Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), also known as citrus seed extract, is a liquid extract derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit. Self-made natural GSE is processed in the laboratory without any artificial agents and is prepared by crushing the grapefruit seed and juice less pulp, then mixing with glycerin. Commercially available GSEs sold to consumers are made from the seed, pulp, glycerin (and in some cases synthetic preservatives) all blended together. GSE is sold as a food supplement and used in cosmetics because it is a claimed natural antimicrobial.
After some additional processing, the mixture turns into a yellow, thick liquid that has a strong, bitter taste. It’s then typically combined with vegetable glycerin to reduce the bitterness and acidity. GSE is sold individually as a food supplement and is also used as a natural additive in cosmetics and other beauty products. Citrus seed extract is considered an antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial agent.
History
Grapefruit is a subtropical citrus tree grown for its fruit which was originally named the “forbidden fruit” of Barbados. The fruit was first recognized in 1750 by Rev. Griffith Hughes when describing specimens from Barbados. All parts of the fruit can be used. The fruit is mostly consumed for its tangy juice. The peel can be processed into aromatherapy oils and is also a source of dietary fiber. Seed and pulp, as by-products of the juice industry, are sold as cattle feed. Another application of the seed is in the production of grapefruit seed extract Aubrey Hampton, founder of Aubrey Organics, and has promoted citrus seed extract as a component of “Aubrey’s Preservative” for more than 25 years. Today, GSE is mostly promoted at health food shops and on the internet.
Grapefruit seed extract comes from the fruit and seeds of grapefruit, the sub-tropical citrus fruit that grows all across the world. Many cultures, from South America to Europe and Asia have used grapefruit seed extract as a tool to cleanse harmful organisms, among many other health benefits. Listed below are few of the popular health benefits of Grape seed Extracts
1. Fights Candida
Candidiasis, commonly referred to as “candida,” is a fungal infection that can affect men and women of all ages in various parts of the body. It most commonly occurs in the mouth, ears, nose, toenails, fingernails, gastrointestinal tract and vagina.
Research published in 2001 found that a 33 percent grapefruit extract has a powerful anti fungal effect against Candida albicans strains taken from patients with candida symptoms. GSE’s anti fungal properties help it combat candida infestations by killing the yeast cells that have taken over in the body.(1)
2. Diabetes Protection
Diabetes mellitus, or Type 2 diabetes, is described by elevated blood sugar levels and high blood lipid levels. Researchers found that GSE extract considerably lowered blood sugar levels and LDL or bad cholesterol and increased HDL or good cholesterol in diabetic rats. The researchers concluded that the results might be due to the high content of the phytonutrients, such as flavonoids and cardiac glycoside, present in the extract.
3. Pregnancy Pains
All women know the terrible pains during pregnancy. Morning sickness, in particular, is perhaps the most frequent of all. The good news is that you can use grapefruit seed extract for pregnancy pain relief; all you have to do is combine 5 to 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract into a glass of water and drink the mixture every morning. It is quite beneficial for this problem.
4. Remedies Fungal Infections
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection sometimes mistaken for tuberculosis that’s caused by Histoplasma capsulatum or H. capsulatum, a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings. Histoplasmosis is most commonly transmitted when spores become airborne or from dirt contaminated with the droppings. The majorities of people who get histoplasmosis are symptom less and never even know they’re infected, but some people may develop flu-like symptoms that last around 10 days.
For people with weak immune systems, histoplasmosis can be serious. About 500,000 people are exposed to H. capsulatum each year in the U.S. A recommended treatment for this fungal infection is grapefruit seed extract at a dosage of 100 milligrams (capsule) or five to 10 drops in water three times daily. It’s recommended for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Since GSE likely helps make the immune system stronger, it can help provide symptom release for fungal infections like histoplasmosis.(2)
5. Treats Digestive Disturbances Associated with Eczema
Eczema is a common skin disorder that is often related with food choices and digestive issues. One preliminary human trial investigated the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract on atopic eczema patients who also had intestinal dysbiosis, a microbial imbalance or maladaptation in the digestive tract. All patients showed severe atopic eczema, including bleeding lesions over the face, limbs and trunk, while 14 of 25 also had intermittent diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, intestinal rushes, bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Extract was mostly effective against Candida, Geotrichum sp. and hemolytic E. coli. There were zero side effects during the entire study.(3)
6. Tonsil Stones
Grapefruit seed extract benefits include preventing and treating tonsil stones. You can gargle with grapefruit seed extract and salt water once a day to either protect your body from developing tonsil stones or for a natural form of treatment.
