It is not known how the history of essential oils would have developed if it had not been for an accidental “accident” in the laboratory of the French chemist Gatefoss that occurred in the 18th century. During the experiment, he severely burned his hand. Gatefoss felt such intense pain that the chemist could not think of anything better than pouring the contents of the first vessel he came across onto his hand. The liquid inside was lavender oil. It contributed to the reduction of pain, and subsequently stimulated wound healing. After that, Gatefoss continued to study the properties of oils and during the course of experiments he discovered that they are excellent therapeutic agents for solving a wide variety of problems. After a while, the doctor Jean Volnet became interested in the healing power of liquids, followed by other specialists in the field of official and non-traditional he althcare. A method for obtaining ether from various plants was thought out, which underliesmodern technologies for the manufacture of essential oils.
Probably everyone knows that smell plays a special role in human life. Even Hippocrates wrote about it. The smell is able to influence the emotional and physical spheres, it can heal, soothe or, conversely, excite. But essential oil is not only a great fragrance. Since ancient times, such liquids have been used in medicine and cosmetology. They are designed to solve a large number of problems related to the he alth or appearance of a person. Choosing from hundreds of esters, consumers often stop at grapefruit oil. What features does it have? How is it used in cosmetology? Is it true that grapefruit oil helps to lose weight and get rid of cellulite? You will find answers to all these questions in this article.
Grapefruit ester characteristics
By itself, this fruit is a "mixture" of pomelo and orange. The oil from it is obtained by pressing the peel of the fruit. It turns out a slightly viscous liquid of a light yellow hue, which has a bittersweet, but pleasant, refreshing aroma. Grapefruit oil has antibacterial properties, due to which it is widely used in medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy as a means of destroying pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, it perfectly relaxes, relieves fatigue and improves mood. It is one of the most popular essential oils, mainly because it blends perfectly with many other extracts from various plants.
What is butter made of?
The main secret of the healing composition lies in the method of obtaining it. Like other oils, grapefruit oil is obtained by cold pressing. This technique allows you to save all the useful substances. She endows the finished product with healing properties. Grapefruit essential oil consists of the following components:
- geraniol;
- carotene;
- magnesium;
- limonene;
- calcium;
- myrcene;
- zinc;
- organic acids;
- citral;
- linalool;
- selenium;
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
- potassium;
- riboflavin (vitamin B2).
Limonene is relatively rare in foods and is an excellent natural antioxidant that reduces the negative effects of free radicals on body cells, and also cleanses them of other pathogenic microorganisms. Each component in particular and all of them together have a beneficial effect on a person, which helps to improve sleep, get rid of fatigue, stress and depression. Ether helps to normalize the physical and emotional state.
Useful properties of grapefruit oil
If we combine all the useful qualities of the extract, we can say that the ether has the following effect on the human body:
- tonic;
- purifying;
- refreshing;
- bactericidal;
- stimulating;
- anti-infectious;
- soothing.
The applications and properties of grapefruit oil allow it to be used inas a therapeutic agent for many diseases of various etiologies. In combination with the main therapy, grapefruit ether will help get rid of many problems related to the internal state of the organs or appearance. In addition, the oil is used for domestic purposes. Its composition allows housewives to efficiently clean surfaces from plaque, rust and grease.
Contraindications for use
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit, and therefore can cause an allergic reaction. Oil can not be used by people who have individual intolerance. Before the first use, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test externally - apply a drop on the elbow and observe the skin reaction during the day.
However, burning and redness from grapefruit oil can occur in the absence of individual intolerance. Any ether cannot be used in its pure form. It must be diluted with base oil - a product of plant origin. For example, olive, peach, almond, wheat, grape seed. Therefore, it is better to first dilute grapefruit ester with any vegetable oil.
The use of the hood by children is possible as aromatherapy. In any case, the child should be under the supervision of a pediatrician, and ether can be used only with the consent of the doctor. Caution should be used in the presence of severe diseases and pathologies in the acute stage, during pregnancy and lactation.
Another importantmoment - grapefruit oil, like any other citrus, is phototoxic. It should not be applied to the skin before leaving the house if it is sunny outside. Use is allowed no later than one hour before leaving the premises.
Combination with other essential oils
Grapefruit extract is multifaceted. Therefore, it can be mixed with any base oil. As for the esters, it is best combined with oils such as cinnamon, lavender, nutmeg. Grapefruit oil perfectly reveals the unique notes of sage and representatives of the conifer family, and also “friends” with ylang-ylang, frankincense, vetiver oil and cardamom. The perfect fragrance forms in a duet with neroli, palmarosa, geranium and, of course, bergamot, mandarin and lemon.
