Grapefruit

Grapefruit oil is known for its pleasant and spirited aroma, which many people find to be uplifting. The main chemical constituent of grapefruit oil is limonene, a monoterpene which is common to citrus oils and which has demonstrated a host of purifying properties and antioxidant activity in controlled laboratory studies. Limonene is believed to play a prominent role in the mood enhancement effects often attributed to these oils in aromatherapy practices.

Other prominent terpenes that have been isolated from grapefruit oil include myrcene, pinene, and sabinene, which have similarly demonstrated purifying properties and antioxidant activity in controlled laboratory studies involving cell and animal models. Taken together, these chemical constituents give Grapefruit oil its reputation as a detoxifier when used in aromatherapy baths and massages.

In addition to its beneficial impact on mood, Grapefruit oil has demonstrated aromatherapeutic activity as an appetite suppressant and sympathetic nervous system stimulant in animal models, which may have implications for weight loss efforts. It has also shown promise as a complementary element in treatments to help ameliorate feelings of anxiety.

The grapefruit (botanical name Citrus paradisi) is speculated to have originated in Barbados as a hybridization between the Jamaican sweet orange and Indonesian pomelo, which were introduced from Asia in the 17th century. Grapefruit trees have a vigorous appearance, growing from around 5 to 14 meters tall with dark, dense foliage. The name "grapefruit" may be attributed to the fruit's clustered growth pattern, bearing resemblance to a bunch of grapes. While there are several conjectures as to the precise origin of both the fruit and its name, the mystery of this history subsided once mass cultivation of grapefruit began. The first grapefruit nursery in the US was established in the late 19th century and by the mid-twentieth century, commercial production of grapefruit was flourishing in several parts of the world including the US, Jamaica and Trinidad, Mexico, parts of South America, Israel, Morocco, and Cyrpus. Grapefruit has a long history of use in folk medicines around the world and has been traditionally used as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, and preservative. Today, reputed Grapefruit Essential Oil benefits can be traced back to this extensive traditional use. Since its introduction to commercial markets, grapefruit oil has become widely used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages and as a fragrant ingredient in soaps, detergents, and personal care products. Grapefruit comes in white, pink, and red varieties, all of which produce essential oils with similar properties.

Hoag Fudge Family Birthing Suites

Learn more about this beautiful environment created to make the birth experience feel like you are at a five-star resort. We are honored to offer our Relax, Breathe & Receive Aromatherapy Birthing Ritual that we developed with Hoag to help harmonize the labor experience and welcome new life into the world.

Hoag Flywell at John Wayne Airport

Designed to help travelers ease jet lag & jitters. Our complimentary aromatherapy bar is a first class experience.  

Hoag Health Center

Check out our complimentary aromatherapy bar & guest speaker series to learn more about the benefits of essential oils and breath work.