Grapefruit oil: features and subtleties of use
Grapefruit has been known to mankind only since the 18th century, and essential oil has been extracted from it less than a hundred years ago, so it is unlikely that mankind managed to discover all the facets of the benefits of this magic liquid. However, now it is impossible to overestimate the benefits that it brings beauty and health. Consider what is such a mysterious elixir.
Composition
The main essential oil part of a small sheddok, as this citrus is sometimes called, is its skin. The best is the substance obtained by cold pressing.At the same time to obtain 1 kilogram of the final substance, you need about 100 kilograms of raw materials. This causes the price of high-quality grapefruit oil, which ranges from 200 to 500 rubles per 10 milliliters. Of course, you can find a product cheaper, but it is not recommended to use it otherwise than in aromatherapy, and even more so in no case should you drink it.
The main chemicals in the oil are geraniol, limonene, linalool, myrcene, citral and pinene, which form a unique sweet-sour-sweet aroma with a slight bitterness and cause beneficial properties. In addition, it is simply filled with important components for health, such as vitamins (A, C, D, PP, group B), minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine, iron, phosphorus), antioxidants, carotenoids, as well as organic acids .
However, the peel is not the only fruit that benefits health and is used for extraction. Also widely used is an extract from the seeds of this plant, used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the respiratory system, skin, oral cavity, digestion, for cleansing the body and removing toxins, for cosmetic as well as domestic purposes, including for the preservation and disinfection of products .
Grapefruit seed oil, as well as the more well-known peel liquid, is rich in active substances and vitamins.
Benefit
Ether of grapefruit, like many citrus fruits, solves a whole complex of tasks:
- perfectly fights skin imperfections, including evens the complexion, helps to eliminate purulent lesions, reduces wrinkles and laxity, returns shine, relieves swelling;
- speeds up the process of splitting fats and perfectly affects cellulite;
- improves digestion and metabolism;
- reduces appetite;
- improves mood and relieves depression;
- copes with avitaminosis;
- is an excellent adaptogen that increases the body's resistance;
- possesses disinfecting properties, can be used for the treatment of premises and food.
In addition, it is useful for arrhythmias, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, joint disease, bronchitis and acute respiratory viral infections, as well as alleviating the symptoms of toxicosis in pregnant women. And he also has a number of exclusively decorative properties, for example, in some cases, the oil can work as a natural tan, giving the skin a golden hue.
Harm
It is worth considering that such an active substance has several disadvantages. First of all, it is the strongest allergen, so you must first test the product on a small area of skin, for which it is enough to apply a couple of drops and leave for a day. However, do not confuse the negative reaction with the behavior of high-quality oil: during the first three to five minutes, you can feel a tingling and slight burning sensation at the point of contact.
In addition, it is very photoactive: you should not go out in the sun immediately after application, because you can earn serious burns. Non-compliance with dosages and the use of undiluted substance can lead to the same result.
When applying inside should be very careful about quality. Ether must be pure, free of impurities and additional ingredients. Otherwise, there is a high risk of poisoning and deterioration in general. In no case should it be consumed on an empty stomach or without any basis, as a rule, honey, bread crusts, any vegetable oil or acidified water are suitable for this.
Everything else, the extract of this citrus has the ability to increase pressure, so hypertensive patients should use it with extreme caution.
Dosage
Grapefruit essential oil is used in the following amounts:
- for disinfecting and flavoring rooms using aroma lamps use 3-4 drops of oil per 10 square meters;
- for massage mixtures and enhance the action of cosmetics add 5 drops per 15 grams of base;
- for compresses, 4-6 drops per 15 grams of the base are taken, after which the napkin soaked in the mixture is placed on the sore spot and fixed with a film;
- for baths, 4-6 drops are mixed with cream, milk, sea salt, honey, or base oil, the procedure should not exceed 20 minutes;
- 1 drop inside with just one drop with any base;
- 2-3 drops are enough for aromacolon.
Recipes
In cosmetology, natural grapefruit oil has no equal. It tightens pores, improves color and brightens pigment spots, activates the processes of regeneration and blood circulation, which reduces wrinkles, restores skin tone and elasticity, eliminates acne and comedones.
- Useful regularly Massage your face with an ice cube with ether. To do this, 5 drops of oil is mixed with a spoon of honey and diluted in a glass of mineral water or a decoction of herbs, such as chamomile. This mixture is suitable as a tonic, or you can pour it into molds and put it in the freezer. In the morning, this procedure will help wake up, refresh, and in the long run, relieve dark circles under the eyes and significantly reduce wrinkles.
- For problem and oily skin, steam baths work well: 2 drops of grapefruit oil and one drop of lemon balm and bergamot per liter of hot water. The duration of such a procedure is 5-15 minutes.
- When painful red pimples point application on inflammation is allowed.
- To narrow pores well helps a mixture of oils of chamomile, lemon and grapefruit with moisturizer or any other base. It should be borne in mind that in case of skin problems you should not use a greasy base.
- The recipe is very popular. problem skin masks. You will need 4 teaspoons of liquid or heated honey, one teaspoon of alcohol and mineral water, 2 drops of essential oils of grapefruit and tea tree. It is recommended to apply the mixture for 15 minutes, then use a moisturizing cream. This mask will cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation and prevent the appearance of new imperfections.
