Is grapefruit oil antibacterial?

Grapefruit oil has been found to have strong antibacterial and antimicrobial effects that can help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria strains around the home.

These antimicrobial effects aren’t slight either – a study in 2004 found that grapefruit oil can combat an astonishing sixty-seven distinct biotypes.

This makes grapefruit oil one of the most useful essential oils to use in home cleaning for comprehensive protection.

Try combining a few drops of grapefruit oil with a spray bottle of water to utilise these effects around your home.

Can grapefruit essential oil reduce stress?

The smell of grapefruit oil has been shown to have a positive effect on symptoms relating to stress, anxiety, and low mood.

A study in 2012 even discovered that grapefruit oil can help to lower blood pressure and contribute to better heart health, as well as reduce cortisol levels – a hormone that is released in response to high stress.

What’s more, a further study in 2002 noted that grapefruit oil was able to increase sympathetic activity in adult brains, improving mood and reducing feelings of stress overall. There was also a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure.

These studies suggest that grapefruit can not only combat the emotional symptoms of stress, but the physical manifestations as well.

Can I use grapefruit oil to increase energy and alertness?

One of grapefruit oil’s most interesting and perhaps most influential properties is its ability to reduce stress-induced immune suppression, as well as lift so-called ‘brain fog’.

A study in 2001 suggested an explanation for this effect when it found that grapefruit essential oil could effectively inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain.

AChE is an enzyme that hydrolyses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine within the brain, which is mainly present at brain synapses and neuromuscular junctions.

Because grapefruit is able to inhibit AChE from breaking down acetylcholine, the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter increases.

This can increase alertness and relieve brain fog and fatigue, as well as lift low moods and soothe anxious thoughts.

Does grapefruit essential oil relieve hangover symptoms?

Many people have started using grapefruit as a natural remedy for easing hangovers and making the morning after a little more bearable.

Some researchers have found that grapefruit oil can help to stimulate the gallbladder and the liver, as well as help to improve the function of both.

A 2006 study also claimed that grapefruit oil can help prevent cravings that can occur as a result of changing blood sugar levels after alcohol consumption.

Grapefruit oil can also stimulate urination, which can contribute to the detoxification of the body, as well as reduce headaches and sluggishness.

Is grapefruit oil good for your skin?

The antimicrobial effects of grapefruit essential oil have been shown to help prevent and heal common skin conditions such as acne, though further research is needed in this area.

If you do choose to apply cold pressed grapefruit oil to the skin, it is important to note that this should only be done at night to prevent phototoxic effects as a result of sun exposure. Steam distilled is usually preferable if you choose to avoid this.

What is the history of Grapefruit Essential Oil?

Coined the “forbidden fruit” of Barbados by reverend Griffith Hughes, it is said that the grapefruit did not actually exist as early as 400 years ago – and was still a rarity up until the 20^th century.

It is because of this rarity, as well as its country of origin, that the grapefruit’s botanical name can be literally translated to “fruit of paradise”.

Despite its relative youth in aromatherapy, grapefruit oil has already made a name for itself as a fragrant, versatile oil.

Like many other citrus oils, the benefits of grapefruit are wide-ranging, and it is a great product for promoting overall health.