What it is: Grapefruit is a citrus fruit, whose scientific name is citrus paradisi.

Where it comes from: Thought to be a hybrid of the sour fruit known as a shaddock and a sweet orange, grapefruit was first cultivated in the West Indies. Today, grapefruit is grown primarily in the United States. Grapefruit is picked from a glossy-leaved tree, about 30 feet high, with white flowers and large, pale yellow fruit. The oil glands are embedded deep within the peel and yield a small amount of essential oil, which is extracted by cold expression.

Properties: Grapefruit essential oil is known for its antidepressant, diuretic, anti-infectious, astringent, and antiseptic properties. Grapefruit essential oil has a sharp refreshing smell and is either a pale yellow or light ruby color with a watery viscosity.

What it’s good for: Like the fruit itself, the essential oil of grapefruit is rich in antioxidants (especially vitamin C), helping it boost the immune system and fight free radicals. This oil is effective in protecting the body from aging. It has proved its effectiveness in treating anxiety, digestive problems, skin disorders, colds and flu, depression, and cellulite. Due to its highly antimicrobial and astringent properties, it helps fight acne and other skin conditions. It also helps keep the skin clean, acting as a disinfectant. Grapefruit oil also has stimulating effects on the body and on the mind, making it a great ingredient for an energizing massage oil.

Where you’ll find it: Grapefruit essential oil can be found premixed into lotions, creams, and massage oils. You can also get it as a pure oil that can then be mixed into a carrier oil or with other essential oils, especially bergamot, geranium, lavender, and palma rosa oils.

Other uses: It helps protect against colds and flu, is thought to have a positive effect on obesity, and has diuretic properties, helping to remove excess water from the body.

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