Grapefruit oil is a citrus oil that's used in aromatherapy to treat various health problems. Grapefruit oil can be combined with other essential oils to increase its overall synergistic value. There are a number of ways in which to combine grapefruit oil with other essential oils. Consult a qualified health care professional before using grapefruit oil to treat a health problem.
Properties
According to Julia Lawless, author of "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," grapefruit oil is antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, diuretic and a tonic. Patricia Davis, author of "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," writes that grapefruit oil can be used to treat acne and oily skin, as a tonic for the skin and to help eliminate toxins from the body. In addition, grapefruit oil is also an antidepressant.
Synergy
Synergy is when two or more essential oils are combined for use in aromatherapy. According to Shirley Price, author of "Aromatherapy Workbook," it has been proven that the use of several essential oils has a greater bactericidal effect than the use of an individual oil. In addition, Shirley and Len Price write in "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals" that the combination of two or more essential oils can successfully quench irritating properties of another essential oil. For example, some of the irritating properties associated with lemongrass essential oil can be successfully quenched by combing lemongrass oil with grapefruit and sweet orange essential oils.
Citrus and Spice Oils
Lawless suggests combining grapefruit oil with other citrus oils, such as lemon, neroli and bergamot, or with spice oils, such as cardomon. According to Valerie Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," grapefruit oil can be combined with orange, lemon and mandarin essential oils to make a body splash. You can also combine grapefruit oil with, for example, pine and cypress oils to wash down kitchen surfaces.
How to Use
Combine grapefruit oil with a carrier lotion or oil base before you apply it to your skin. Worwood recommends adding grapefruit, lemon, orange and mandarin essential oils to a base of vinegar and vodka to make a home body splash that can be used in the bathroom. Add grapefruit oil and other essential oils to water before using them to clean surfaces.
Cautions
Unlike other citrus oils, grapefruit oil is non-phototoxic--which means it can be used in sunlight. In addition, it's non-sensitizing and non-irritating. However, grapefruit juice may cause interactions with certain brands of drugs. According to Tony Burfield, author of "Grapefruit Oil Supply and Grapefruit Juice Contraindications," there is no concrete evidence to assume that grapefruit oil will react in the same way as grapefruit juice. Consult a qualified professional before using grapefruit oil.
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 1999
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Shirley Price; 2000
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals"; Shirley Price, Len Price; 2002
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- NAHA: Grapefruit Oil Supply Situation and Grapefruit Juice Contraindications, Tony Burfield
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