Essential Oil Spotlight: Grapefruit

Grapefruit essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit of a Rutaceae tree. It has a clean, fresh, bitter, citrusy aroma that may aid emotional balance and have an uplifting effect.

The antidepressant, antiseptic, and diuretic properties of grapefruit make it useful in treating a variety of issues. It is primarily used to treat eating disorders, indigestion, and postpartum depression and to aid in weight loss. It may also help with depression, withdrawal, eating disorders, fatigue, stress, and gallstones.

The French have used it to treat cellulite, digestion, and water retention.

Grapefruit essential oil can be used in food, diffused, or applied directly to the area of concern. Grapefruit does not have the photosensitivity that other citrus oils have, so it makes a good substitute for any other citrus if exposure to the sun after application is likely.

See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about grapefruit essential oil and many other pure essential oils.

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2016 Edition, p. 81.

Odor-Blocking Toilet Spray

Leave the bathroom better than you found it with this odor-blocking formula! Just spray it on top of the water before you go, and you won’t leave behind any odorous evidence. The soap and essential oils create a film on the surface of the water and leave a fresh scent instead!

• Servings: Yield=35 ml
• Time: 5 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Print

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Tbsp. (7.5 ml) Castile Soap
• 1/2 Tbsp. (7.5 ml) Vegetable Glycerin
• 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) rubbing alcohol
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 1 tsp. (5 ml) Homemade Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1. Combine castile soap, glycerin, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils in a small glass spray bottle.
2. Shake to mix thoroughly.
3. Spritz toilet water a few times before you “go” to trap the odors.
4. Shake well before each use.

This is great to carry along on trips or while visiting somebody else’s home!

 

Welcome Summer Diffuser Blend

Are you looking for a great oil blend to diffuse in your home or car this summer? Give this one a try! If you are lacking a diffuser, head over to abundanthealth4u.com to find just what you need.

 

Makeup Brush Cleaner with Essential Oils

This all-natural makeup brush cleaner is effective at cleaning your brushes and leaves the bristles moisturized. Not only do the essential oils in this recipe leave a lovely scent on your brushes, but they are also great for your skin!

Makeup Brush Cleaner

• Time: 5–10 minutes active; 8 hours inactive
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Print

Ingredients:

• Shot Glasses or small glass bowls
• Fractionated Coconut Oil
• 1–2 drops melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil
• 1–2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1–2 drops grapefruit essential oil
• Castile Soap
• Running water
• Paper towels

Instructions:

1. Pour a little Fractionated Coconut Oil into a Shot Glass. Add essential oils, and stir to combine.
2. Pour a little Castile Soap into another Shot Glass.
3. Swirl your makeup brushes in the oil solution until you see the makeup stored in the brush start to come out (about 15–30 seconds). Rub against the palm of your hand or a paper towel to agitate it a little and loosen the makeup. Keep the bristles pointed down.
4. Rinse the brush under warm running water. Gently squeeze the brush bristles until the water runs clear. Note: Make sure to point the bristles down during this whole process. If tipped with the bristles up, the oils and water may loosen the glue that holds the bristles to the brush and shorten the life of your brushes.
5. Swirl the brush in the Castile Soap for 15 seconds, and rinse again with warm water. This helps remove the oils from the brush.
6. Gently squeeze all liquid from the brush, and hang your brushes to dry (bristles pointed down) or let dry flat on a towel.