- The drying mask is made on the basis of white clay., to which is added two drops of grapefruit, eucalyptus and tea tree oils. It is good to combine this procedure with taking a bath: this way the clay will not dry out and will last for the entire time.
- And also there is recipe nourishing face masks. To a tablespoon of sour cream add the same amount of flowing honey, after which three drops of grapefruit oil are added to a well-mixed mixture. For skin prone to rashes, it is appropriate to add a couple of drops of chamomile oil or tea tree. The fat content of the base is chosen based on the following considerations: the drier the skin, the fatter the cream should be. After cleansing, apply a thick layer on the face and leave for 25 minutes, rinse with cool water, a contrast shower is appropriate. The skin after such care will become more silky, moisturized, radiant.
- Oil strengthens nails well - It is enough to mix in equal proportions the ethers of lemon and grapefruit and rub them into the nail plate.
- To give a tan shade You can use cotton wool moistened with a couple drops of oil
The product is able to help with virtually any problems with the hair and scalp.
- The easiest recipe in such cases is to add 3-4 drops of oil per 10 milliliters of a suitable shampoo. This will enhance the effect of the cosmetic product, relieve from excessive fat content, help with hair loss, return them a healthy shine.
- With alopecia and dandruff, you can make a salt scrub for the scalp. This will help to update the upper layer of the epidermis, remove excess skin flakes, cleanse and massage the hairy part, prepare it for further care. For three tablespoons of fine sea salt, add 2-4 drops of grapefruit oil and the same drops of lavender.
- A good solution can serve as a mask, for the preparation of which you need to mix a glass of beer with two tablespoons of honey, add 2 drops of lemon, grapefruit and lavender.Apply to hair and keep in heat for 25-30 minutes, then rinse with water.
- To feed split ends, apply a composition of fatty oil, for example, castor, burdock or peach, and 2-3 drops of grapefruit before washing the head for 20-30 minutes. Hair will again become elastic, smooth, obedient.
Not to mention the help of citrus in the fight for a slim figure.
The very reaction of the interaction of skin and oil pushes to the idea of applying it against cellulite and excess weight.
- The easiest way to correct a figure with the help of grapefruit oil is to add it to food and drinks. Even a small amount of ether will reduce appetite and will reduce the use of harmful products. For this, simple inhalation of vapors is beneficial. However, without additional measures, the result of such impacts will be very modest.
- If twice a day rub enriched body cream into problem areas, you can significantly reduce the appearance of orange peel.
- Honey massage is useful for finding the desired body contours. On a tablespoon of honey is added 5 drops of oil. The area of massage is pounded with the help of honey, after which the patting movements continue the procedure for 15-30 minutes.
- The ether is added to the mixture for wrapping. 3 parts of cosmetic clay are used to prepare the home version, green, red and black are well suited, the same amount of kelp powder, enough water to bring the mixture into a creamy state, and 3 drops of oil per 10 grams of the composition. Liberally apply to problem areas, wrap with film and wrap in a warm blanket or bathrobe. The duration of exposure - at least half an hour.
- Lymphatic drainage massage for weight loss can be performed using any oily base enriched with 5 drops of grapefruit oil per 10 grams of base.
- Salt bath with grapefruit oil will help remove toxins and excess fluid from the body.
- A recipe for removing toxins is also known: a tablespoon of honey is mixed with 4 drops of rosemary and eucalyptus oil, 2 drops of grapefruit, and then added to a full bath.
- To enhance the anti-cellulite effect, grapefruit oil can be combined with fennel, orange, lemon, juniper, rosemary.
Unfortunately, natural cosmetics are short-lived, and ethers lose their properties already within a couple of hours after contact with air, so the best option would be to prepare mixtures immediately before use. In extreme cases, it is allowed to store a pre-prepared base without adding oil. Keep it in the refrigerator, and its life will not exceed a couple of days.
It is worth remembering that in no case procedures should not bring too much burning and pain. In this case, you should immediately stop using and rinse the affected area with plenty of water, then use a moisturizer if possible.
It would be wrong to omit a variety of recipes for the application of grapefruit ether inside. In particular, you can find recipes for cleaning the liver and gallbladder. You need to take a tablespoon of flaxseed oil and add 1 drop of grapefruit oil, if desired, the same rosemary. Drink this mixture after meals three times a day for two weeks. When swelling and heaviness in the stomach will help the crust of bread, moistened with 5 drops of lemon juice and 2 drops of grapefruit oil.
This is only relevant if after eating no more than an hour and a half has passed.
Recommendations
The information space is filled with enthusiastic reviews about the experience of using grapefruit essential oil to solve beauty and health problems. He is advised in almost all cases, be it fatigue or digestive problems. To improve elasticity, revitalize tired skin, get rid of acne, comedones and acne, with a dull complexion. The storehouse of vitamins in oil will help out in the winter, will support immunity.Just a couple of drops added to the tea will allow you to enjoy a completely new shade of your favorite drink. And all this without mentioning the extensive use in aromatherapy and the preparation of perfume compositions.
Everyone can find for themselves the very method of application, thanks to which this wonderful elixir will fall in love forever.
You will learn more about the features and use of grapefruit oil in the following video.