|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home >
Research Department >
Supplement Articles
> Grapefruit Seed Extract |
|
Supplement Articles |
|
|
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Nature's medicine at it's best. Grapefruit is not only my favourite citrus fruit (Nothing beats freshly squeezed grapefruit juice!), but it's seeds, pulp and white membrane (from which grapefruit seed extract is derived) also have numerous and potent medicinal effects... |
|
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRCAT |
|
|
| The seeds, pulp and white membrane are used to create Grapefruit Seed Extract. |
|
Anti-fungal extraordinaire
Grapefruit seed extract is somewhat of a cure-all, given it's versatility and mode of action. It is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it a staple in terms of treatment and protection from reoccurring and hard to treat fungal infections. It can be taken internally or used topically, and it's gentle, so it will not harm or disrupt the "good bacteria" or healthy flora in the body, like many pharmaceutical counterparts so often do. |
Yeast/ Candida
One of the most effective and common uses of grapefruit seed extract is it's action on yeast or candida infections. Candida is a fungus that is normally found in both the gastrointestinal and the genital tracts. Candida becomes an infection when the fungus spreads to other areas of the body because it becomes overgrown in the areas it should be/it naturally occurs. Our natural flora is disturbed and yeast is able to dominate, unopposed by the other naturally occurring bacterias in these areas. There are numerous symptoms that accompany a candida infection, perhaps the most common being fatigue. It is really a disease of the immune system, as it is a deficiency in the immune system that allows the yeast to grow more easily (unopposed).
Oh so many uses...
Grapefruit seed extract is one of the more versatile natural products on the market, simply due to its action both internally and externally. For this reason, I often recommend that the liquid extract be a household staple. Topically, grapefruit seed extract has been used to treat everything from diaper rash to fungal infections of the nail. It can also be used as a fruit and veg wash. Dilute in water and let your veggies and fruit soak for 30 minutes. Internally, one of the best uses for grapefruit seed extract is as a treatment for yeast and candida. In comparison to Tea Tree, another well known anti-bacterial, anti fungal, the fact that you can take grapefruit seed internally (you can't do this with tea tree), allows for a more well-rounded and powerful treatment. It can be used as a douche for yeast infections, as well.
Antioxidants
Grapefruit seed extract also contains high amounts of vitamins C, E and bioflavanoids. As such, it is a potent and effective anti-oxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells.
Don't forget to Dilute!
If you are using a concentrate, make sure to dilute your grapefruit seed extract before use. As expected, it can be very acidic and can cause irritation to the skin, as well as internally. Play around and find the strength that works for you. Some liquid extracts are already diluted in a glycerin base. You may still need to add some water or juice to these before taking internally. Grapefruit seed extract is also available in capsule form and very often found in combination products aimed at treating candida. There is currently no proven effective dosage for grapefruit seed extract. Studies have used dosages ranging from 450 mg to 15 grams, depending on the issue.
Warning: If you are on Warfarin...
Grapefruit can have a number of interactions with certain drugs, like warfarin. Grapefruit affects the rate at which certain medications are passed through the liver and can greatly affect potency. If you are using grapefruit seed extract and on any medication, check with your pharmacist, MD or Naturopath to ensure there are no interactions. |
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT – QUICK
FACTS
|
|
PARTS USED |
·
Seeds, pulp and white membrane of the grapefruit. |
INDICATIONS
|
·
Candida/fungal infections, bacterial infections and parasites, atopic dermatitis, fungal infections of the nail, etc. |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE
|
·
Follow instructions on label. There is currently no proven effective dosage. |
WORKS WELL WITH |
·
Tea tree oil, oil of oregano, pau d'arco, caprylic acid, probiotics. |
|
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Speak with a healthcare practitioner if you are currently taking medications such as haloperidol, naproxen, propranolol, verapamil, warfarin and more. Grapefruit, when taken internally, can interfere with how the body breaks down these medications. |
|
|
For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
|
|
|
|
All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
|
|
|