Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is a multipurpose (broad spectrum) compound that is currently being used in humans and animals alike to safely fight many types of internal infections caused from parasites (single and multi-celled), viruses, bacteria and fungi etc.

It has strong antibacterial, antifungal and anti-candida properties. This includes the aromatic ethereal essence of the outer peel. Aromatherapists use grapefruit ethereal to stimulate healthy lymphatic activity and reduce hangovers, jet lag and PMS. Balancing to central nervous system. Supports euphoria and happiness. Useful in unleashing body’s ability to heal acne, cellulite, stones and obesity. Supports assimilation of other nutrients.

Grapefruit seed extracts biggest benefit is due to it’s multipurpose (broad spectrum) effect. It is effective even if the causes of the infections are known, unknown or misdiagnosed. By eliminating a wide range of dangerous pathogens grapefruit seed extract actually enhances the immune system! Phytonutrients include Nootketone, D limonene, Gamma Terpine, Cadinene, Neral, Citronellal, Geraniol, Citral and Pinene. Grapefruit seed extract is effective at very low concentrations.

During 1989-90, an international research team (reported in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Volume 5, No. 3, USA, 1990) examined the effects of GSE and compared this with 30 effective antibiotics and 18 proven fungicides. GSE was found to perform as well as any and all of the tested agents. Grapefruit seed extract is nontoxic According to an independent laboratory testing “Acute Oral Toxicity”, it would take at least 4,000 times the normal dose of gse to produce a 50% chance of poisoning (called LD50).

Because of it’s low toxicity for humans grapefruit seed extract is becoming the health alternative choice for those seeking a (broad spectrum) compound that does not have the harsh side effects of pharmaceutical chemicals. The grapefruit is a large citrus fruit related to the orange, lemon and pomelo. Grapefruits are categorized as white, pink or ruby. However, this terminology doesn’t reflect their skin color, which is either yellow or pinkish-yellow, but rather describes the color of their flesh. Grapefruits usually range in diameter from four to six inches, with some varieties featuring seeds while others are seedless. The wonderful flavor of a grapefruit is like paradise, just as its Latin name Citrus paradisi connotes. It is juicy, tart and tangy with an underlying sweetness that weaves throughout.

Internal Uses

1. Allergies 18. Earaches 35. Parasites
2. Bad Breath 19. Ear Rinse 36. Phlegm /Mucus Removal
3. Benign Tumors/Wens 20. Flatulence (gas) 37. Plaque
4. Bladder Infection; Interstitial 21. Gastritis 38. Polyps
5. Bladder Infection; Bacterial 22. Gastrointestinal Disorder 39. Respiratory Infections
6. Candidiasis (Fungal Infection) 23. Giardia lamblia 40. Sinusitis/Nasal Rinse
7. Candidiasis (Yeast Vaginal) 24. Gingivitis 41. Sore Throat Gargle
8. Caries (Tooth Decay) 25. Gum Disorders 42. Strep Throat
9. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 26. Hoarseness 43. Swollen Glands
10. Chronic Inflammation 27. Hypoadrenalism 44. Thrush
11. Colds/Flu 28. Hypotension 45. Tonsillitis
12. Coughs 29. Laryngitis 46. Toothaches
13. Cysts 30. Lipomas 47. Tooth Extraction
14. Dental Rinse 31. Lung Infections 48. Toothbrush Cleaner
15. Diarrhea 32. Lymph Inflammation 49. Toxic Shock Syndrome
16. Dysentery 33. Mouthwash 50. Ulcerative Stomatitis
17. Duodenal Ulcers 34. Orally for Good Health

Allergies
Food sensitivities and hay fever. Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup water or juice 2-3 times daily with or without meals. Read more about allergies | Customer comments about allergies.

Mouthwash and Dental Rinse
For healthy gums, fresh breath and to eliminate harmful germs and bacteria. Stir 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water. Vigorously swish a small amount of this dilution for 10 seconds or more 1-2 times daily. Also add grapefruit seed extract to the reserve of “waterpik” type devices. Only for adults and children over 6 years old. Customer comments about dental hygiene.

