Surprised by Grapefruit - Citrus x paradisi

Early on my journey, I tried grapefruit essential oil in my water and my lips went numb. I put that on my list of substances to avoid and moved on. Then, a week ago, I was in a meeting with a friend when she took out one of her oils, put a drop in her hand, rubbed them together. As she did that, the room filled with the sharp, clean, fresh and light top notes with slightly sweet, citrusy undertones of - GRAPEFRUIT! Cue music...Love is in the air.... Seriously, two people who were passing by stopped, turned around and asked if they could come join us for a second of two. Love it!

Grapefruit is a big tree with glossy leaves and large fruits. The essential oil is expressed from the peel of the ripe fruit. From the peel is significant - this makes it safe for those who are on cholesterol medications to go ahead and enjoy the essential oil, while avoiding the fruit. 

As an oil, grapefruit has immune boosting, cleansing, and relaxing properties. It is used as an astringent, sanitizer, diuretic, and congestion remover for the gall bladder and liver. Psychologically, grapefruit is refreshing and reviving, helping to alleviate stress, sadness/grief, nervous exhaustion and tension. Grapefruit lifts the self esteem and promotes optimism.  I can attest to that after my friend surprised me with grapefruit on that day. 

Some ideas on how to utilize grapefruit:

• To relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder: (My friends in the South may not have as much experience with this as my friends in the North / Midwest. It's real and it's a bummer) Diffuse grapefruit morning, noon and night! Apply to bottoms of feet and back of the neck. 

• As an appetite suppressant, several drops grapefruit in a glass of water is very effective, several times a day. I am enjoying that right now - and my lips are fine! So happy about this. 

• To help eliminate cellulite, blend 10 drops of grapefruit and 8 drops lemon with 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut and apply to areas of concern to eliminate toxins and reduce the adipose cells that may be boarding toxins and be fat destinations. Apply several times a day. 

Diffusing grapefruit at home, in the car, or using through an inhaler will keep the spirits high during weight loss, moves to a new job or him, travel, or  when coin something as simple but stressful as cleaning a closet!

Grapefruit is my new friend and travel companion!

Reference: Living Healthy & Happily Every After, Rebecca Linder Hintze and Dr. Susan Lawton

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