The seeds, pulp and white membrane are used to create Grapefruit Seed Extract.
Grapefruit Seed Extract: How To Guide
Updated Mar. 28th, 2024 | Read Time: 3 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Top Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Anti-Fungal Support
- Yeast/Candida
- Antioxidant Properties
- Discover The Many Uses For Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Important Information & Contraindications of GSE
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), also known as citrus seed extract, is a liquid extract derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit. GSE is prepared by grinding the grapefruit seed and juiceless pulp, then mixing it with glycerin. It's touted for its many health benefits and everyday uses, let's explore.
Top Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Anti-Fungal Support
GSE is somewhat of a cure-all, given its 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 its 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 can dominate, unopposed by the other naturally occurring bacteria in these areas. Numerous symptoms accompany a candida infection, perhaps the most common being fatigue. It is a disease of the immune system, as it is a deficiency in the immune system that allows the yeast to grow more easily (unopposed).
Antioxidant Properties
Grapefruit seed extract also contains high amounts of vitamins C, and E and bioflavonoids. As such, it is a potent and effective antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells.
Discover The Many Uses For Grapefruit Seed Extract
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, it's often recommended 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; however, make sure it is a food-grade supplement before ingesting. In comparison to Tea Tree, another well-known anti-bacterial and 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.
Don't forget to Dilute
If you are using a concentrate, make sure to dilute your GSE before use. As expected, it can be very acidic and can irritate 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 them internally.
GSE 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.
Important Information & Contraindications of GSE
Grapefruit can have several interactions with certain drugs, like warfarin. GSE affects the rate at which certain medications are passed through the liver and can greatly affect potency. If you are using GSE and on any medication, check with your pharmacist, MD or Naturopath to ensure there are no interactions.
Grapefruit seed extract! This is like a miracle in a bottle! We have been using GSE for almost 30 years and have so many anecdotes around its efficacy. From stopping food poisoning dead in its tracks, to irrigating a puncture wound thereby preventing infection, to healing skin infections. It potentiates supplements increasing their effectiveness. If our digestion is off we’ll take about 20 drops in some Orange juice and we’ll be right as rain in no time. It’s good mixed with an organic carrier oil for ear infections. It is marketed as “travellers medicine” in some places because it is very effective for bacterial digestive infections in tropical countries, Mexico, India, Canada!
We swear by GSE, have recommended it to many people and always have a good supply in the cupboard! Don’t leave home without it.
Wow, I am buying this product!!! This article is fantastic, I never knew grape fruit seed extract was so useful, topically, and internally. What a delightful thing to find out. Having an antifungal and anti-bacterial in one product is a item to have around any home. It is also the go-to vegetable wash, to have in the cupboard. There is no losing when this product is in the home. These articles that explain the why's and why nots of products are just the best thing to have before buying or trying any product.
Hello Valerie-Jean,
This is great to hear that you're learning new ways to take care of your health through our articles. This is why we work hard at providing you with vast knowledge on natural health and supplements. We're glad you're enjoying reading them and can share the knowledge with friends & family. Enjoy your new Grapefruit Seed Extract.
Stay healthy & well.