Effect of grapefruit oil on the human body
The use of ether helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels, eliminate toxins and get rid of cellulite. Grapefruit stimulates the immune system, relieves fatigue, irritability and anxiety, invigorates and improves mood. As a skin care product, it helps to whiten age spots, shrink pores, relieve swelling, prevent acne and neutralize excess sebum. Positively affects the condition of the hair, helping to eliminate oily sheen and excessive hair loss.
How to use grapefruit ether?
Can be used as a liquid foraroma lamps and baths, as well as a component for a massage mixture and enrichment of cosmetics. Grapefruit essential oil is also taken orally. It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, relieving the feeling of heaviness, relieving spasms in the intestines and stomach, removing harmful substances and toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to cleanse the blood and lymph from toxins.
Use of oil for cosmetic purposes
Ether is most often used in cosmetic practice. Like its "brothers", that is, other citrus fruits, grapefruit stimulates metabolic processes in the skin. The best effect can be achieved by combining several esters. They will improve blood circulation, supplying skin cells with oxygen, moisture and other vital substances.
Grapefruit oil is used as a means to combat oily seborrhea, which is expressed by oily sheen and enlarged pores on the face, increased oiliness of hair. It whitens the skin well, so it can be used against age spots, including freckles. Helps to get rid of pimples and blackheads.
Grapefruit ether eliminates cellulite, most often used to enrich specialized cosmetics. And the ability to whiten skin can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Applying grapefruit oil for the face
Ether can be used as a permanent skin care product by adding it to a cream, scrub, lotion, mask, toner, or even shampoo and conditioner. It is necessary to take 5 drops of oil for every 15 ml of base. It can be any cosmetics, even self-made masks. Oil is also suitable for creating a steam bath for the face. For example, you can add 1 drop of lemon balm and bergamot oils plus 2 drops of grapefruit oil to water. Get the perfect remedy for oily skin. As a rule, baths are taken for 10-15 minutes.
As a whitening agent, a massage mixture is prepared, consisting of 3 drops of rosewood and grapefruit oils, 4 drops of ginger and 30 ml of almond oil. The composition is massaged into the skin.
He althy hair
Using grapefruit essential oil will also help keep moisture inside the cells. As a means for improving hair, as already written, it is added to various cosmetics and is a component of various masks. You can choose the composition yourself or choose your favorite mask, for example, with an egg, on kefir, and so on. The main thing is not to forget to dilute the composition with base (vegetable) oil.
Masks are not necessary at all, it is enough to add ether to shampoo or conditioner. With regular use, after about 6-7 sessions, the effect will be noticeable. However, trichologists and cosmetologists emphasize that ether is best for women with oily or mixed hair and skin types.
Anti-cellulite program
The most well-proven essential oil of grapefruit fromcellulite. However, each representative of citrus fruits is endowed with such qualities. Grapefruit oil is best used to cope with a cosmetic defect as a massage or intensive rubbing of problem areas. These procedures are accompanied by light pinching and patting, which helps to increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. You can dilute 10 drops of grapefruit ether with olive oil and honey - you get an excellent and very useful product for the skin that will help to cope with fatty deposits.
Ether can be the basis of a home scrub. To this end, it is mixed with edible coarse s alt, coffee grounds and various other oils.
Besides massage, grapefruit oil for weight loss can be used as a bath filler. It is enough to add 10-15 drops, and plain water will become healing. It is believed that the ether helps not only to improve the functioning of internal organs and systems, cleansing the body, but also promotes weight loss. For this purpose, grapefruit oil is consumed orally. You should be very careful not to do this without the approval of the therapist. It is important that no more than 3 drops dissolved in honey are allowed per day. You can dilute the ether with milk, plain water, non-hot tea.
Grapefruit essential oil for pregnancy: good or bad?
In general, doctors do not recommend using grapefruit essential oil during gestation and lactation. Although its properties are of great benefit, they can harm the baby and the expectant mother. Therefore, if there is no speci althe need to use oil, it is better to wait for childbirth, and then engage in the restoration of the figure, but be careful - after all, lactation is ahead.
However, it is impossible not to notice that grapefruit oil helps to get rid of toxicosis, alleviating the condition of the expectant mother. If the doctor is not against the use of such a kind of "medicine", you can check the veracity of this statement for yourself.