Hello everyone and welcome back. Wow, this summer is flying by isn't it? It's been a hot one too even here on the coast of Maine. Mother Nature finally sent some much-needed rain recently but I'm still being careful with my water usage. Most of my garden is done producing so I have pulled up the plants, however my coveted tomatoes are still getting their ration each morning.
As I sit here this morning enjoying my half of grapefruit, I was thinking about all the other uses of these wonderful orbs. That's when I decided I would start show casing individual essential oils and their benefits. So, let's start with grapefruit.
Grapefruit, also known as Citrus paradisi, is a hybrid fruit that originated in Asia. It is a cross between sweet oranges and pomelo. There are many varieties available now; I think my favorite for eating is the ruby red.
Essential oil, made from grapefruit, has several therapeutic uses.
It can help suppress appetite
It is mood balancing
It can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure
The above issues are generally treated through aromatherapy techniques such as using the essential oil in a vaporizer or a few drops on an aromatherapy pendant.
There is also a compound in grapefruit oil that has antibacterial qualities; it is called limonene. In this case you would want to use it topically but be sure to blend the essential oil with a carrier oil first. I generally use sweet almond oil or avocado oil. The blending ratio for this is 1:1.
Now as with all essential oils there are restrictions and precautions. I'll list them below:
Do not use essential oils internally
Be careful around your pets as they are more sensitive to smells then we are
Always consult with your doctor before using, especially if pregnant and in the first trimester.
Some essential oils (especially citrus) are photosensitive and can cause sunburn.
So, as you can see grapefruit isn't just for breakfast anymore! I'm curious what your favorite essential oil is. If you have a question or essential oil you'd like to have more information on, just leave a message in the comment section. Until next time, enjoy the rest of the summer and stay safe.