Bad Breath
Can be caused by bacteria inside the mouth, tooth decay or putrefaction in the lower digestive tract. Rinse the mouth and gargle with 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water several times daily. If the cause is in the digestive tract then take grapefruit seed extract internally at 1 to 5 drops mixed in 1/2 cup water or juice 2-3 times daily. Grapefruit seed extract is an extremely effective and long lasting breath freshener. Read more! about bad breath halitosis.

Bladder Infection, Bacterial Cystitis and Incontinence
A frequent, urgent, burning and painful urination. As soon as you feel the symptoms take a few drops of grapefruit seed extract and 1 tsp Baking soda in 1 cup water. Drink 3 times daily. Read more about bladder infections & incontinence..

Bladder Infections, Interstitial Cystitis and Chronic Urethritis
Cloudy urine with foul odor. Pain goes away during urination, then immediately returns. Mix a few drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water. Drink 3 times daily, for one month. Read more about chronic urethritis | bladder infections & interstitial cystitis.

Candida Yeast and Fungal Infection
Read more about candida diet. 1st week: (2) drops grapefruit seed extract in 6 ounces of water, diluted unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice, once daily. 2nd week: (4) drops grapefruit seed extract twice daily. 3rd week (6) drops grapefruit seed extract three times daily. Note: Doses can be increased or decreased as necessary.

Candidacies, Yeast Infections and Vaginal Rinse
Read more about candida diet. Mix (8) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water. Douche once daily for 1 week or as directed by your health care practitioner. Always dilute. For persistent cases use this recommendation together with the candida yeast and fungi infection recommendation (above) at the same time.

Caries, Tooth Decay
Caries is a demineralization process of the tooth enamel and the hard substance of the tooth, caused by the metabolic process of plaque bacteria. Use 1 drop grapefruit seed extract on moist toothbrush; Brush thoroughly 3 times daily. After brushing rinse mouth using (4) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water. Or add 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract to waterpik reservoir. For severe cases put (6) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1/4 cup water on a moist strip of cotton and place it on the gum for several minutes every day. Also See: Toothbrush cleaner below. Read more about bacteria and tooth decay.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Epstein Barr Virus, Hypoadrenalism and Hypotension
Mix (12) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water. Drink 3 times daily. Read more about chronic fatigue syndrome, and epstien barr virus.

Chronic Inflammation
Indicates a weakening of the immune system. Mix (12) drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water or juice 2-3 times daily or more if necessary.

Colds and Flu: Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water or juice 3 times daily at the first sign of a cold or flu. As an alternative, Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract to a quart of fruit or vegetable juice and sip throughout the day. Read more about flu | Customer comments about colds.

Coughs, Hoarseness and Laryngitis
Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Gargle several times daily. Read more about hoarseness, laryngitis & coughs.

Cysts, Polyps, Benign Tumors, Lipomas and Wens:
(To shrink) Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 tbsp of olive oil, almond, sesame, avocado or vegetable oil. Rub on 2 or 3 times daily, especially if the growth is increasing in size, If this mix is irritating to the skin add a little more oil, if necessary. Read more about cysts & polyps.

Diarrhea and Dysentery
Caused by contaminated food or water. Experts say a great many people in whom colitis or Crohn’s disease is diagnosed and the cause seems to be unknown are actually infected with shigella, amoebas, salmonella, fungi, giardia lamblia or other parasites. For which grapefruit seed extract is very effective. Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 5 oz. of water or juice 1-2 times daily. As a preventative measure mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract per 5 oz. of water or juice and drink each day. Read more about diarrhea.

Ear Rinse and Earaches
Thoroughly mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract with 1 oz vegetable glycerin or alcohol. Apply 1 to 5 drops of mixture in affected ear as often as needed. Do not use full strength in ears.

Flatulence and Gas
Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1- cup water or juice 3 times daily, before or after meals. An appropriate probiotic is very helpful to replenish beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Digestive enzymes taken before meals are often helpful. If symptoms persist consult a Physician. Read more about the causes of flatulence.

