Grapefruit Seed Extract Uses

Grapefruit seed extract (known as GSE) is frequently used by practitioners of alternative medicine and nutritionists, because of its healing properties. The grapefruit's pulp and seeds are altered into a highly acidic liquid, to create the extract, which contains polyphenolic compounds. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences notes that polyphenolic compounds are considered to have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties; which is why grapefruit seed extract serves a number of uses.

Features

• Grapefruit seed extract is often used for detoxification, as it helps the body fight off infections caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites. The phenols in grape fruit seed extract also work to maintain and advance the function of the immune system, according to Bio-Medicine.org.

Benefits

• Grapefruit seed extract is full of bioflavonoids and C and E vitamins, which are used to reduce the effect of the dangerous free radicals and enhance our metabolic functioning. According to the the George Mateljan Foundation for the World's Healthiest Foods, "Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms; over 20 scientific studies have suggested that vitamin C is a cold-fighter."

Effects

• Grapefruit seed extract is also used to help alkalize the body (raise the pH level); a key component health restoration that can prevent associated degenerative diseases, according to Vanderbilt University's Health Psychology department.

Treatment

• Due to its therapeutic makeup, grapefruit seed extract can also be used to combat conditions such as candida Infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds, digestive disturbances, ear inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, halitosis, infections, sinusitis and to prevent germs from forming a resistance against external disturbances and infections of the skin like acne, athlete's foot, chicken pox, cold sores, dandruff, head lice, herpes, poison ivy, poison oak, rashes, ringworm and warts, according to Nutriteam.com.

Potential

• Grapefruit seed extract also serves a variety of purposes for the household (as a cleanser, laundry cleaner) and garden (eliminating fungus, mold and bugs).