Grapefruit seed extract, GSE, is made from the seeds, white membranes and pulp of grapefruits. Dr. Jacob Harich, a physicist from Yugoslavia, developed GSE after moving to Florida in 1963. He studied GSE's ability to kill harmful microorganisms, and by 1990 holistic health practitioners were recommending it to their patients. Today you can find GSE in liquid or powder form in most health food and supplement stores. Consult with your health care provider or naturopath prior to taking GSE.
General Benefits
Grapefruit seed extract is antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral. A study published in the June 2002 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that grapefruit seed extract acts as a natural antibiotic, killing off a wide spectrum of harmful bacteria. It can also kill a number of different protozoa, making it an effective natural parasite treatment. Among the many bacteria and viruses that GSE can treat are Staph, Strep, Salmonella, H. pylori, influenza and E. coli.
External Use
In the March 2002 issue of Total Health magazine, Dr. Tina Wellman states that GSE can be used externally to treat and prevent a number of health issues. Apply it to your mouth and lips to treat mouth ulcers, bad breath, thrush, cracked lips and cold sores. You can also use it as a mouth wash for general dental health. Applied directly to your teeth or gums, it will treat tooth decay, toothache, gingivitis or plaque. Gargle with GSE to treat sore throat, cough, laryngitis or tonsillitis.
Apply GSE as a nasal spray or sinus rinse to treat and prevent runny nose or sinusitis. You can also use it as a daily ear cleaner or to treat earaches and ear infections. You can apply it to your face to treat acne or on your scalp as a shampoo to treat dandruff, itching or lice.
GSE is a popular skin remedy. You can use it to treat small cuts, abrasions, burns, rashes, psoriasis, shingles, diaper rash, eczema, bites and stings, warts, ulcers and fungal infections. You can also apply it to your feet and toes to treat calluses, corns, blisters, athlete's foot or toenail fungus.
Internal Use
Dr. Wellman also states that you can take GSE internally to treat many different types of infections. GSE can treat acute or chronic general infections or inflammation, as well as cold and flu bacteria and viruses. You can take it to treat gastrointestinal infections and stomach ulcers. GSE can also be effective at controlling internal Candida growth and parasites. You may also experience improvement in allergy symptoms when taking GSE internally.
Precautions
GSE is generally safe and has been shown to be nontoxic, even at high doses. You should never use GSE at full strength--follow the directions for proper dilution before use. GSE can be irritating to the eyes; wash them with plenty of water and consult your health care provider if you get it in your eyes. GSE is also highly acidic and may cause irritation to sensitive stomach or intestinal tissues if not properly diluted prior to ingestion. If you take too much GSE internally, drink plenty of water and take 3 tsp. of psyllium husks, and then contact your health care provider. (ref #1, #4)
Contraindications
Do not take GSE if you have any allergies to citrus fruits. Even if you don't have any known citrus allergies, you may develop an allergy to GSE. Discontinue use if you develop a rash or any other undesirable symptoms while taking it. GSE is considered a natural antibiotic and may kill off naturally occurring gastrointestinal flora when taken internally. Use caution if you already have a low concentration of beneficial flora or are taking GSE with a probiotic like acidophilus to help prevent the killing off of your internal flora.
References
- Answers: Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Diagnose Me: Grapefruit Seed Extract
- "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine": The Effectiveness of Processed Grapefruit Seed Extract as An Antibacterial Agent; Lee Reagor, B.S. et. al.; 2002
- "Total Health": Natural Antibiotics: Grapefruit Seed Extract; Tina Wellman, Ph.D.; 2002
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