Grapefruit Oil

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 Rutaceae 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 take 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 inflammation and the formation of pimples; grapefruit oil can be very cleansing to the skin.

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

8 drops of grapefruit
5 drops of 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 cellulites and edema because they stimulate the metabolism, support 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 drops of peppermint oil and 1/4 cup of Epsom salt.

After   exercise:  The stimulating effect of a blend of grapefruit oil, sweet-almond oil and rosemary essential oil gives the muscles new vigor and energy after exercise.  This prevent stiff and aching muscles the nest 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 addition to skin creams, body lotions and some hair products.  NOTE: skin care and hair products should be toxin free.

Body oil for toning:  To tone your skin, use a massage oil made of sweet-almond oil that is enriched with grapefruit and geranium oil.  After bathing, massage your skin from head to foot.  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 eyes.

For exhaustion, depression, oily skin, acne, cellulites, edema; to curb appetite and relieves 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 exposed to strong sunlight or even ultraviolet rays, slow-to-fade brown pigment sports may form.  If the oil is not properly blended or it 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 ties a day with a mix 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 minutes.

Conflicting views:  Massage oils enriched with grapefruit are often used in massage therapy.  But many aromatherapists have conflicting views as to the 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,

Essential Oil Tips

Grapefruit Oil helps decrease appetite and balance emotional extremes and can be used as a natural air freshener with disinfecting properties.

According to a 2005 Japanese study, the scent of grapefruit oil, and particularly its primary component limonene, affects autonomic nerves, enhances lipolysis through a histaminergic response, and reduces appetite and body weight.

Grapefruit Oil (citrus paradisi) has great benefits for the immune system; it helps with skin problems, and can be used for muscle stiffness, water retention and for the nervous system. Grapefruit oil can be used in blended massage oil or diluted in the bath to assist with cellulite, colds and flu, lack of energy, jet lag, muscle fatigue, overweight, headaches, moodiness and mental and physical tiredness

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Many essential oils for bath salts call for Epsom Salt.  I wanted to share with you the health benefits of this wonderful product.  You can buy it at your grocery store, it is very inexpensive.  It can be used as an exfoliator for your face and body.   When I was young my mother used epsom salt for several things, not sure she knew all the benefits or why it was so effective. 

Health Benefits

Studies show these benefits from the major components of Epsom Salt may:

Magnesium:  

• Ease stress and improves sleep and concentration

• Help muscles and nerves function properly

• Regulate activity of 325+ enzymes

• Help prevent artery hardening and blood clots

• Make insulin more effective

• Reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps

• Improve oxygen use

 Sulfates:  

• Flush toxins

• Improve absorption of nutrients

• Help form joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins

• Help prevent or ease migraine headaches

If you are interested in the FAQ about Epsom Salts click here.

Bath Salts

• Epsom Salts - you can also use Sea Salt or a combination of both. (1 package of Epsom salt is equal to 5 - 1/2 cups)

• 1/2 cup of salts per bath or 1/4 cup for foot baths

• Essential Oils of your choice

• Place salts into a zip lock bag (or other suitable mixing container). 

• Add Essential Oils, 6 drops of oil per 1/2 cup. You can mix different oils but should not exceed 6 drops per bath or 3 drops per foot bath

• Mix well by shaking.

You an divide the salt into 1/2 cup portions and give as a gifts or put in a large air tight jar and pamper yourself!

Essential Secret’s Body Gommage

• Epsom Salt and/or Sea Salt

• Essential Oil/Oils of your choice

• Refresh Bath & Shower Gel Or Indulge Bubble Bath

 Directions

• Wet your body.

• Apply 1/2 cup of salts with a washcloth or loofah mitt.  Rub in a circular motion towards the heart.

• Place 1 – 2 caps of Refresh Bath & Shower Gel OR Indulge Bubble Bath under faucet for wonderful bubbles!

• Slip into the tub with the salts on your body. 

• Soak in tub for 20 minutes.

• Rinse well.

• Apply body lotion or oil with your choice of Essential Oils over the entire body.

(This can be used in the shower if you need the exfoliating but do not have the time to soak).

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