Made from the seed, pulp and peel of the grapefruit, grapefruit seed extract may have a wide array of germ-fighting, disease-preventing and health-promoting benefits. This highly concentrated, affordable extract has been associated with everything from healing wounds to treating herpes. The benefits of grapefruit seed extract are still being clinically tested, so consult your primary care physician before personal or household use.
Disease Prevention
Grapefruit seed extract may have strong antimicrobial qualities. Jon Barron, in "Lessons from The Miracle Doctors: A Step-by-Step Guide to Optimum Health and Relief from Catastrophic Illness," says the extract may be able to guard against a wide number of infectious diseases and viruses. The antipathogenic properties in grapefruit seed extract, in fact, may help to guard against everything from African swine disease and foot and mouth disease to E. coli and salmonella. These antimicrobial qualities may also protect against oral infections when added to toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Strong Surface Disinfection
When used as a concentrate, grapefruit seed extract may perform as a powerful disinfectant. In "Natural Forms of Defense Against Biological, Chemical, and Nuclear Threats," John Brighton says grapefruit seed extract concentrate may outperform a wide variety of traditional disinfectants, including iodine, tea tree oil, colloidal silver and chlorine. Brighton says grapefruit seed extract may also be safely used as a disinfectant with foods, dishes and other household items and that the extract may perform well with regular use.
Potent Skin Treatment
Grapefruit seed extract may be able to effectively treat a number of common skin conditions. Barron says it may have a positive effect on everything from dandruff and acne to cold sores and warts. Topical application of grapefruit seed extract may also speed the healing of various skin-related illnesses and conditions, such as athlete's foot and chickenpox. The extract may be effective as well in the treatment of cuts, wounds and infections. Barron says grapefruit seed extract may be safely added to topical beauty care products, such as cleansers and lotions.
Limited Side Effects
Grapefruit seed extract may have few if any side effects with regular use. Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman, in "The New Anti-Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock for a Younger, Sexier, Happier You!," explain that the extract is not known to have any negative side effects, drug interactions or contraindications. But they say you should consult a doctor before using the extract while on certain immunosuppressant, antihistamine and cholesterol-lowering medications, because some of these drugs should not be used with grapefruit juice itself. Grapefruit seed extract may be nontoxic for animals as well.
References
- "Lessons from The Miracle Doctors: A Step-by-Step Guide to Optimum Health and Relief from Catastrophic Illness"; Jon Barron; 2008
- "Natural Forms of Defense Against Biological, Chemical, and Nuclear Threats"; John Brighton; 2002
- "The New Anti-Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock for a Younger, Sexier, Happier You!"; Ronald Klatz, Robert Goldman; 2003
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