Grapefruit Seed Extract – A Natural Antibiotic?
Grapefruit seed extract has long been an insider tip in the fight against bacteria, fungi and viruses. The many benefits of grapefruit seed extract may surprise you that something so powerful can come from somthing so small! Grapefruit seed extract dosing can be found near the end of this article and should be kept on hand, especially in times with an increased risk of infection – when flu and colds are rampant. Enthusiastic users regularly report on the benefites of grapefruit seed extract. How a few drops of it, diluted in a glass of water, could stop diarrhea, influenza or even heal eczema and skin fungus infections. Numerous studies support patient reports on the successful use of gfs extract. In this article Im going to go through ALL of the benefits of grapefruit seed extract, talk about the dosing and little bit of history.
Overview
Grapefruit Seed Extract – Concentrated Nature
Grapefruit seed extract is made from the crushed seeds and the skin of grapefruits. The natural benefits of grapefruit seed extract was, as so often, discovered only by chance. In 1980 the physician and immunobiologist Dr. Jacob Harich observed that the grapefruit seeds on his compost heap hardly rotted. They seemed to be resistant to molds, putrefactive bacteria, viruses and parasites. The American’s thirst for research was awakened and soon he set about tracking down this extraordinary phenomenon.
It quickly became clear that grapefruit seeds had a very potent protective mechanism that protected them from biological decomposition by bacteria and fungi.
Responsible for this protective mechanism are the specific secondary plant substances in the grapefruit kernel – among others the so-called bioflavonoids. Subsequent studies then looked into the question of whether these substances could only protect the grapefruit kernel or possibly also humans from harmful external influences. The expectations of the researchers were NOT disappointing!!
In humans too, the substances from the grapefruit seed have a deadly effect on harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi – but only noticeable if they are applied in the form of concentrated grapefruit seed extract, i.e. in a correspondingly high dose.
Grapefruit Seed Extract – The Herbal Antibiotic
Grapefruit seed extract has quickly become one of the leading natural antibiotics due to its excellent antimicrobial effect and is therefore indicated for all infectious diseases, inflammatory processes and skin impurities.
Various studies have shown that grapefruit seed extract already develops its antibacterial effect in a dilution ratio of 1:1000. The 2002 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine is only one of many studies that have documented that grapefruit seed extract is effective against a variety of bacteria and viruses.
The researchers at the University of Texas, for example, tested the antibacterial effectiveness against various bacterial groups. The results showed that grapefruit seed extract can actually render most pathogens harmless. Grapefruit seed extract also shows excellent results against viruses and fungi in many diseases. Even with regard to so-called hospital germs (MRSA), grapefruit seed extract could represent a long-awaited alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Grapefruit Seed Extract Against Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and refers to staphylococci (a type of bacteria) that are resistant to some of the most commonly used antibiotics.
MRSA is not a problem for healthy people with a strong immune system. However, a weakened immune system – which is often the case with patients in hospital – can lead to a serious infection with the highest risk of death. Antibiotics are no longer effective and conventional medicine is therefore relatively helpless in these cases.
Every year, 16 million patients worldwide die from MRSA infections, which they first contracted in hospital. To finally stop the threat of MRSA would be a groundbreaking medical success.
A study by Manchester Metropolitan University in 2004 was therefore devoted to the effect of grapefruit seed extract on MRSA. The English researchers found in this study that in particular a combination of grapefruit seed extract and geranium oil achieved the best antibacterial results against MRSA.
Grapefruit Extract and Helicobacter Pylori – Stomach Inflammation
A substance that can defeat MRSA naturally also works against all other bacteria and microbes.
A Polish study conducted in 2004 showed that grapefruit seed extract had a very good effect on inflammation of the gastric mucosa – because it can combat the persistent stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is considered to be the cause of gastritis, also known as Stomach Inflammation, but also it can cause gastric/peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer.
An Italian study also showed that the dreaded stomach germs can be inhibited and killed by the application of diluted grapefruit seed extract during growth.
In contrast to conventional antibiotics, which work exclusively against bacteria, grapefruit seed extract also blocks fungal infections as a natural all-round remedy.
