Grapefruit is a citrus fruit. People use the fruit, oil from the peel, and extracts from the seed as medicine. Grapefruit seed extract is processed from grapefruit seeds and pulp obtained as a byproduct from grapefruit juice production. Vegetable glycerin is added to the final product to reduce acidity and bitterness.
Grapefruit juice is used for asthma, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, cancer, improving levels of red blood cells, a skin disease called psoriasis, and for weight loss and obesity. It is also used to reduce stomach complaints in people with eczema.
Grapefruit seed extract is taken by mouth for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections including yeast infections.
Grapefruit oil is applied to the skin for tired muscles, hair growth, toning the skin, and for acne and oily skin. It is also used for the common cold and flu.
Grapefruit seed extract is applied to the skin as a facial cleanser, first-aid treatment, remedy for mild skin irritations, and as a vaginal douche for vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis). It is also used as an ear or nasal rinse for preventing and treating infections; as a dental rinse for preventing gingivitis and promoting healthy gums; and as a breath freshener.
Some people inhale grapefruit vapors to help the body retain water, for headache, stress and depression. Grapefruit seed extract vapor has also been inhaled for the treatment of lung infections.
However, it was found that grapefruit can interact with some drugs to cause toxicity to human. Do not eat grapefruit at the time of medical prescriptions.
