Grapefruit essential oil is quickly becoming one of the more popular essential oils on the aromatherapy landscape. Grapefruits have long been ingested for their various health benefits so it is no surprise that an extracted seed form of grapefruit essential…

Grapefruit essential oil is quickly becoming one of the more popular essential oils on the aromatherapy landscape. Grapefruits have long been ingested for their various health benefits so it is no surprise that an extracted seed form of grapefruit essential oil would make its way to the marketplace. And it is no surprise consumers are responding so positively to the product.

Grapefruit essential oil is a pleasing and refreshing fragrance. It must be cold-pressed–it cannot be distilled–but when it’s been properly prepared, grapefruit essential oil has the same bright, clean scent as the peels of a fresh grapefruit. Grapefruit oil is most valuable for its invigorating tonic purposes. Like most citrus, the scent creates a feeling of euphoria, which can be used to treat depression. It can also be used to treat acne and cellulite, and other skin conditions. However, we wish to focus on its value as a “pick-me-up.”

Grapefruit essential oil is phototoxic, so it’s not a good idea to apply it directly to your skin, even diluted and in small amounts, if you’ll be in the sun at all within the next 24 hours. Because of this, it’s better to use it in ways that don’t require it to actually touch the skin. Using it in a diffuser works beautifully, but our favorite method of using it is the steam facial. For the steam facial, you need only a basin, a towel, and some grapefruit essential oil. Your basin must be of stainless steel, as Teflon or aluminum may react badly with your essential oils. Long hair should be pulled back.

There are a variety of benefits that grapefruit essential oil provides. For skin, this oil combats acne, stimulates new hair growth and helps aid the skin’s tissue. For the internal functions of the body, grapefruit essential oil reduces water retention, weight gain, and muscle fatigue. For the central nervous system, this oil combats depression and headaches. As one can see, grapefruit oil is a truly multifaceted health product.

To prepare the steam facial, pour boiling water into your basin and add 7-10 drops of grapefruit essential oil. Drape your towel over your head and lean over the basin, tucking the towel so that none of the steam can escape. With grapefruit, it’s best not to remain in the steam more than five to ten minutes. Once your time is up, pat your face dry with the towel. Never scrub after a steam facial, as this can damage your skin.

When life has you dragging your feet, nothing will give you that little extra boost of energy like a grapefruit facial. And, unlike most other herbal remedies, grapefruit oil takes only a few minutes to begin to work its wonders.