Conventional antibiotics, on the other hand, usually promote the growth of fungal colonies, so that patients very often need an anti-fungal therapy after antibiotic therapy.
Grapefruit Seed Extract Against Fungal Infections
Fungal infections not only affect the skin, but also not only the feet (athlete’s foot) or the vagina (vaginal fungus). In extreme cases, they can even enter the bloodstream and affect internal organs.
The health damage can then understandably be immense, so that systemic (affecting the whole body) fungal infections should be absolutely avoided.
Grapefruit seed extract can help!
According to current studies, grapefruit seed extract can even have an antimycotic (fungicidal) effect on over 100 different fungal species.
A Polish study carried out in 2001 demonstrated the outstanding effect of grapefruit seed extract on the growth of yeast fungi (such as Candida albicans).
Candida albicans in particular, is responsible for infections such as oral thrush, massive digestive problems, chronic vaginal yeast infections, infections of the skin and nails to name a few.
Often those affected suffer for years without being helped. It is not unusual for sufferers to find grapefruit seed extract via the Internet or thanks to naturopathic therapists – and their symptoms often only come to an abrupt end when the fungal infections are treated with grapefruit seed extract.
One young patient, for example, had been complaining for months about persistent flatulence, diarrhea and decreasing performance. The traditional medical therapies that were given could not improve her condition. She decided to her own research on her problems and put herself on a anti-fungal diet (no sugar, no isolated carbohydrates, no sweet fruits) and then used grapefruit seed extract. She was so frustrated with her doctor’s conventional approached she had to try something else, she needed relief! Believe it or not, it had finally resolved itself and corrected fungal deficiency in the intestines.
At first she started with a low initial dose of three drops per day in order to keep the detoxification reaction of the body at a tolerable level. Gradually, the final dose was increased to 3 x 20 drops per day. Within a few weeks, the bowel movement normalized and the performance returned sustainably.
When it comes to the dosing, this is something you can find information on regarding your specific health concern. What is particularly pleasant about grapefruit seed extract is that it works without having any negative side effects. But how exactly does it work?
The Action of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract works by attacking the cell walls of bacteria and fungi. As a result, the cell parts seep out, so that the microorganisms bleed out to a certain extent.
Another way the grapefruit seed extract works is that it also causes functional losses of the cell walls, whereby bacteria, parasites and fungi can no longer absorb nutrients and then starve to death.
Despite this dangerous sounding effect, the grapefruit seed extract remains without unwanted side effects. Pretty incredible don’t you think? I have never received a medication from the pharmacy that didn’t have a piece of paper attached listing PARAGRAPHS of possible side effects!!
Benefits of grapefruit seed extract over antibiotics
In a study conducted by the University of Texas in 2002, it was unequivocally proven that grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic even at high doses and that no external irritations occur even after prolonged application. Thats amazing because there are many other natural substances that “too much of good thing is not good”, and gfs extract is not one of those things!
If you are not allergic to citrus fruits, you can usually tolerate the diluted grapefruit seed extract without any problems. The taste can be bitter and sometimes unpleasant, so its best to add into a juice or flavored drink to help mask the bitterness. Although, I just drink it down fast and I can handle it just fine.
Another known side effect of antibiotics is that they damage the intestinal flora in particular. This, however, plays a decisive role in the immune system. If the intestinal flora is damaged, the body’s own defences decrease – which is why, as mentioned above, fungal infections often follow antibiotic therapy. In contrast, the intestinal flora remains intact after ingestion of grapefruit seed extract or is even rebuilt if it has not been intact before.
Unfortunately, the study situation remains hidden. Only one hint to a study can be found which claims to have shown that grapefruit seed extract decimates Escherichia coli in the intestine but does not touch the extremely useful bifidobacteria and only imperceptibly impairs the lactobacilli.
The conclusion of this study was that the recommended doses of grapefruit seed extract do not harm the intestinal flora.
On the contrary, Grapefruit seed extract improves the intestinal environment so that pathogenic germs can leave and the beneficial intestinal flora can spread again – which significantly strengthens the immune system and thus the self-healing powers of the organism.
