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Grapefruit Seed Extract – The Natural Antibiotic

A grapefruit seed extract has long been considered an insider tip in the fight against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Especially in times of increased risk of infection – when flu and colds are rampant -, grapefruit seed extract should be at hand. Enthusiastic users regularly report how a few drops of grapefruit seed extract, diluted in a glass of water, could stop diarrhea or flu or how eczema and skin fungal infections finally healed.

Grapefruit Seed Extract – Concentrated Nature

Grapefruit Seed Extract is made from crushed seeds and peels of grapefruits.

As is so often the case, the natural healing power of grapefruit seed extract was only discovered thanks to a happy coincidence.

In 1980, physician and immunobiologist Dr. Jacob Harich that the grapefruit seeds hardly rotted on his compost heap. They appeared resistant to mold, putrefactive bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The American’s thirst for research was awakened and he soon 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 caused by bacteria and fungi.

The specific secondary plant substances in the grapefruit seed are responsible for this protective mechanism – e.g. the so-called bioflavonoids.

Subsequent studies then looked into the question of whether these substances could only protect the grapefruit seed or possibly also humans from harmful external influences. The researchers’ expectations were not disappointing.

In humans, too, the substances from the grapefruit seed have a deadly effect on harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi – but only noticeably if they are used in the form of concentrated grapefruit seed extract, i.e. in a correspondingly high dose.

Grapefruit Seed Extract – The herbal antibiotic

Due to its excellent antimicrobial effect, grapefruit seed extract quickly ranked among the top natural antibiotics and is therefore indicated for all infectious diseases, inflammatory processes, and skin blemishes.

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 just one of many studies that have documented that grapefruit seed extract is effective against a wide range of bacteria and viruses.

The researchers at the University of Texas, for example, tested the antibacterial effectiveness against various groups of bacteria. The result was that grapefruit seed extract can actually render most pathogens harmless.

But grapefruit seed extract also shows excellent results against viruses and fungi in many diseases.

Even with regard to the 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, if the body’s defenses are weakened – which is often the case with patients in hospital – it can lead to a serious infection with the highest risk of death. Because antibiotics are no longer effective and conventional medicine is relatively helpless in these cases.

In Germany alone, 20,000 people die every year from MRSA infections, which they only contracted in hospitals. It is estimated that in 2050 around 10 million people worldwide will die from resistant pathogens.

Being able to finally put a stop to the specter of MRSA would be a groundbreaking medical success. A study by Manchester Metropolitan University from 2004, therefore, focused on the effect of grapefruit seed extract against MRSA.

In this study, the English researchers found that a combination of grapefruit seed extract and geranium oil in particular achieved the best antibacterial results against MRSA.

Grapefruit seed extract against Helicobacter pylori

A substance that can defeat MRSA is of course also effective against all other bacteria and microbes.

A Polish study from 2004 showed that grapefruit seed extract was very effective against inflammation of the gastric mucosa – because it can act against the stubborn gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori are considered to be the cause of inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis), but also of duodenal and gastric ulcers and even stomach cancer.

An Italian study also showed that the growth of the dreaded stomach germs can be inhibited and killed by the use of diluted grapefruit seed extract.

In contrast to conventional antibiotics, which only work against bacteria, grapefruit seed extract, as a natural all-around remedy, also blocks fungal infections.

Conventional antibiotics, on the other hand, usually quite conspicuously promote the colonization of fungal colonies, so that patients very often first need antifungal 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 thrush). In extreme cases, they can even get into the bloodstream and from there affect internal organs.

Understandably, the health damage can then be immense, so systemic (affecting the whole body) fungal infections should be avoided at all costs.

Grapefruit Seed Extract Can Help!

According to current studies, grapefruit seed extract can even have an antifungal (fungus-killing) effect on over 100 different types of fungi.

A Polish study from 2001 was able to demonstrate the outstanding effect of grapefruit seed extract on the growth of yeast fungi (such as Candida albicans).

Candida albicans in particular can lead to very annoying symptoms, such as B. food cravings, massive digestive problems, chronic vaginal yeast infections, or chronic fatigue.

Affected people often suffer for years without being able to help them. It is not uncommon for those who suffer 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.

For example, a young patient had been complaining about persistent flatulence, diarrhea, and declining performance for months. The initiated conventional medical therapies could not improve her suffering. Only with an anti-fungal diet (no sugar, no isolated carbohydrates, no sweet fruits) and the use of grapefruit seed extract could the fungal overgrowth in the intestine be corrected.

Initially, the patient started with a low starting dose of three drops per day in order to keep the body’s detoxification reaction at a tolerable level. Gradually the final dose could be increased to 3 x 20 drops per day. Within a few weeks, the bowel movements normalized and the performance returned sustainably.

What is particularly pleasant about grapefruit seed extract is that it works without causing any negative side effects. But how exactly does that work?

Mechanism of action of grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract works by attacking the cell walls of bacteria and fungi. As a result, the cell parts leak out, so that the microorganisms bleed to a certain extent.

