Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, reduces appetite and stimulates fat metabolism and peristalsis.  It is an important essential oil for weight reduction.  Grapefruit also helps reduce inches, making it a perfect choice for summer fitness.  The grapefruit is believed to evolve from a Caribbean fruit, known as the shaddock. Today, grapefruit is grown commercially in the United States, Israel and parts of South America.  The ruby red, or pink variety, is preferred by aromatherapists and perfumers for its excellent, uplifting aroma. Essential oil is machine expressed from the peel of ripe fruit.  The aroma stimulates neurotransmitters resulting in a euphoric antidepressant effect.  It is a great essential oil to use when life is too much, or self doubt overtakes good thoughts and affirmations.  Just open the bottle of grapefruit and let the aroma lift you.

Good Morning Fragrance

In ½ ounce of jojoba oil, add the following essential oils:

                        15 drops Grapefruit, Pink

                          5 drops of Sweet Orange

                        10 drops of Neroli

                          3 drops of Styrax benzoin

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting cap.

Allow to cure overnight, or up to 3 days.  Adjust the blend to “taste”.  Apply a drop to each temple and massage the oil into the hair near the temples.  Apply another 2 drops to the throat or neck, massage gently and enjoy the day.  Refrigerate blend and all the citrus essential oils.  Use the blend and essential oils within 6 months.  The blend will continue to marry over the following 3 weeks.  After completion, adjust the blend adding more of any of the desired essential oils.  Note:  Styrax benzoin has an amber aroma.  It is an excellent “fixative”, or base note for an aroma blend.  It dissolves easily in alcohol, which can be substituted for jojoba oil.  Best to use perfume alcohol, 190 proof.

Grapefruit is an excellent detoxifying essential oil.  The main effect is on the liver, claming irritable moods or angry outbursts.  In the body, grapefruit encourages lymphatic drainage.  It stimulates peristalsis, reducing constipation and sluggish elimination.  In a detoxification program, use it as massage oil and combine it with bath salts.  Grapefruit blends well with other citrus oils, palmarosa, rosewood, ginger and rosemary.

Detoxifying Massage Blend

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil, combine the following essential oils:

                        30 drops of Pink Grapefruit

                          2 drops of Ginger root

                          5 drops of Rockrose

                          5 drops of Lemon or Lemongrass

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage the limbs, moving towards the heart.  Then massage the back and front of the torso using brisk, circular, clockwise motions.  Apply cool packs to the back if it comforts the recipient.  Refrigerate remaining blend and use within 6 months.

Refreshing Foot Massage: If you enjoy foot massage, you will love using this blend during the hot summer months.  The addition of lime makes this blend a great deodorant.

            In 1 ounce of sesame oil, add the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Grapefruit

                        20 drops of Lime

                          2 drops of Sandalwood

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure for 3 hours or overnight.  Slowly massage the blend onto the bottom of the feet, ankles and top of the feet.  Watch the recipient melt into a blissful relaxed state of mind.  Refrigerate any leftover blend and use within 6 months.

Bath salts are fun to make and even more enjoyable to experience.  Here’s one children will love, big “kids” too!

Fruity Bath Salt Blend: In a 1 quart glass jar with a screw cap, blend 2 cups each of Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts.  These salts are detoxifying for the muscles, joints and skin.  Add the following essential oils to reduce muscle cramps, promote relaxation and a good mood.  Stir and mix well:

                        10 drops of Pink Grapefruit

                        20 drops of Tangerine, Citrus Madurensis

                        10 drops of honey or Honey oil absolute

                          5 drops of Sandalwood

Cap tightly and allow curing for 10 days.  Add a cup of salts to a tub of warm water.  Stir the water with your hand to blend and dissolve the salts.  Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.  Avoid splashing the eyes.  Store leftover salts in a cool, dark place.  Use within 3 months for best results.

Grapefruit also detoxifies cellulite, removes excess fluid, and prevents fluid retention.  It has a tonic effect on the skin and tissues.  Massage this blend onto the skin you’d like to tighten and tone to enhance summer fun.

Cellulite Blend: In 1 ounce of jojoba oil, or double distilled witch hazel, add the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Grapefruit (Pink grapefruit smells the best)

                        10 drops of Mandarin, Citrus riticulata

                          1 drop of Nutmeg, Myristica fragrance

                          1 drop of Coriander

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting cap.  Allow to cure overnight in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Briskly massage onto clean, dry skin.  Repeat, rubbing several drops onto the affected area.  Cover with a warm, moist towel.  Repeat daily, if desired.  Refrigerate leftover blend.  Use within 3months.  It is best to make small amounts of this blend.  Cellulite can take weeks to months to remove.  There is a tendency to accumulate cellulite in the same areas.  Use this blend to prevent further accumulation.

To order these essential oils, or a weight blend, go to www.aromahealthtexas.com