In addition, the flavonoids in the grapefruit kernel stimulate the immune defence in such a way that an increased production of antibodies can occur. The antibodies now successfully take up the fight with the disease-causing bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Grapefruit seed extract thus has a double effect: it destroys unwanted microorganisms by itself and strengthens the body’s own immune system – and all this without the risk of developing resistance.
Grapefruit Seed Extract – Immune To Resistance?
The dreaded resistance that bacteria can develop to antibiotics is bypassed by the grapefruit seed extract, which has a much more complex structure so that bacteria does not find the right key to adapt to their attacker.
Bacteria can therefore not form any resistance against the grapefruit seed extract
It is interesting to note that grapefruit seed extract not only has an antimicrobial effect, but also an organ-protecting effect, which was demonstrated in a study carried out in 2004 with regard to the pancreas.
Grapefruit Seed Extract for Pancreatitis
In the study – published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology – the Polish researchers were able to prove the protective effect of grapefruit seed extract in pancreatitis. The authors of the study noted that grapefruit seed extract had such an anti-inflammatory effect that it was able to prevent inflammation-induced changes in pancreatic tissue.
The reason for this protective effect is found in flavonoid naringenin – an antioxidant plant substance of grapefruit seed extract. Naringenin is the substance that gives the grapefruit its bitter taste, but is particularly found in the seeds and skin of the fruit.
Grapefruit Seed Extract – Cardiovascular
Naringenin is also regarded as a substance that could protect against the so-called metabolic syndrome. This syndrome comprises the four most common health concerns today: High blood pressure, high blood fat levels, insulin resistance and obesity.
The useful bioflavonoid helps to seal and maintain the elasticity of vascular walls and to reduce micro-deposits.
Naringenin also helps to normalize the so-called hematocrit level (a blood level that can indicate anemia, for example) and promotes the breakdown of old red blood cells. In addition, naringenin lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus considerably improving the overall quality of the blood.
The flavonoid hesperidin is also found in grapefruit seed extract. It also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, as it improves the functions of the capillaries, for example, and therefore helps to lower high blood pressure.
In addition, Hesperidin protects the function of the veins and can have a very strong supporting effect on vein problems.
Grapefruit Seed Extract As a Natural Preservative
Since grapefruit seed extract has an antibacterial effect, its use as a natural preservative, e.g. in cosmetics, is excellent. So if you want to make your own healthy ointments, creams and toothpaste, you could use grapefruit seed extract to prolong their shelf life.
In case of periodontitis or gum problems, you should also disinfect the toothbrush with grapefruit seed extract after each use. All you need to do is apply a drop of grapefruit seed extract to the toothbrush.
Grapefruit Seed Extract in The Household
In the USA, the versatile grapefruit seed extract has long been used as a disinfectant in households, medicine, industry and agriculture.
Whether in household cleaners, carpet cleaners or detergents, grapefruit seed extract is omnipresent. It is also frequently used as a disinfectant in clinics and hospitals.
All these products based on grapefruit seed extract are just as antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal as chemical products – but without their health drawbacks.
Grapefruit See Extract – THE APPLICATION
In the following, we introduce you to various internal and external applications of grapefruit seed extract.
The duration of application depends on the type of disease and should be continued for at least one week after the symptoms have subsided.
Certain parasites, intestinal fungi and bacteria, such as the persistent Helicobacter pylori, should be treated with at least six weeks of internal administration.
The Internal Application of Grapefruit Seed Extract
The internal use of grapefruit seed extract is indicated for all infections associated with bacteria, viruses or fungi. So whether it’s flu, colds, coughs, colds, intestinal flu, parasites, herpes, candida, inflammation or whatever, try the grapefruit seed extract!
Proceed as follows:
A small initial dose should be chosen at the beginning of the intake, which then can be slowly increased.
At the beginning start carefully with 1 to 3 drops per day in a glass of fruit juice or water.
Then gradually increase the dose to the desired dose of one to three times daily 3 to 15 drops of extract.
If symptoms occur during the increase (healing crisis, see below), reduce the dose again to the amount you can tolerate and drink plenty of water to support and accelerate the elimination of dying bacteria or fungi and their toxins.
