Used as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers, in skin application for acne, as a gargle for sore throat or in a glass of water for digestive infections: slowly but surely, grapefruit seed extract (EPP) has found its place in our medicine cabinets.
Not to be confused with grapefruit essential oil, the seed extract was discovered about thirty years ago by an American doctor who found that citrus seeds did not decompose in his compost heap. By further research, he discovered that they are resistant to fungi and bacteria and that one of their phytochemicals makes them effective in the fight against many germs.
How to choose your grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract is a concentrate of the active compounds of the seeds: they are dried with the pulp and then reduced to powder. This powder is then diluted in pure and distilled water. But be careful: the products should not be too diluted otherwise they will not be effective at the recommended doses and you risk doubting their effectiveness.
To choose your extract :
- Check that the product is composed of seeds of Citrus paradisii (the original grapefruit)
- Your EPP should contain at least 33% grapefruit seed extract.
- Check that there are no added preservatives such as benzethonium chloride for example.
- Prefer pure products, without the addition of vitamin C.
How to use it ?
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of EPP against a variety of bacteria and microbes. It works by attacking the cell walls of bacteria and fungi, so that they no longer have structural support. In addition, it has the considerable advantage of not causing side effects.
In the United States, many hospitals use it in concentrated doses to fight against nosocomial diseases. In Germany or Denmark, breeders add it to animal feed to avoid the use of antibiotics. In France, it is mainly prescribed by naturopaths to treat digestive infections, dental problems, intestinal infections, the evils of winter or candidiasis and yeast infections.
At what dosage?
Respiratory viruses:grapefruit seed extract eliminates most of the viruses responsible winter ailments: colds, flu, tonsillitis. En case angina, gargle with 10 drops of EPP in a glass of lukewarm water, to be repeated three times a day. In case of cold or flu swallow 15 drops diluted in a glass of water or fruit juice, three times a day as soon as symptoms appear.
Candidiasis and yeast infection : they are due to the development of fungi (such as Candida Albicans for example) in the body. Done well, a cure of EPP makes it possible to free oneself from these yeasts in a massive way. This cure is done over 6 weeks.
- The dosage : first week, 5 to 10 drops of EPP diluted in a glass of water, once a day. Second week, same dosage twice a day. Third week, same dosage 3 times a day. Then decrease in dosage over the next 3 weeks.
- In case of nail fungus or athlete’s foot, apply 1 to 2 drops of pure or diluted EPP in a spoon of oil on the affected nail. To be renewed three times a day.
Digestive infections (gastritis, ulcer …) : they are mostly due to the proliferation of a bacterium called Hilobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of EPP in eliminating it.
- The dosage : 3 to 15 drops diluted in a glass of water to renew two to three times a day. Start with the lowest dosage and observe the reactions of the body before gradually increasing this dosage.
- In general, taking EPP at this strength is effective for all types of inflammation that mark the body’s reaction to aggression: stomatitis (inflammation of the lining of the mouth), arthritis, rhinitis or vaginitis.
- For the intestinal infections take 10 to 15 drops of PPE diluted in a glass of water three times a day, until symptoms resolve.
Dental problems (teeth, gums, dental plaque …): EPP is effective in cleaning the mouth and fighting against the microorganisms that become embedded in it.
- The dosage : make a mouthwash with 4 to 5 drops of PPE diluted in a glass of water after each brushing of the teeth.
- You can also use dental floss previously soaked in a few drops of diluted EPP.
Also effective for hand hygiene
This is particularly evident in this period of spread of the coronavirus, The transmission of viruses through the hands is extremely rapid: all you have to do is touch a contaminated object, then put your hands to your face. Washing your hands is therefore the essential barrier gesture to avoid the transmission of viruses. Added to soap, grapefruit seed extract eliminates germs more radically.
- The dosage: if you are using liquid soap in a pump bottle, add 20 drops of EPP to the bottle. If using bar soap, add 2 drops of EPP to the lather and rub your hands well before rinsing.
More informations on grapefruit seed extract in: The smart grapefruit, by Alix Lefief-Delcourt, Leduc.s editions
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- Yeast infection: 4 gentle ways to treat candidiasis
- Grapefruit doesn’t mix well with drugs
- Angina: what is the best treatment?