7. Kills Antibiotic-Resistant UTIs
Research in 2005 found that grapefruit seeds were extremely effective in killing antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections. Research looked at several patients who were treated with grapefruit seeds (Citrus paradisi) orally for two weeks. Dosage was five to six grapefruit seeds every eight hours.
Within those two weeks, all patients reacted satisfactorily to the treatment minus one. However, this patient initially had the bacterial UTI resistant to three different antibiotics, but after taking grapefruit seed there was a reversal of the antibiotic resistance pattern. Although a small human study, the data points toward the antibacterial ability of dried or fresh grapefruit seeds being similar to proven antibacterial drugs, making it an effective home remedy for UTIs.(4)
8. Works as a General Antimicrobial
Benefits of Grapefruit seed extract can be experienced when it’s taken by mouth for bacterial, viral and fungal infections, including yeast infections. Because of its antimicrobial activities, grapefruit seed extract is commonly included in many throat sprays, nasal sprays, ear drops, mouth washes, toothpastes, shower gels, wound disinfectant sprays and other personal care products. Rather than using unnatural and synthetic preservatives, many natural companies turn to grapefruit seed extract for its ability to preserve a product by killing unwanted bacteria.(5)
9, Relieves Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus
Athlete’s foot is a skin disease that usually occurs between the toes and is caused by a fungus. As a natural treatment for athlete’s foot, you can apply full-strength grapefruit seed extract to the problem areas two to three times per day. It shouldn’t take too long to have the itching, burning and general unpleasantness of athlete’s foot under control.
You can also use GSE as an alternative to tea tree oil to treat toenail fungus. Simply paint the extract on the infected nails twice a day until you see improvement.(6), (7)
10. Infections in Dogs
Humans are not the only ones who can enjoy grapefruit seed extract benefits. Externally, GSE can be used with dogs for fundal infections, ear infections, minor injuries or itchy paws. Internally, use grapefruit seed extract on your pooch for gas, diarrhea, candida, minor intestinal worms, or from steering fleas away.
11. Prevent high blood pressure
Grape seed extract consists of linoleic acid, flavonoids, and procyanidins antioxidants that protect the blood vessels from any accident that prevents high blood pressure. It opens the blood vessel and lowers the blood pressure. You can also use Honeyberry to lower the blood pressure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJREf-gHoTU
Ayurvedic Health benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extracts
Colds, flus, viruses: Take 10 – 15 drops or 1 – 2 capsules/tablets, 3 times a day, at the first signs of cold or flu. Or mix 50 drops in 1 quart of juice, and drink throughout the day.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: To generally build up immune system, slowly increase GSE amount to the recommended dosage for colds, flus, and viruses.
Cold sores, cuts, wounds: Use 1 – 5 drops in 50 drops of water. Frequent application of solution to wound will promote faster healing.
Gums (Gingivitis): Dilute 5 to 10 drops of GSE in 6 to 8 ounces of water, and rinse mouth with solution thoroughly.
Diarrhea: Use 15 to 20 drops in juice every four hours; no more than 60 drops per day. For parasites, higher doses may be necessary.
Sinusitis: Using a spray atomizer, add a pinch of salt, and no more than two drops of GSE. Shake and spray into nose. Repeat every four hours. If the solution is too mild, add one or two more drops of GSE and shake. Do not use this treatment with young children.
Sore throats: Dilute a few drops in water and use as a gargle. This will fight even Strep germs. Use approximately 2 to 3 drops in 5 ounces of water for the gargle.
Traveler’s Diarrhea (Montezuma’s Revenge): Use 1 – 2 drops of GSE in a glass of water each day as a preventative.
Ulcers: Use 1 capsule dissolved in 12 ounces of juice or water, and take with one meal per day. If no stomach irritation occurs, increase dose to two, and then three meals per day. Maximum dose can be increased to 6 tablets (dissolved in liquid) per day.
Water purification: Add 10 to 25 drops of GSE, per gallon of water. Shake and let stand for several minutes. The water will have a bitter taste to it, due to the GSE.
Cleansing produce: Add a few drops to the water used for washing produce. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. This will help destroy any Salmonella or E.Coli bacteria.
Treat acne: After you cleanse your face, add two to three drops of GSE to your fingertips and massage your face in a circular motion for one minute. After you rinse your face, you might feel an itchy sensation, but that’s just the bacteria-killing properties doing their job.
