet orange. The colour may be yellow, pale green or pale orange. As with other citrus oils, grapefruit oxidises quickly and the odour and therapeutic properties will deteriorate after 6 —12 months. The odour effect is uplifting.
Perfumery Note – top. The aroma lasts 24 hours.
Main Constituents

Properties
Antiseptic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, diuretic, depurative, digestive, tonic.
Therapeutic Properties
Grapefruit is a cooling and slightly astringent oil. It is a mild tonic and shares refreshing and detoxifying properties with other citrus oils. It makes a pleasant, refreshing addition to many bath and shower preparations and also massage blends. Grapefruit blends particularly well with other citrus oils, clove, cypress, ginger, lavender, neroli, palmarosa and rosemary.
The main action of grapefruit oil is on the liver, where it has a cooling and detoxifying effect. It can calm symptoms of irritability, anger and overheating, and is a wonderful morning pick-me-up to use in a shower gel or bath oil following a hangover, late night or overindulgence.
Grapefruit is a mild aperient and will encourage peristalsis and thus relieve constipation. It is one of the main essential oils used in the treatment of obesity. It can help to reduce the appetite and stimulate the rate of metabolism of fats.
It has a generally detoxifying effect on the body and can help with lymphatic cleansing and reducing cellulite. Grapefruit is excellent to use during a detoxifying programme. Use as a massage oil, or combine with Dead Sea Salts and add to the bath.
It also has a beneficial action on the respiratory system, and is good for treating colds and flu with hot, feverish symptoms. It may be combined with other appropriate oils such as eucalyptus or pine and used in a steam inhalation.
On the skin grapefruit has cleansing, antiseptic, cooling and slightly astringent properties; it is helpful for oily skin, open pores and acne. Use in a lotion or as a facial steam. It will also help to tone and tighten loose skin, for example, after losing weight.
Aromatherapeutic Uses
Cellulite, muscle fatigue, chills, colds and ’flu, depression, nervous exhaustion.
Psychological Profile
Grapefruit is appropriate if you are very self-consciuos and unhappy about your appearance. You may put on weight easily, have problem skin or simply get embarrassed easily. You may also have a tendency to feel ashamed and that you are less worthy than other people. Using grapefruit will help to improve your sense of self-worth and help you to become more empowered and positive about yourself and what you can do with your life.
Blends Well With
Other citrus essences, cardamom, coriander, cypress, juniper, lavender, neroli, petitgrain, pine, geranium, rosemary.
Our safety advice
Because of its (+) -limonene content we recommend that oxidation of grapefruit oil is avoided by storage in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. The addition of an antioxidant to preparations containing it is recommended.
Cautions
Unlike most other citrus essences, grapefruit oil is non- phototoxic. However, the oil has a very short shelf-life and must be used within six months of purchase. Once it begins to oxidize, it can cause skin irritation and sensitization.

References
1. C. Wildwood “The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy”, Vermont, Healing Arts Press, 1996
2. R. Tisserand, R. Young, E. M Williamson “Essential Oil Safety. A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, Churchill Livingstone ELSEVIER, 2014
3. S. Curtis “Essential Oils”, AURUM, London, 1996
4. R. Balz “The Healing Power of Essential Oils”, LOTUS LIGHT SHANGRI-LA, Twin Lakes, 1996
5. Л.ГДудченко, Г.П.Потебня, Н.А.Кривенко «Ароматерапия и аромамасаж», «Максимум», Киев, 1999