Information on Grapefruit White essential oil
Grapefruit white or ruby essential oil is expressed from the peel of the fruit of Citrus x paradisi (also known as Citrus racemosa and C. maxima var. racemosa) from the Rutaceae family and is also known as shaddock.
Grapefruit white or ruby essential oil is useful for more than just fighting cellulite and boosting your lymphatic system – it positively affects your mood and revives the mind, while stimulating the digestive system and clearing up congested oily skin and acne.
Oil Properties
Grapefruit white or ruby essential oil has a sharp refreshing smell and is either a pale yellow or light ruby color with a watery viscosity.
Origin
Originally from Asia, it is now cultivated in the USA, Brazil and Israel.
Grapefruit is picked from a glossy-leaved tree, about 10 meters (30 feet) high, with white flowers and large, pale yellow fruit. The oil glands are embedded deep within the peel and yield a small amount of essential oil
Extraction
Grapefruit essential oil is extracted from the fresh peel by cold compression and yields 0.5 – 1 %.
Chemical composition
Some of the main chemical components are (+)-Limonene, β-Myrcene, α-Pinene, Sabinene, Nootkatone
Precautions
Grapefruit essential oil is non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing and is thought to be weakly photo-toxic. It can irritate the skin if exposed to strong sunlight/sunbeds/UV-rays after treatment, so the suggested dilution rate should not be exceeded.
Grapefruit essential oil oxidises easily and should be kept in an airtight glass bottle and in a cool and dark place (preferably the fridge – at a temperature of around 4° Celsius (39° Fahrenheit). Oxidised Grapefruit essential oil is irritating to the skin.
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties for Grapefruit White essential oil
Some of the therapeutic properties of grapefruit oil are antidepressant, antiseptic, aperitif, diuretic, disinfectant, lymphatic stimulant, tonic and anti-infectious.
Uses for Grapefruit white essential oil
Grapefruit essential oil, white or ruby, has a very positive effect on obesity and also has diuretic properties, helping to remove excess water from the body and is therefore also great for treating cellulite.
Grapefruit essential oil does NOT contain vitamin C (essential oils are ‘oil-loving’ and vitamin C is ‘water-loving’).
It has an uplifting effect on the mood and helps with stress and depression.
It is used with great success to combat muscle fatigue and stiffness while stimulating the lymphatic system and thereby clearing the body of toxins.
It helps to clear congested oily skin and also assists with acne, while toning the skin and tissues.
Grapefruit white or ruby essential oil is used in hair care to promote hair growth.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy grapefruit white or ruby essential oil can be used for hangovers, headaches, over indulgence, mental exhaustion and depression.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
Grapefruit white or ruby oil can be used in a blended massage oil, or may be diluted in the bath to assist with cellulite, colds and flu, lack of energy, jet lag, muscle fatigue, overweight, headaches, moodiness and mental and physical tiredness.
Blended in Lotions, Creams and Washes – Grapefruit White essential oil
Grapefruit (White) can be used in a cream or lotion. It can be used for arthritis, muscle aches, rheumatism, and also to help with poor circulation and to help disperse bruises.
Suggested Dilution Rates for Grapefruit White essential oil
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 1% to 1.5%
Body: 1% to 3%
Bath: 1% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.25 to 0.5
Body: 0.25 to 0.5
Bath: 0.25 to 0.5
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5 to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid the topical use of all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary – Grapefruit White essential oil
This refreshing oil helps to boost digestion, benefits the immune system by helping to clear the lymphatic system, helps with skin problems, and can be used for muscle stiffness, water retention and for bolstering the nervous system.
Care should be taken when using this oil as it is slightly photo-toxic.
Blends
Although most essential oils blend well together, grapefruit essential oil blends particularly well with Bergamot, Lavender, Geranium, Palmarosa and Frankincense.
