Grapefruit Essential Oil (California) - 10 ml (100% pure concentrated)

Holisticshop own brand oils - Essential oils
Originally the Holisticshop range of essential oils went under the name of Windflowers. This company was founded by a qualified aromatherapist, selling high quality oils to shops and aromatherapists throughout UK and the world. In October 2003 the opportunity came up for Holisticshop to buy Windflowers, which we did. This acquisition has meant Holisticshop customers can now buy high quality oils at the price professional aromatherapists would expect to pay. These are aromatherapist quality oils. Lower quality oils are available on the market but we continue to pick the best quality source for every oil. For example Windflowers lavender oil is "High Alpine" lavender from Mount Ventoux in the Pyrennes and the ylang ylang is the "complete" oil, not the ylang ylang II or III which come from a different stage in the distillation process.

Grapefruit - Lifting, refreshing, stimulating, citrus, bitter, fresh
Name: Grapefruit, Citrus maxima/paradise

A superbly pure, refreshing tonic. Experience its reviving, purifying, uplifting and vivifying positive influences

Essential information: This sumptuously fruity-scented oil can really lift you out of the dumps if you are feeling negative or depressed, and stabilize you emotionally. A multi-purpose oil for all eating, weight and digestive concerns, it will detoxify and purify your system while calming and balancing your mind and body, helping to restore you to optimum health.

Description of aroma: Deliciously fresh, sharp and citrussy, this uplifting scent is refreshingly light and fruity.

Ruling planet: Sun

Properties beneficial to the mind, emotions and spirit: A truly valuable oil for stress and its related disorders, grapefruit has a reviving and uplifting effect by creating a feeling of internal buoyancy. Its aromatic influence may prevent you from drowning in your own negativity, and it can be a real ally if you are battling depression. It is one of the citrus family of oils that strengthens the astral body. This delicate yet scrumptious aromatic oil stimulates neurotransmitters that give wings to feelings, possibly even slight euphoria. It also has a slightly hypnotic effect in some instances. This oil may help balance your central nervous system and has a reputation for stabilizing manic depression, or bipolar disorder. It is reputedly of great benefit to psychological eating disorders, particularly those that stem from lack of self-esteem. Susanne Fischer-Rizzi (Complete Aromatherapy Handbook ) sums it up beautifully when she says that "Grapefruit may prove an ideal remedy on those depressing mornings when everything seems 'too much'. It provides a new zest for life, lightness, and well-being. It is a positive antidote during times of self-doubt."

Of interest: The grapefruit is actually a hybrid, derived by cross-pollinating the pomelo - a bitter citrus fruit - with the orange, in order to make it sweeter. It was not recognized as a distinct species of fruit until the 19th century. It has become popular to eat half a grapefruit for breakfast, with good reason; it increases the metabolism, detoxifies the body, and has unique fat-dissolving characteristics - as well as being high in vitamin C.

The yield of oil is comparatively small as the oil glands are embedded deep within the rind, making the expressing extraction process more difficult than for the other citrus fruits. Oil can be obtained by distilling, but expressed oil is of a superior quality.

The grapefruit is grown throughout the Mediterranean as an ornamental tree. Although some sources state it originates in Asia, others believe the fruit was cultivated in the West Indies during the 18th century. Here it was known as 'Shaddock fruit', after the captain who introduced the fruit to that part of the world.

However it became known, the primary commercialism of grapefruit oil developed in Florida in the 1930's, which remains the largest supplier. As well as being a popular fruit, grapefruit oil is used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Properties beneficial to the physical body: Grapefruit is most noticeable for its effects - both physical and psychological - on digestive and eating problems. These include obesity, fluid retention, over-eating and anorexia. This is due to the fact it suppresses the appetite, increases metabolism, has a diuretic action, and stimulates and cleanses the vascular system, liver and gall bladder - increasing bile production for the breakdown of fats. This may possibly diffuse gallstones. Grapefruit increases the circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and its toning and astringent effects can improve cellulite. It is also soothing for premenstrual syndrome, migraines, discomfort during pregnancy, and restoring balance after ear infections. It is valuable protection against infectious illnesses, and reputed to relieve the symptoms of jetlag.

This purifying oil has a very positive effect on oily hair and skin, particularly when congested.

Scentsual blending suggestions: As well as blending perfectly with all the other citrus oils, such as bergamot, lemon, lime, orange and petitgrain, grapefruit gives a lively, citrussy edge to geranium, cedarwood, rose, basil, chamomile, citronella, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, palmarosa, rosewood and ylang ylang.

Alternative suggestions for use: Diffuse this uplifting, reviving aroma first thing in the morning to get you going. It is also an effective disinfectant.

Essential safety precautions: Grapefruit, being of the citrus family, may cause photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to UV rays) in sensitive skins, if applied before exposure to strong sunlight. This oil apparently oxidizes quickly, having a shelf-life of approximately one year.

Do not use essential oils undiluted or take internally without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The information contained here is for general interest and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.