Grapefruit Seed Extract: Natural Antimicrobial
Greetings House of Buckle blog readers! I hope this finds you well, enjoying great health and summer sun! I know its getting late in July but there is still plenty of summer left with the dog days of August up next. With warm sunny days upon us and the pandemic in full swing, many of you are spending more time than usual outside away from crowds going on walks, nature hikes, bike rides etc. Due to increased outside activity there is naturally an increase in the need for first aid as scraped knees, bug bites, etc. all increase in the warmer months. As such, I thought it the perfect time to talk about one of the best antimicrobials in nature, Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)! There are a few things I always have in my home medicine cabinet and GSE is one of them!
What is GSE?
Grapefruit seed extract is made from, grapefruit seeds, the white membrane of grapefruit, and pulp. It can be taken both externally and internally, respectively. We will discuss all the uses in just a bit.
One note: GSE is very potent and it should always be taken in diluted fashion (added to water, carrier oil, etc.). Never squirt it directly into your mouth or put it directly onto your skin!
GSE Properties
Antimicrobial: GSE is considered a wide spectrum antimicrobial; it is believed to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal.
GSE Uses
In the 2002 edition of the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and in the 2004 Acta Pharmaceutica research suggests the GSE disrupts microbial cell membranes and their enzymatic activity.
As such it is believed that GSE is good for battling the following:
Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral
- Fungal Infections:
- Candida albicans
- Dandruff
- Nail fungus
- Athletes Foot
- Virus & Bacteria
- Herpes simplex virus type 1
- E.coli
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Salmonella enteritidis
- Streptococcus faecalis
- Hepatitis C
- Sore throat
- Sinus infections
- Cold
- Flu
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Unlike prescription antibiotics, it is widely believed that GSE is able to eliminate pathogens (antibacterial and antiviral) without destroying the immune system/gut health.
Antioxidant!
A 1996 study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported grapefruit juice and pulp both contain antioxidant activity. As such, it is believed the GSE can prevent damage caused by free radicals!
Gastrointestinal Problems
Due to the amazing properties of GSE, it is believed that that it works well for all things microbiome:
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Diarrhea
But wait, there's more!
GSE is also beneficial in a multitude of external uses around the house such as:
- Keep pools/hot tubs clean
- Wiping counter tops, bathroom counters, etc
- Disinfectant for dishes
- Sanitize toothbrushes, razors, etc.
- Protect household plants from harmful microbes
- Keep humidifiers free of mildew
- Disinfect laundry
- Give to pets/livestock in their food or water or apply externally (dilute)
As you can see, GSE has a TON of uses, internally, externally, around the house, etc. You can see why I always have a bottle of it on hand!
Be aware...
As with anything, GSE is not without a warnings. Be aware that GSE supplements increase the effects of the blood-thinning drug warfarin and can cause excessive bleeding!
Also be aware that if you are allergic to citrus, you will most likely have an adverse reaction to GSE, so best to avoid in that case.
As I stated already, it is very potent, so make sure and follow the label carefully and never apply directly into the mouth or onto your skin. Always dilute (with water, carrier oils, in juices, etc.).
There are several brands to choose from, but the one I like is by NutriBiotic. You can choose between liquid or pill but the liquid is much more versatile!
Thank you for stopping by and I hope this was informative and helpful! I hope you stay safe and smart and always remember, the best wealth is your health! Until next time, good day!
Sources:
Grapefruit Seed Extract 3rd Edition by Woodland Publishing
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grapefruit-seed-extract#dangers
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grape-seed-extract-benefits#9
https://www.verywellhealth.com/grapefruit-seed-extract-what-you-need-to-know-89459
https://www.thecandidadiet.com/grapefruit-seed/
Written by James Miller for Bucklebury.