Grapefruit essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of ripe grapefruit. It is a yellow liquid with a fresh, sweet citrus aroma, considered uplifting and refreshing. Like essential oil of Lemon, grapefruit is cooling, cleansing, and decongestive, and can be beneficial for an overheated liver and sluggish lymph system. Further, the pleasing aroma has laboratory-confirmed appetite reducing effects.

Like many of the citrus oils, it has a unique 'fat dissolving' characteristic. This is the essential oil most noted for use in reducing cellulite, (it can be used by itself, or in a carrier and massaged into those areas) and can be included in massage blends for this application. It has been shown in laboratory studies to increase the metabolism of adipose tissue (fat cells, and specifically 'brown' fat cells.) It is also very useful for cleansing oily skin and helping with acne due to its astringent nature. Key natural constituents of the oil are Limonene and Myrcene.

To assist in weight loss, try this blend: Grapefruit, Sweet Orange and Lemon. The oils in this recipe are formulated in a 1:1:1 ratio. Mix in a separate bottle (you may request mixing bottles in the 'comments' section of the checkout pages) - open and inhale deeply whenever you desire. The uplifting, releasing effect can help bring a positive emotional and mental state, helping you curb the craving to eat when things get hectic!

Grapefruit oil may also be helpful with rheumatic conditions where the joints feel warm and swollen, and a burning sensation accompanies the pain.

On psychological and emotional levels, grapefruit is noted to assist in cases of depression where one may tend to overindulge in food or chemicals to pacify their pain. The oil may clear the psychological 'heat' and congestion that result from self-criticism and blame, promoting a lightness of spirit.

In aromatherapy applications, grapefruit is refreshing, cheering, slightly euphoria-inducing and slightly energizing. Grapefruit's sweet and familiar aroma can evoke warm feelings that melt sour dispositions. Grapefruit essential oil is a "releasing" oil -- so personalities that tend to harbor resentment or keep emotions bottled up can benefit from inhaling this oil.

For and emotional 'release' blend, try this in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and applied topically: 18 drops Grapefruit, 1 drop Bergamot oil, 1 drop Rose Otto.
Use these ratios to create whatever amount of the blend you desire.

Note that like other citrus oils, grapefruit may be photosensitizing - exposure to sunlight should be limited for 24 hours where it has been applied to the skin.