Citrus paradisi
Plant organ: Fruit peel
Optimal ranges of biochemical composition:
- Limonene: 92-96%
- Beta-myrcene: 1.5-2.5%
- N-Octanal: 0.2-0.8%.
General information and properties:
Grapefruit essential oil has, like sweet orange essential oil, a high limonene content, which is why they share similar properties and indications regarding treatments of the digestive system. Limonene, as the major molecule, extracted from citrus peel, suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF alpha and nitric oxide). It has a cholagogue and choleretic action; It promotes hepatic drainage, stimulating the elimination of toxic substances. Limonene has a hypoglycemic effect (lowering blood glucose). Together with gamma-terpinene (also contained in orange, tangerine and lemon essence), limonene promotes a reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides. The beneficial action of its compounds at the hepatobiliary level and on fat and sugar levels in the blood gives it interesting properties in the prevention and improvement of metabolic problems such as: gastric hyperacidity, obesity, dyslipidemias, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes and overloaded liver, steatosis and biliary sludge. Grapefruit essential oil is commonly used, it facilitates digestion, it has hypolipidemic or lipolytic properties by stimulating the dissolution of fats due to its limonene content. Studies in the field of conditions in the bronchi, limonene, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (decrease in inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), inactivates the migration of white blood cells involved in hypersensitization and allergy reactions (polynuclear eosinophils). Grapefruit essential oil has a neurotropic action, by stimulating and increasing blood pressure, it makes the autonomic nervous system more receptive. It can be applied by diffusion to asepticize the environment. The studies carried out to evaluate the effect of Grapefruit oil in the control of overweight show the following conclusions: – Appetite suppressing properties (observed in rats). – Reduction of fat accumulation in subcutaneous adipocytes. – Its olfactory or topical application (massage) contributes, after several weeks, to a reduction in weight and waist circumference. The study concludes that Grapefruit essential oil can be included in a comprehensive approach to weight control and considered as a complementary aid to fight against problems related to obesity and against the accumulation of fat in the body.
Contraindications:
Do not apply during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not apply to babies or children under 6 years of age. Do not apply to asthmatic or epileptic patients (except under medical prescription). Do not apply pure to the skin; It is irritating; Dilute it in a vegetable oil in a maximum proportion equivalent to 20%. Do not expose the parts of the body where it was applied to the sun for at least 12 hours; It is photosensitizing, even diluted, due to its high limonene content. Do not apply for periods longer than 3 consecutive weeks. Do not mix it with Lavender essential oil (the stimulating neurotropic function of Grapefruit essential oil is opposite to the calming function of Lavender essential oil). Do not apply orally to patients with gallstones. It is advisable to test the oil on the inside of the elbow to demonstrate the risk of allergy.
Permitted use according to age or condition of the patient:
- Pregnancy less than 3 months: no
- Children under 6 years: no
- Babies under 3 years old: no
- Inhalation: yes
- Topical route: yes
- Oral route: yes
- In diffuser: yes
- Photosensitizing: yes
- Hormonal interaction with estrogen: no
- General hormonal interaction: no
- Liver toxicity: no
- Neurotoxicity: no
- Irritant to respiratory tract: no
- Allergy risk: yes
- Dermocaustic (burns skin if used neat): yes
- Skin irritation if used neat: yes
- Cortisone-like effect: yes
Warnings on the use of essential oils:
Information on traditional use does not replace the recommendation of a pharmacist or aromatherapy doctor. Its use without following this recommendation will always be under your responsibility. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult your doctor. It is important to confirm the diagnosis of your illness or condition to make the best decision. It is especially important to review the contraindications and precautions for use of each essential oil. The indications and contraindications of an essential oil depend on its molecular composition. The traditional uses reviewed refer to 100% pure essential oils and vegetable oils with detailed information on origin, quality and specific molecular composition ranges for SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AROMATHERAPY. THEY DO NOT APPLY FOR ANY ESSENTIAL OIL THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THIS INFORMATION! AROMATMA SAS is not responsible for inappropriate and/or abusive use of essential oils and vegetable oils. Allergy: Before using an essential oil, it is advisable to apply a drop to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours in order to detect a possible allergic reaction. It is appropriate to consult the chapter titled “Risks of using essential oil” if the “Allergy risks” icon appears.
Correct traditional indications
Gastroenterology
slow digestion
Overweight
Psychiatry - Psychology
Distress - Anxiety
Bulimia
Depression
Bibliography:
- De la Charie, T. et al. “Compagnie des Sens” website – https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/
- Franchomme, P., R. Jollois, and D. Pénoël. 2001. L'aromathérapie Exactement. Encyclopédie de L'utilisation Thérapeutique Des Huiles Essentielles. Editions Roger Jollois.
- Zhiri A., Baudoux D. Huiles essentielles chémotypées et leurs synergies.
- Passeport Santé. Website https://www.passeportsante.net/
- Scott A. Johnson, 2015. Evidence-based essential oil therapy the ultimate guide to the therapeutic and clinical application of essential oils (EBEO)
- https://vanessences.fr/content/28-huile-essentielle-encens-bienfaits-proprietes-utilisation