Grapefruit: The essential oil equivalent of glitter.

Grapefruit: Citrus paradisi 

Opening up a bottle of grapefruit essential oil is like opening one of those party poppers that shoots glitter everywhere, (without the annoying clean up afterwards). Grapefruit is glittery, sparkly, positive sunshine in a bottle. It also smells just like a fresh, ripe, juicy grapefruit.

This is an oil to reach for when you're wanting to uplift your mood. It's a great pick-me-up when feeling fatigued. It's energetic and has an outwardly happy energy. It's a wonderful source of support when dealing with depression or anxiety and can reduce mental tension. It can also assist with the physical pain and tension that often comes with depression and stress. The d-limonene componant of grapefruit has stress reducing actions. 

 Grapefruit is the oil of Honoring the Body. It's a helpful friend for those who have deep dissatisfaction with their bodies and are not comfortable in their own skin. Those who mistreat their bodies with extrememe dieting, overeating, or eating disorders, might find some comfort in grapefruit essential oil's assistance. Don't confuse the use of the essential oil with the use of grapefruit, the fruit, in diets. Grapefruit essential oil can encourage a positive relationship with one's body.* 

 As you've probably already guessed, grapefruit essential oil comes from grapefruits. It is cold pressed from the rind, or peel, of the fruit. When grapefruit was first "discovered" by Europeans in the late 1700's, it was referred to as a "forbidden fruit", and one of the "Seven Wonders of Barbados". **

 

Grapefruit is wonderful in an uplifting, energizing diffuser blend. You can also put a drop or two in a glass of drinking water to help stabilize your metabolism and add to that healthy body image. Grapefruit is great for skin care as it has astringent properties and can help with blemishes. It is less phototoxic than other citrus oils, but still use caution when using it topically and use sunscreen when you're going to be exposed to sunlight. Grapefruit is prone to oxidization, so pay attention to how old your grapefruit oil may be and don't use it topically or internally if oxidized. Never use oils internally if they are not CPTG oils. 

 Here is a sparkly, energizing diffuser blend from the Aromahead Institute: 

Sunny Diffuser Blend 

5 drops Grapefruit 

5 drops Orange 

2 drops distilled Lime 

Add to your diffuser and enjoy some liquid sunshine! 

 *Emotions and Essential Oils: A Reference Guide for Emotional Healing, 2017 Sixth Edition 

** doTerra.com