Essential Oil of the Month: Pink Grapefruit
Invigorate your senses and elevate your mood with the crisp, sweet, refreshing scent of Pink Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)!
Need a reviving energy boost for your body? Or perhaps an awakening clarity for your mind? Pink Grapefruit, with its happy, uplifting scent, can lower stress, focus the mind, ease digestive discomfort, is detoxifying, relieves muscle aches and headaches – even hangovers!
Grapefruit essential oil is usually available in two varieties, either White grapefruit or Pink grapefruit. Both are a hybrid of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) and Sweet Orange (Citrus x sinensis). The difference between the two is due to color, of course, but also to the pith which gives each a somewhat different scent. White grapefruit has a brighter, sharper scent, while Pink grapefruit tends to be a bit sweeter and more calming.
As a citrus, Grapefruit essential oil is obtained through cold pressing the peel, rather than the traditional distillation used for many other essential oils. Processing these fruits with different machinery yields cold pressed essential oils from the peels and juice from the pulp – the juice, being a secondary product of oil extraction.
Grapefruit Through History:
Referred to as a “forbidden fruit” and one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados,” Grapefruit was first documented in 1750 by Welshman Rev. Griffith Hughes. The name "grapefruit" may be attributed to the fruit's clustered growth pattern, bearing resemblance to a bunch of grapes.
The plant was introduced to the West Indies from China by a Captain Shaddock and the fruit was thereafter referred to as “Shaddock fruit.” In 1809
the fruit traveled with Spanish settlers to the United States, but grapefruit was not grown here [in the United States] commercially until 1880.” [Essential Aromatherapy, Susan Worwood and Valerie Ann Worwood, p.137]
Grapefruit is known as a “drainer,” flushing toxins out of your body and lymphatic system, and has long been thought to be useful in weight loss.
Rich with zest and energy, Grapefruit has an uncanny ability to revive exhausted spirits, and cleanse congested, sluggish digestive systems. Its remarkably fresh, pleasant scent relieves tension and stress and stimulates self-esteem, new energy, and feelings of self-worth.
“Grapefruit oil, like all citrus oils, has the ability to soothe the flow of stagnant Qi which is associated with the Wood element. This helps to alleviate feelings of frustration, irritability, and tension.” - Gabriel Mojay, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit
For Stress, Muscle Aches, and Nervous Tension mix the following:
3 drops Grapefruit
2 drop Lavender
1 drop Ylang Ylang
add to a difusser or for a massage oil, add to 1oz carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or grapeseed oil.
Product Suggestions Featuring Pink Grapefruit
Precautions: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid direct contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions, consult with your health care professional before using essential oils or other personal care products.Do not use neat (undiluted) on skin or before sun exposure, as it can increase photosensitivity.