Gastritis, Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that is now believed to be the cause of up to 90% of peptic and duodenal ulcers. When helicobacter is treated successfully, the sufferer usually finds permanent relief. Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract to 1 cup water. Drink a half an hour before a meal on an empty stomach 2 to 3 times daily until the symptoms have disappeared. Read more about duodenal ulcers.
If your stomach is sensitive start off with 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract and increase as needed or take with or after meals. Note: Ulcers are very sensitive to acidic irritation, “extreme care” must be taken when using grapefruit seed extract. If irritation persist discontinue use. As ulcers can be a very serious condition. Consult a Physician.

Gastrointestinal Disorder
If the cause seems to be unknown you may actually be infected with shigella, amoebas, salmonella, fungi, giardia lamblia or other parasites from contaminated food or water, etc. Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water or juice 2 times daily. Read more about gastrointestinal disease.

Gingivitis and Gum Disorders
Caused by plaque bacteria that can cause gums to bleed. Use 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract on moist toothbrush; Brush thoroughly 3 times daily. After brushing rinse mouth using 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water. Or add 1 to 5 drops to waterpik reservoir. For severe cases use 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1/4 cup water on a moist strip of cotton and place it on the gum for several minutes every day. Also See: Toothbrush cleaner below. Customer comments about dental hygiene.

Orally
For over all good health. Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract mixed in 1/2 cup water or juice. 2-3 times daily, with or without meals.

Parasites
For internal use. Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water or juice. 2-3 times daily. If you have a sensitive stomach take after meals until stomach adjusts to the extract and then you can take it independent of meals. Doses can be increased or decreased as necessary. Read more about parasites.

Phlegm and Mucus Removal
Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1-cup water and gargle deep in the throat using very little water mixture at a time. Repeat several times and slowly drink the rest.

Plaque
A bacterial coating of the teeth that causes caries and periodontosis; a progressive gum disease. Put 1 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract on moist toothbrush, brush extensively 3 times daily. Also put 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water rinse mouth thoroughly. Also: Read more about gum diseases & plaque. Customer comments about dental hygiene.

Respiratory
People have successfully used grapefruit seed extract in a nebulizer to rid themselves of lung and bronchial infections. Symptoms disappeared in less than a day. Four of the five were children with chronic infections unaffected by antibiotics prescribed by their doctor. This method was first tried by a respiratory therapist. (1) drop grapefruit seed extract in one ounce saline water (for nebulizers). This solution could also be used in a vaporizer or boiling water. I cannot say if this would be effective against the SARS virus but it may be worth a try? Customer comments about lung infections.

Sinusitis and Nasal Rinse
Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract with 3/4 cup water. With the head tilted back fill each nostril with an eyedropper full of mix. Drop head forward and down (head is upside down) to force solution up into nasal passages. Return head to normal position and allow nasal passages to drain. Do not inhale during this process. Always dilute. Also: Read more about sinusitis. Customer comments about sinusitis.

Sore Throat Gargle, Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, Swollen Glands (lymph Inflammation)
Stir 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 3 oz or more of water and gargle several times or as often as needed. Always Dilute. Increase dose if necessary. Read more about strep throat & tonsillitis. Customer comments about strep throat.

Thrush
Is a fungal infection of the mouth region. Thrush appears as a whitish coating in the mouth and is caused by the yeast fungus; Candida Albicans. Thoroughly rinse the mouth about 3 times daily with 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1 cup water. For babies See: Baby care Also See: Candida yeast and fungal infections for more info. Read more about thrush.

Toothaches
Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1-cup water. Gargle several times a day. In addition: Soak a cotton pad in a mix of 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract to 2-4 oz of water. This can be placed directly on the aching tooth. Read more about toothaches.

Tooth Extraction
To prevent infection and relieve pain. Use 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1-cup water and gargle.

Toothbrush Cleaner
Mix 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1-cup water. Submerge toothbrush for 10-15 minutes or leave in solution between uses. Rinse toothbrush before using. Change water and re-mix every few days. It is documented that up to 1 million bacteria can inhibit your toothbrush.

