Grapefruit
Interesting. I have a new find that I want to share with you all. The funny thing is that I’ve had this item in my preparedness supplies for some time. But I admit, I had no idea what it was capable of doing. I had it in there simply as a “just in case” item as opposed to a SUPER multi-purpose item. It is *drum roll*… Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE).
It usually comes in a 4 ounce bottle and is a clear, relatively thick liquid. The tiny hole at the top of the bottle allows you to squeeze it out drop by drop because each drop is some kind of a powerful stuff. Powerful for what you may ask? I’d be happy to tell you.
In a nutshell, grapefruit seed extract is believed to possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and anti-VIRAL properties. (Anything you can find that’s anti-viral is a find!) It’s also known to be an effective preservative. A little tiny bit goes a long way! The oil is prepared as an extract from the entire grapefruit—seeds, peel, and all. Even reluctant scientific research has found that GSE kills certain bacteria, molds, and yeasts. (Google it, folks)
NutriBiotic
Grapefruit Seed Extract is great for internal and external uses. Internally, you can use a diluted amount as a throat gargle, ear rinse, nasal rinse, and a vaginal rinse. You can also use it as a facial cleaner, a skin cleaner for irritation, and scalp treatment.
Since it’s also an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, you’ll also find it useful to clean your meats, fruits, and vegetables. You can dilute it in a sink full of water and wash your foods that way, or you can dilute it in a spray bottle and use it just as efficiently. It’s also a great option for cleaning your toothbrushes in. You can clean them periodically, or leave the toothbrushes soaked in a diluted mixture in between uses. It’s also fantastic for cleaning and disinfecting your cutting board as well.
One thing I would caution you on, though. You should not use it full strength—ever. It’s effective with just a couple drops in some water (No, I’m not going to confess to that one). This is kind of embarrassing, but I had a really painful…um…zit…in my ear. That’s DANG painful. (If you’ve ever had these then you know that they go on for days and days and they HURT.) So on the first day of the noticeable pain, I put a drop of the GSE on the end of a Q-tip and then a couple drops of water and then applied it to the “owwee” area. I only had to suffer for a day and a half instead of the typical week.
I took some as a throat gargle 2 weeks ago when I noticed that I was trying to fight a sore throat (It’s no wonder with all of the traveling and talking I do). I had no problems the next day. Sore throat was gone.
Now that I’ve finished my research on this product (and after using it this weekend for a head cold) this is definitely one item I’m going to have more of in my supplies. (By the way, the brand I found and liked is NutriBiotic. Just Google it and you’ll find it all over the net at an affordable price. Remember, a little goes a long way.)
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17 Comments
Marie · September 21, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I love to hear about natural things like this that have a lot of uses. So far, vinegar is by far one of my favorites, but I know that I need to do a lot more research. Thanks for the info.
Believer · September 21, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Thank you for this information. GSE is not a product that I have used, but I have heard that it is good.
Jenny · September 21, 2009 at 10:25 pm
It is so nice to have someone “publicly” tout natural good things. We have this ALL the time in the cupboard (I’m actually using it right now for a sore throat) and have it in our food storage. My new favorite are the tablets – all the same benefits withOUT the taste. I use this with colloidal silver (another bacterial fighter), garlic and cranberry capsules for UTI’s with great results. I haven’t used, or needed antibiotics for years. I tell everyone about this!! YAY!!
cari · September 22, 2009 at 2:14 am
Thanks for the info! I’m passing it on. My sister struggles a lot with UTI’s. So great to know.
Dani · September 22, 2009 at 5:30 am
How does this stuff compare with essential oils, many of which are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, etc.? What a blessing to have so many alternative health choices.
Shawna Schwarzmann · September 22, 2009 at 6:39 am
I love homeopathic remedies; I’ll be stocking up on this item. Thank you for article. ~Shawna
Michelle · September 22, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Thanks for this info! I love to use non-toxic and/or natural remedies for home needs. This is not one I had heard of before. I will be making a trip to our Country Store and pick some up.
Woodirae · September 22, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Yeah for natural remedies! I will be finding this as well!
Kellene · September 22, 2009 at 4:47 pm
It’s yet another viable essential oil. It’s just not called that because it’s an extract.
athelia · September 22, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Thanks for the tip. I will get a small bottle and give it a try. We tried tea tree oil, and found it too irritating for most uses. Maybe this will be better.
Marilyn · September 22, 2009 at 11:30 pm
For uses like disinfecting, are there any good rules of thumb for how much to dilute the extract (how much in a sinkful of water, how much in a spray bottle, etc.?
Kellene · September 23, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Thre are thorough instructions on any bottle you’ll purchase–particularly the NutriBiotic brand
Debbie · September 23, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Have not heard of this extract before. Its a good one to have, thanks for the info.
Queenbuffness · September 24, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Grapefruit Seed Extract is a life saver!! Our family Chiropractor/Nutritionist introduced us about 15 years ago! Dear hubby had some kind of icky large sore on his shin that NOTHING would clear up for almost a year! The doc voted that it was Strep infection and had him put a drop in some warm water and dab it on the spot. It was gone, never to return, within 4 days!! And for strep throat it’s a Godsend! A few drops in juice (I use grape juice cause the extract is REEEALLY bitter) and voila! No more strep!! I’m so glad you’ve shared some other uses for this wondergoo!! Thanks!!
Joan Morford · September 29, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I was very happy about the grapefruit seed extract article. I am always happy to hear about things I can have on hand and in my storage that I can use instead of going to the doctor and be given medications. Thanks again.
suzanne · October 1, 2009 at 5:41 pm
GSE is also great for alfalfa sprouting–one drop in water bath is suppose to keep bacteria from forming on the roots.
Kellene · October 1, 2009 at 5:44 pm
ooh, good to know!
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