The grapefruit tree is cultivated for its delicious large, yellow fruits. The tree reaches about 10m/33ft in height and bears dark glossy leaves and white flowers. It is native to tropical Asia and the West Indies, although it probably originated in Asia as a hybrid of the orange tree. Grapefruit trees are grown as ornamental trees all over the Mediterranean and are also cultivated in Florida, Brazil and Israel, but California is the main producer of the oil. The yield of oil from the fresh peel is small when compared to the yield from the orange and lemon.
Applications and Effects
Cleansing, balancing, brightening, and refreshing. Particularly effective for congested pores and oily skin, cellulite, and the digestion of fatty foods.
- Skin: Acne
- Circulatory and muscular systems: Muscle fatigue, exercise preparation, stiffness, water retention, migraine.
- Digestive system: Loss of appetite, cleansing the kidneys, liver tonic.
- Immune system: Chills, colds, flu.
- Reproductive and excretory systems: PMS
- Nervous system: Depression, headaches, migraine, performance stress, nervous exhaustion, jet lag, restoration of balance after ear infections.
- Mental/emotional effects: Use this uplifting oil when feeling apathetic or indecisive. Its euphoric nature may help with feelings of resentfulness, jealousy, and envy.
Precautions
Presents a very slight risk of producing photosensitivity in the skin. Like other citrus oils it has a relatively short shelf life.