Heal stomach ulcers: Dissolve one GSE capsule into juice or water and consume with food. If you don’t feel irritation in the stomach, start taking two a day and then eventually increase to three capsules a day.
Immune system and fight chronic fatigue: Mix 10 to 15 drops of GSE in liquid and drink; or take one to two GSE capsules three times a day for maximum efficiency.
Dandruff: Add two or three drops of grapefruit seed extract to your chosen shampoo. Let it sit on your scalp for around three minutes then rinse thoroughly with clean water. OR Apply the grapefruit seed extract liquid directly to your scalp instead of adding it to your shampoo.
Mouthwash: Simply add five drops of liquid to a glassful of water and gargle the mixture three times a day. OR you could add a drop or two of grapefruit seed extract to your toothpaste and brush as normal.
Cold & Sore Throat: Simply add four or five drops to a glass of water and gargle with it three times a day until your symptoms have gone.
Eliminates Candida Albicans (yeast): Drink 8 drops in a glass of water or juice, 3 times a day, 15 minutes prior to meals. Take for 10 days. After that time take 4 drops, 2 times a day for maintenance.
Cures Athlete’s Foot: Mix 10 drops per 8 oz. of water. Put in spray bottle. Spray on feet before bedtime.
Heal Gingivitis (gum disease): Put two drops on tooth brush every morning until symptoms cease.
Eliminate Warts Naturally: Place drop on wart, place band aid over wart after absorption. Do this twice a day until wart dissolves.
Traditional uses and benefits of Grape Seed Extracts
This extract has been stated by some practitioners of alternative medicine to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
It has been recommended by some nutritionists for the treatment of candidiasis, earache, throat infections, and diarrhea.
Research suggests the consumption of the bioactive compounds found in grapefruit seed and pulp may help suppress the development of colon cancer.
Other Uses of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Used in the laundry, it kills fungi and bacteria. Add 10 – 15 drops in final rinse.
Used in carpet cleaners, it is effective in killing Staph, Strep, Salmonella and other pathogenic organisms.
Used for sterilizing and disinfecting operating rooms.
Used in nebulizers (1 drop GSE to one ounce saline water) for control of respiratory infections.
Also, used in humidifiers (3 – 4 drops per gallon of water). This works for preventing algae growth in any stagnant water.
Better preservative than most chemical preservatives currently on the market.
When mixed with water in a spray bottle, it is great for disinfecting cutting boards and other kitchen (or bathroom) surface areas.
Used in hot tubs and swimming pools to lessen the need for high levels of chlorine.
Farmers use it to add to animal feed and water, in the attempt to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases.
Other Facts
Grapefruit seed extracts are added to cosmetics, food supplements, and pesticides for their antimicrobial effect.
Farmers in Europe use a powdered form of GSE in fish and poultry feed to prevent infections caused by salmonella and E. coli bacteria.
GSE is used in cosmetic products for its natural antimicrobial abilities.
Add GSE to swimming pools and to your bath water to help keep your skin clean and healthy.
Spray GSE onto your plants to prevent bugs from eating them—it’s a non-toxic disinfectant.
Recommended Doses
Consume GSE between meals; if the extract annoys your stomach, then consume with your meals. Try including GSE into your diet for approximately one month. The following recommended dosages are for individuals who weigh approximately 150 pounds:
Day 1 to 3: Take 10 drops of GSE twice daily. Alternatively, take one 125 mg capsule twice daily.
Day 4 to 10: Increase the dosage to 15 drops twice daily or one capsule three times daily.
Day 11 to 28: Increase the dosage to 15 drops three times daily or three capsules three times daily.
The four-week trial may not be sufficient enough for those who have chronic diseases, which means you may need to extend the trial—three to six months may be more effective. The recommended dosages depend on a number of factors, including an individual’s weight. It is recommended to speak with your doctor first before introducing any new supplements into your diet. Your doctor can also help you figure out what the correct dosage would be for your body.
Precautions
Grapefruit can have a number of interactions with certain drugs, increasing the potency of many compounds, including warfarin.
Never put the extract into your eyes, and don’t use at full strength in your mouth, ears, nose or sensitive areas.
If used in full strength on skin it may cause irritation.
Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, hives or rash.
Rare side effects of may include nausea, vomiting, swollen or painful tongue, and burns of the mouth, throat or stomach.
