Benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil

Posted: July 3, 2022 By: Comment: 0

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Through a method known as cold-pressing, the oil is extracted from glands located in the peel of the grapefruit.

Grapefruit essential oil has many properties that offer a variety of health benefits.

Below are a few benefits of grapefruit essential oil.

1. May Suppress Appetite

For those looking to suppress an overactive appetite, research indicates that grapefruit essential oil  might be useful.  Recent study showed that the scent of grapefruit essential oil increased activity in the gastric vagal nerve, resulting in lower appetite.

2. May Promote Weight Loss

Grapefruit essential oil may help you shed some extra weight, though research in this area is limited. One study found that the scent of grapefruit essential oil stimulated the breakdown of fat tissue and led to a reduction in food intake.

3. May Help Balance Mood

Due to the side effects of some medications used to treat anxiety and depression, many people seek out alternative remedies. Studies show that aromatherapy may be a beneficial complementary therapy for balancing mood and relieving anxiety.

4. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Effects

Grapefruit essential oil has potent antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. Test-tube studies show that it displayed antimicrobial properties against potentially harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. One study comparing five essential oils found that grapefruit essential oil was one of the most powerful in regards to its antimicrobial effects against MRSA — a group of bacteria that’s usually harder to treat, as it’s often resistant to common antibiotics. Research shows that grapefruit essential oil may be effective in fighting certain fungal strains as well, such as Candida albicans, a yeast that can cause infections in humans, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

5. May Help Reduce Stress and Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition that affects about one in three adults in the United States. Many people use natural therapies to help lower their blood pressure — either in conjunction with prescription medications or to avoid medications altogether. Some researchers suggest that aromatherapy may help control both blood pressure and stress levels. For example, a recent clinical study found that inhaling citrus and lavender essential oils had immediate and long-term effects on lowering blood pressure and stress. Participants wore a necklace containing the essential oils for 24 hours and experienced a decrease specifically in daytime systolic blood pressure (the top number of a reading). They also showed a decline in cortisol — a hormone released in response to stress.

6. Treat Acne

Grapefruit essential oil may contribute to healthy skin by preventing and treating skin conditions like acne. Many brands of face lotions and creams include citrus essential oils because of their refreshing scent and potent antibacterial and antioxidant activity. These oils could help keep your skin bacteria-free, which may promote the acne healing process.

 

While most essential oils are safe to be used topically and in aromatherapy, they’re not safe to ingest. Ingesting essential oils can be toxic and in large doses even fatal.

 

Article by Healthline