Aromatherapy - How Grapefruit Oil is Used by Aromatherapists

Grapefruit has a long history; it is originally believed toGeranium oil has many useful properties, at the
have derived from another fruit Pomelo (cistushighest level it acts as a stimulant, tonic and a
grandis) which was grown throughout Asia where it isgenerally uplifting effect on the emotions. It also acts
still very popular today. In the early 1800's seedsas an antidepressant, diuretic, antiseptic and an
were taken to the West Indies by sailors; later in theastringent with antibacterial and detoxifying
century it was introduced to the USA by Spanishproperties also.These properties make it suitable for
settlers, at sometime it was cross-pollinated withtreating acne, oily and congested skin, digestive, liver
orange to produce what we now call grapefruit. It isand gall bladder problems, fluid retention and its high
still grown in America, mostly in California, Florida andvitamin C content makes it useful for the immune
Texas. Most of the essential oil produced fromsystem helping the body against coughs and colds. It
Grapefruits now, comes from these States, Brazilis often used for curing hangovers and helping with
and Israel.drug withdrawal problems.
Originally Grapefruit was very popular for its juicyHaving the ability to blend with many other oils,
refreshing fruit and its high Vitamin C content wasGrapefruit essential oil is popular for using in baths, as
recognised as having properties for healing infectiousa massage oil, in perfumes and skin care preparations
diseases.and is ideal when used in a vapouriser or just a bowl
The oil produced from the Grapefruit rind by coldof hot water it can act as a room fragrancer.
expression (squeezing) has a fresh, citrus sharp butGrapefruit oil has a very short shelf life; it only
sweet smellmaintains its therapeutic properties for an average of
The oil blends well with many other oils including clarysix months, even if kept in ideal conditions.
sage, bergamot, fankincense, jasmine, lavender,Otherwise it is recognised as a safe and useful
juniper, rosemary, cypress, fennel, eucalyptus,essential oil.
patchouli and neroli.