Grape Fruit Oil
Grapefruit oil is extracted from the rind of the ripe Grapefruit. This tree is a member of the citrus family Rutaceae to which other citrus fruits like lemon, lime and orange belong to. It is indigenous to Asia and West Indies. Facts state that this tree was initially cultivated in Florida and it is still the major producer of grapefruits. Few other areas where grapefruits are extensively cultivated are Brazil, California, Texas, South Africa, Arizona and Israel. Grapefruit tree is a glossy-leaved tree with pale yellow fruits. It reaches a maximum height of 15 m. The leaves are thin, dark, glossy, long and measure about 6 inches. This evergreen tree bears white colored flowers that measure about 5 cm. These flowers have four petals. The flowers are followed by the spheroid grapefruits. These fruits measure about 10 to 15 cm in diameter. Grapefruits are generally classified into pink, white or ruby. These colors reflect the inner fruit and not the external rind as the fruit rinds generally appear in yellowish-orange or pinkish-yellow in color. The inner flesh is juicy, tangy with a citric flavor. It is segmented and acidic just like the other citric fruits.
Grapefruit essential oil is extracted from the rind of the ripe fruit by cold-press method. This oil is pale yellow in color with a watery viscosity. It is uplifting, cleansing, refreshing, decongestive and cooling in nature with a fresh citrus aroma. This appealing aroma has been proved to show appetite reducing effects. Grapefruit oil blends well with sweet orange oil, bergamot oil, lemon oil and rose oil. Yet another outstanding property of this oil is that it combats cellulite.
Latin name: Citrus paradise.
Alternative names: Citrus Racemosa and Citrus maxima var. Racemosa, Shaddock.
Grapefruit tree thrives well in warm subtropical climate. The most suitable annual rainfall for the growth of Grapefruit plant is 91 to111cm. It should be distributed all around the year. This tree prefers mildly acidic soil for its fertile growth. Propagation is carried out by using the rootstocks. Grapefruit oil contains myrcene, decyl acetate, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, a-pinene, geraniol, sabinene, neryl acetate, citronellal and linalool. It has disinfectant, lymphatic, antidepressant, aperitif, anti-infectious, stimulant, antiseptic, diuretic and tonic properties. Grapefruit oil is non-irritant, non-toxic and non-sensitizing in nature.
Uses: Grapefruit oil is very helpful in treating swollen joints, muscle stiffness, painful muscles, arthritis and rheumatism. This oil with its uplifting effects, helps in bringing a positive emotional feeling. It is also helpful in promoting the functions of the digestive system, lymphatic system, nervous system and the immune system. Grapefruit oil has been proved effective in treating cold, flu, influenza, skin disorders, muscular fatigue, depression and removes the excess water in the body.
