Holistic Health Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Print The Benefits and Uses of Grapefruit Essential Oil By Cathy Wong Updated August 22, 2019 Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD strelov/Getty Images More in Holistic Health Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Herbal Medicine Supplements Massage Therapy In This Article Table of Contents Expand How It Works Uses Benefits Tips on Using It Possible Side Effects Where to Find It View All Back To Top Grapefruit essential oil is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the peel of the Citrus paradisi fruit, proponents suggest that breathing in the oil's tangy scent can help lift your mood and offer a variety of benefits. Grapefruit essential oil contains a number of compounds thought to enhance health, including citronella and limonene. How It Works In aromatherapy, inhaling the aroma of grapefruit essential oil (or absorbing grapefruit essential oil through the skin) is thought to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions. Known as the limbic system, this brain region also influences the nervous system. Aromatherapy proponents suggest that essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function. Uses In aromatherapy, grapefruit essential oil is typically used for the following problems: AcneColdsDepressionFatigueHangoversHeadachesJet lag Grapefruit essential oil is also used to reduce stress, stimulate circulation, increase energy, enhance mood, and improve digestion. When used as an ingredient in personal-care products, grapefruit essential oil is said to treat oily hair and skin. Benefits Although very few scientific studies have tested the aromatherapeutic power of grapefruit essential oil, some preliminary research indicates that the oil may offer certain benefits. For example, a rat-based study published in Brain Research in 2005 found that inhaling the scent of grapefruit essential oil stimulated activity in the sympathetic nervous system (the branch of the central nervous system involved in activating the body's "fight-or-flight" response to stress). In addition, a number of preliminary studies suggest that grapefruit essential oil may act as an antimicrobial (a substance that destroys or suppresses the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi). However, it should be noted that these studies did not test the aromatherapeutic use of grapefruit essential oil. Tips on Using It When combined with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado), grapefruit essential oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to baths. Grapefruit essential oil also can be inhaled after sprinkling a few drops of the oil onto a cloth or tissue, or by using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer. How to Use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy Possible Side Effects Grapefruit essential oil should not be taken internally without the supervision of a health professional. Internal use of grapefruit essential oil may have toxic effects. In addition, some individuals may experience irritation or an allergic reaction when applying grapefruit essential oil to the skin. A skin patch test should be done before using any new essential oil. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin, so the topical application should not exceed safe use. Before applying any type of essential oil to your skin, make sure to blend it with a carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil). There's also some concern that applying grapefruit essential oil to the skin may increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet light emitted by the sun and—as a result—raise your risk of skin cancer. When using grapefruit essential oil on your skin, it's crucial to protect against ultraviolet light exposure by applying sunblock. Pregnant women and children should consult their primary health care providers prior to using essential oils. Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. Where to Find It Widely available for purchase online, grapefruit essential oil is sold in many natural-foods stores and in stores specializing in self-care products. How to Shop for Essential Oils A Word From Verywell Grapefruit essential oil is valued for its invigorating, citrusy aroma in aromatherapy. There are many ways to use it, from using it in a body lotion to putting a drop or two in a bath. But if you have a health condition, don't rely on grapefruit oil to treat it (and it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before trying any new treatment). Several other types of essential oils have been found to offer effects similar to purported benefits of grapefruit essential oil. For example, lavender essential oil and rose essential oil may reduce stress. In addition, orange essential oil, lemon essential oil, and jasmine essential oil may help improve mood. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Edwards-Jones V, Buck R, Shawcross SG, Dawson MM, Dunn K. "The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model." Burns. 2004 Dec;30(8):772-7. Tanida M, Niijima A, Shen J, Nakamura T, Nagai K. "Olfactory stimulation with scent of essential oil of grapefruit affects autonomic neurotransmission and blood pressure." Brain Res. 2005 Oct 5;1058(1-2):44-55. Warnke PH, Becker ST, Podschun R, Sivananthan S, Springer IN, Russo PA, Wiltfang J, Fickenscher H, Sherry E. "The battle against multi-resistant strains: Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections." 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