Discover the potential benefits of grapefruit essential oil. From boosting mood to improving skin health, this citrus oil might offer various perks. Learn how to use it safely and explore its possible effects on your well-being.
If you may’t deal with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, no worries. You can still enjoy some of the citrus fruit’s benefits via its essential oil.
Grapefruitessential oilis made through a process called cold-pressing, where oils are extracted from the fruit’s peel. This oil can then be used in aromatherapy or applied topically to potentially benefit your health.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research thequalityof a brand’s products. Always do apatch testbefore trying a new essential oil.
What are the benefits of grapefruit essential oil?
Although more research is needed to prove just how effective grapefruit essential oil is, potential benefits include:
Benefits of grapefruit essential oil
So what does the science actually have to say about grapefruit essential oil benefits? Unfortunately, it’s not super clear what it can do for you.
Here’s what we do know about the potential benefits of grapefruit essential oil.
1. Boosts your mood
Some folks swear smelling citrus essential oils help them feel uplifted and energized.
An olderstudy from 2008found folks who inhaled lemon essential oil felt an increase in positive mood. Because grapefruit contains similar compounds to its citrus fruit sibling, it may be able to produce a similar effect.
For now this benefit is mostly anecdotal since we lack recent data and there also isn’t much info specifically on grapefruit essential oil.
2. Relieves stress
Wanna chill out? Grapefruit essential oil may help youstress less.
Arecent studyshowed both grapefruit andlavender essential oilshelped lowerstress levelsin healthy participants who inhaled them regularly over 6 weeks.
Olderresearchadds to this, suggesting that citrus-based essential oils may aid in lowering your levels ofcortisol(a stress hormone).
3. Promotes weight loss
Some studies suggest that grapefruit oil may also helpweight loss.
A2014 animal studyfound that breathing in grapefruit oil may help stimulate fat breakdown, while a2010 test-tube studylinked applying grapefruit oil possibly stopping fatty tissue from forming.
When it comes to humans, however, the research is limited and the results are somewhat skewed. While a 6-weekstudyon postmenopausal women did suggest grapefruit oil aromatherapy may contribute toweight loss, a mixture of several oils was used.
4. Curbs appetite
If you’re looking for a way tostave off snacking, could you try smelling some grapefruit oil?
While human research is still needed, animal studies have shown some results. In a2014 study, rodents exposed to the scent of grapefruit essential oil ate less.
Anolder animal studyhad similar findings. After regular exposure to the smell of grapefruit essential oil, rats showed signs of reduced appetite, lower food intake, and decreased body weight.
But, obviously people aren’t rats, so there’s no way to know for sure if this has the same effect on humans.
5. Regulate blood pressure
High blood pressure can be serious, and someresearchsuggests that inhaling citrus oils can help lower blood pressure and keep it down.
With these mixed findings we definitely need more information on whether or not grapefruit oil can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. You should never substitute your blood pressure medication for grapefruit oil.
6. Improves skin health
Grapefruit essential oil might be the secret to ahealthy glow. While more research still needs to be done,studiesdo show grapefruit oil’s antibacterial properties may be able to help treat and prevent certain skin conditions —including acne— when applied topically.
With its ability to keep bacteria at bay, it’s no wonder any beauty brands have used grapefruit and other citrus oils in their products.
7. Reduces inflammation
Citrus essential oils, like grapefruit, are often used as a natural anti-inflammatory, thanks to a compound they contain called limonene. While animalstudieshave shown the benefits of citrus oils on reducinginflammation, more research is needed to support their effectiveness on humans.
8. Acts as an antibacterial or antimicrobial
Grapefruit oil may also have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
In a2011 lab study, researchers found grapefruit essential oil had an antimicrobial effect against numerous bacteria, includingStaphylococcus aureus(staph),Escherichia coli(E. coli), andSalmonella typhimurium(salmonella).
New studies have found similar results. According to2020 research, grapefruit essential oil had the best antimicrobial effects onBacillus subtilis(B. subtilis), followed by E. coli, staph, and salmonella.
While we still need more research, grapefruit oil appears to be so effective against bacteria that researchers are focusing on other ways to maximize its abilities.
9. Acts as an antifungal
Grapefruit essential oil is a powerful antifungal agent.
A 2017 reviewon essential oils and fungus found that grapefruit essential oil in particular can help heal and prevent fungal infections, including yeast infection-causingCandida albicans.
A 2016 study also found grapefruit oil is one of several essential oils that can preventCandida albicansgrowth by as much as35 percent.
Grapefruit essential oil side effects
Grapefruit essential oil is generally considered safe when diluted for topical use or as part of aromatherapy. However, ingesting anyessential oilcan be toxic. Don’t do it!
Here are a few things to keep in mind for safe essential oil use:
How to use grapefruit essential oil
From inhaling it to rubbing it on your bod, here’s how you can take advantage of grapefruit oil’s benefits, but first: Always do apatch testbefore trying any new-to-you essential oil.
Dilute, dilute, dilute!
Essential oilsare pretty potent, so it’s important to make sure you’re using a carrier oil before putting them on your skin. Carrier oils — likecoconut oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil —dilute essential oilsand reduce the risk of irritation, while usually providing moisturizing properties.
The takeaway
Grapefruit essential oil is derived from grapefruit peels and generally used on the skin or inhaled.
Studies suggest that grapefruit essential oil has many potential benefits, including easing stress, fighting bacteria, and lowering blood pressure. But we need a lot more research to prove it works.
