Grapefruit trees (Citrus paradisi), related to sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), produce fruit and oil for grapefruit benefit. Enjoy grapefruit benefits with the refreshing aroma of oil from the peel of grapefruit citrus fruit. Grapefruit oil contains oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid as well as phytosterols and the terpene limonene found in other citrus fruits and their oils like orange oil and lemon oil. A superior quality essential oil is produced by cold press extraction removing the white part of the peel, the albedo instead of steam distilling the whole peel. Find Emotional Release by blending with rose otto and bergamot oil.
The origin of the grapefruit is somewhat of a mystery. Its appearance and flavor indicate it is a hybrid of the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and the shaddock (Citrus maxima), a large, sour citrus fruit. There are no known records of intentional hybridization. Surveys in Asia haven't been able to confirm native-growing grapefruit trees. However, searches in the West Indies have uncovered naturally growing grapefruit. It is unclear whether the grapefruit was deliberately bred or is a result of a spontaneous hybridization from Caribbean citrus groves.
American grapefruit growing developed in Florida in the middle1800s. Many of the early varieties resembled wild-growing, smaller, seedy relatives. Hybrids are now bred for appearance and size. Shelf-appeal and seedless varieties often sacrifice flavor. Older varieties are often superior in taste and juiciness and used to make grapefruit juice. The essential oil extraction is a by-product of the juicing process.
Grapefruit's outer peel, the flavedo, is where the essential oils are imbedded. The albedo is the thick, spongy white layer of the peel. If the two layers aren't separated before extraction, the albedo will absorb and decrease essential oil yield. Machines roll and scrape the flavedo away from the rest of the fruit before juicing. The wet, pulpy flavedo is placed in a centrifuge to separate the oil from the solid. The solids are then pressed for additional oil and the oils are filtered and bottled. Using this extraction method, 1.5 pounds of essential oil is produced from a ton of fresh fruit. Even though a more substantial 25 pounds of essential oil yield is obtainable if the peels were chopped and steam distilled, the steam distillation would destroy the aromatic constituents of the fresh peel, diminishing quality and rendering the oil unsuitable for aromatherapy purposes.
Grapefruit peel contains the fatty substances linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids. The waxy cuticle of the fruit contains various hydrocarbons, phytosterols, and pectin. These solids dissolve in the oil during processing and may precipitate out, producing a cloud of particles. Most often, these materials are filtered out, but may appear in less refined oils. Pouring the oil through a coffee filter will remove most of the particles.
Grapefruit oil contains 90 percent of the terpene hydrocarbon limonene, present in similar levels in many citrus oils. Minor constituents unique to each citrus fruit produce variations unique to lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Grapefruit contains a small amount of an alcohol known as paradisiol, from the plant's species name.
Grapefruit essential oil fragrance is fresh, fruity, and clean, almost identical to the broken peel of a fresh grapefruit. Oils that smell musty, fatty, or lack the tartness probably contain distilled grapefruit oil. All fresh, non-distilled citrus oils, including grapefruit, age faster than steam distilled oils. High temperatures, bright light and exposure to air rapidly decrease the oil's aromatic quality. Store all citrus oils in light-proof glass in a cool, dark place not subject to temperature variations.
Grapefruit essential oil has many benefits. The Smell and Taste Institute of Chicago determined the smell of grapefruit caused men to believe women were around six years younger than they actually were. Women were not so easily duped by men’s scent. Grapefruit used in aromatherapy is refreshing, cheering, energizing, and induces slight euphoria. The sweet and familiar aroma of grapefruit can bring about warm feelings to melt sour dispositions. This oil benefits irritability by releasing bottled up resentment.
Emotional Release Blend
* 90 drops grapefruit oil
* 5 drops bergamot oil
* 5 drops rose otto
Mix six drops of this blend with one ounce of water and diffuse in an aromatherapy lamp for an emotional rescue.