Toxic Shock Syndrome and Virulent Staph Infection
After tampon use, douche with a solution of 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1-qt water. As a precautionary measure. Read more about toxic shock syndrome.

Ulcerative Stomatitis
A contagious disease that causes the tongue and throat to become red, swollen, ulcerative and very sore. May affect the lips, palate and insides of the cheeks and produce swollen gums that bleed easily. Put 1 to 5 drops grapefruit seed extract in 1-cup lukewarm water. Mix well and rinse out the mouth. Gargle several times a day. This will promote healthy gums and fresh breath. Precautions: Sterilize toothbrush (see toothbrush cleaner above) to keep from spreading.

Health Benefits

Grapefruit may be the less favored citrus choice when compared to its sweeter cousin, the orange, but grapefruit sparkles with health promoting compounds that may help:

  • fight cold symptoms
  • prevent certain forms of cancer
  • prevent heart disease

Vitamin C

Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms; over 20 scientific studies have suggested that vitamin C is a cold-fighter. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is therefore also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As free radicals can oxidize cholesterol and lead to plaques that may rupture causing heart attacks or stroke, vitamin C is beneficial to promoting cardiovascular health. Owing to the multitude of vitamin C’s health benefits, it is not surprising that research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this nutrient is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Protection against Lung and Colon Cancer

Not only are grapefruit rich in vitamin C, but new research presented August 2004 at the 228th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society provides two more reasons to drink grapefruit juice: protection against lung and colon cancer. In humans, drinking three 6-ounce glasses of grapefruit juice a day was shown to reduce the activity of an enzyme that activates cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. In rats whose colons were injected with carcinogens, grapefruit and its isolated active compounds (apigenin, hesperidin, limonin, naringin, naringenin, nobiletin) not only increased the suicide (apoptosis) of cancer cells, but also the production of normal colon cells. Researchers also confirmed that grapefruit may help prevent weight gain by lowering insulin levels. (October 19, 2004)

Lycopene

The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytochemical. Lycopene appears to have anti-tumor activity. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells.

Limonoids

Phytochemicals in grapefruit called limonoids inhibit tumor formation by promoting the formation of glutathione-S-transferase, a detoxifying enzyme. This enzyme sparks a reaction in the liver that helps to make toxic compounds more water soluble for excretion from the body. Pulp of citrus fruits like grapefruit contain glucarates, compounds which may help prevent breast cancer.

Pectin

Grapefruit contains pectin, a form of soluble fiber that forms a gel-like substance in the intestinal tract that can trap fats like cholesterol. In animal studies, grapefruit pectin inhibited the formation of atherosclerosis. Animals fed a high-cholesterol diet plus grapefruit pectin had 24% narrowing of their arteries, while animals fed only the high-cholesterol diet had 45% narrowing.

Prevent Kidney Stones

Want to reduce your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones? Drink grapefruit juice. A study published in the August 2003 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition found that when women drank – to 1 liter of grapefruit, apple or orange juice daily, their urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increased, significantly dropping their risk of forming calcium oxalate stones. (October 4, 2003)

Protection Against Macular Degeneration

Your mother may have told you carrots would keep your eyes bright as a child, but as an adult, it looks like fruit is even more important for keeping your sight. Data reported in a study published in the June 2004 issue of the Archives of Opthamology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily. In this study, which involved 77,562 women and 40,866 men, researchers evaluated the effect of study participants’ consumption of fruits; vegetables; the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E; and carotenoids on the development of early ARMD or neovascular ARM, a more severe form of the illness associated with vision loss.

Food intake information was collected periodically for up to 18 years for women and 12 years for men. While, surprisingly, intakes of vegetables, antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids were not strongly related to incidence of either form of ARM, fruit intake was definitely protective against the severe form of this vision-destroying disease. Three servings of fruit may sound like a lot to eat each day, but grapefruit can help you reach this goal. Try starting your day with a half grapefruit, add grapefruit sections to your green salads, or for an elegant dessert, spread a little honey over a half grapefruit and broil for 1-2 minutes. (July 10, 2004)

Author: Life Enthusiast Staff