Stay at the dose that you can tolerate and do not increase it again for several days.
Stay at the highest achievable dose until the symptoms subside. Drink at least 8 ounces to 14 ounces of fluid at each dose – ideally water.
On the one hand, the slow procedure described above is important in order to detect a possible unknown allergy to citrus fruits. On the other hand, the risk of the above-mentioned “healing crisis” should be kept as low as possible.
“Healing Crisis” Due to Grapefruit Seed Extract?
A healing crisis occurs when a large number of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, etc.) die all at once as a result of grapefruit seed extract. This releases a lot of toxins, which can then strain or overload the body. This in turn can lead to so-called detox symptoms such as slight discomfort, headaches, digestive problems or fatigue. The healing crisis has arrived and is sometimes referred to as the Herxheimer reaction.
Children Also Have Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract
As a guideline: 1 drop per 1 kg. body weight, i.e. a person with a body weight of 60 kg should take a maximum of 60 drops per day (distributed over at least 3 doses). For children, the maximum dose is reduced accordingly.
External Application of Grapefruit Seed Extract
There is also a wide range of symptoms for which grapefruit seed extract can also be used externally. Antiseptic mouthwash with grapefruit seed extract is one example that was mentioned earlier in this article.
Grapefruit seed extract is an ideal natural mouth rinse with a strong antiseptic effect. Add 1 to 3 drops three times a day to a glass of lukewarm water and gargle vigorously.
In case of hoarseness, gargle three times daily with a solution of 1 to 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract.
Gum Inflammations
Apply 1 drop to the moistened toothbrush and brush your teeth three times a day
Sniffles
If available, you can spray a grapefruit seed extract nasal spray into the nose three times a day. Grapefruit seed extract should also be applied internally.
Acne and Blemished Skin
It is recommended to moisten the face and to massage 1 drop of the extract thoroughly into the moist face with wet hands. Allow to take effect, rinse well and pat dry. If the extract gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
Dandruff and Itching Scalp
To wash your hair, take a portion of shampoo mixed with 5 to 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract and massage the emulsion into wet hair and scalp for about two minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Foot Fungus and Nail Fungus
If the damaged nails are not too sensitive, the extract can be applied pure or with a body oil in a ratio of 1:1.
In the affected area, the nails should initially be treated every 3 to 4 days, later every 3 to 4 weeks. When washing socks, stockings or pantyhose, about 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract should be added to the last rinsing water to avoid re-infection.
Perspiring Feet
For sweaty feet, add about 30 to 50 drops to a bowl of warm water (the water should reach up to the ankles) and bathe the feet in it for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, make sure you dry your feet very well.
Grapefruit Seed Extract – Quality
Grapefruit seed extract is best obtained by gentle methods such as cold water extraction. Of course, the extract should be free of additives.
A few years ago, finding quality grapefruit seed extract was not an easy task. There were harmful substances that were found in grapefruit seed extract products, such as benzethonium chloride, triclosan and methyl paraben. These were chemical extraction agents and preservatives, which are no longer contained in high-quality products today. Make sure you are clear these ingredients are NOT in the product you will use.
Perhaps the most important quality feature of grapefruit seed extract, in addition to its guaranteed purity and authenticity, is a high proportion of bioflavonoids and antimicrobial substances.
When choosing a high quality Grapefruit Seed Extract product, I highly recommend that you compare different products with each other, contact the manufacturer and ask for the quantities of active ingredients and only then make a purchase decision. You can compare different products by clicking here.
Grapefruit seed extract, despite it being natural, it should not come into contact with the eyes and should not be used there, as it can cause irritation, burning and unpleasant irritations in the eye.
As a general rule, grapefruit seed extract should never be applied pure (except when treating nails with nail fungus), but only in diluted form on the skin, mucous membranes or genital area.
I hope you find this article to be a helpful resource on the benefits of grapefruit seed extract as well as grapefruit seed extract dosing guides. You may want to copy and paste the dosing section and put in your kitchen so you have it handy when mixing up your grapefruit seed extra! This is exactly what I did and its super helpful.