Another mechanism of action of grapefruit seed extract is that it also causes functional impairments in the cell walls, which means that bacteria, parasites, and fungi can no longer absorb nutrients and then starve.

Despite this dangerous-sounding effect, grapefruit seed extract has no undesirable side effects.

The benefits of grapefruit seed extract over antibiotics

A study by the University of Texas from 2002 was able to prove without a doubt that grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic even in high doses and that no irritations occur externally even after prolonged use.

So if you don’t have a citrus fruit allergy, you can usually tolerate the diluted grapefruit seed extract without any problems.

A well-known side effect of antibiotics is that they damage the intestinal flora in particular. However, this plays a crucial role in the immune system.

If the intestinal flora is damaged, the body’s own defenses decrease – which is why, as mentioned above, fungal infections often follow antibiotic therapy. In contrast, the intestinal flora remains intact after taking grapefruit seed extract or is even rebuilt if it was not intact before.

Unfortunately, the study situation remains obscure. Only one reference 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 affects the lactobacilli.

The conclusion of this study was therefore that the usually recommended doses of grapefruit seed extract do not harm the intestinal flora. On the contrary. Grapefruit seed extract improves the intestinal environment in such a way that pathogenic germs are eliminated and the useful intestinal flora can spread again – which significantly strengthens the immune system and thus the self-healing powers of the organism.

The flavonoids in the grapefruit seed also stimulate the immune system in such a way that there can be an increased production of antibodies. The antibodies now successfully fight disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The grapefruit seed extract, therefore, works in two ways: it destroys the unwanted microorganisms on its own and also strengthens the body’s immune system – and all this without the risk of resistance developing.

Grapefruit Seed Extract – Immune to Resistance Build-up

Grapefruit seed extract circumvents the dreaded resistance that bacteria can develop to antibiotics by having a much more complex structure so that bacteria cannot find the right key to adapt to their attacker.

Bacteria can therefore not develop any resistance to the grapefruit seed extract.

Interestingly, the grapefruit seed extract not only has an antimicrobial effect but also an organ-protecting effect, which was demonstrated in a study from 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 demonstrate the protective effect of grapefruit seed extract on inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

The study authors noted that grapefruit seed extract was so anti-inflammatory that it was able to prevent inflammation-related changes in pancreatic tissue.

The reason for this protective effect can be found in the flavonoid naringenin – an antioxidant plant substance in grapefruit seed extract. Naringenin is the substance that also gives grapefruit its bitter taste, but is particularly found in the seeds and skin of the fruit.

Grapefruit seed extract – A treat for your blood vessels

Naringenin is also considered a substance that could protect against the so-called metabolic syndrome. This syndrome summarizes the four of today’s most widespread complaints of civilization: high blood pressure, high blood fat levels, insulin resistance, and obesity

The useful bioflavonoid helps to seal vascular walls and keep them elastic and to reduce micro-deposits.

Naringenin also helps to normalize the so-called hematocrit value (a blood value that can indicate anemia, for example) and promotes the breakdown of old red blood cells. In addition, naringenin lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride values, thus improving overall blood quality considerably.

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 contributes to lowering high blood pressure.

In addition, hesperidin protects the function of the veins and can have a very strong supportive effect on vein problems.

However, grapefruit seed extract is not only an excellent natural antibiotic but can also be extremely helpful in the home, kitchen, or in the manufacture of cosmetics.

Grapefruit seed extract as a natural preservative

Since grapefruit seed extract has an antibacterial effect, its use as a natural preservative, e.g. B. in cosmetics.

So if you want to make healthy ointments, creams, and toothpaste yourself, you could use grapefruit seed extract to extend their shelf life.

If you have periodontitis or gum problems, you should also disinfect the toothbrush with grapefruit seed extract after each use. All you have to do is put a drop on your toothbrush.

Grapefruit seed extract in the home

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 washing-up liquid, grapefruit seed extract is omnipresent. It is also often used as a disinfectant in clinics and hospitals.

All of these products based on grapefruit seed extract are just as antibacterial, antiviral, and fungicidal as chemical products – only without their health disadvantages.

Grapefruit Seed Extract – The Application

Below we present various internal and external areas of application for grapefruit seed extract.

The duration of use depends on the type of disease and should be continued for at least a week after the symptoms have subsided.

Certain parasites, intestinal fungi, and bacteria, such as the stubborn Helicobacter pylori, should be treated with internal intake for at least six weeks.

Internal use of grapefruit seed extract

Internal use of grapefruit seed extract is indicated for any bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

So whether it’s the flu, cold, cough, runny nose, intestinal flu, parasites, herpes, candida, inflammation, or whatever, give Grapefruit Seed Extract a try!

Follow these steps:

  • At the beginning of the intake, a low starting dose should be chosen, which can then be slowly increased.
  • In 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 3 to 15 drops of the extract one to three times a day.
  • If symptoms appear during the increase (healing crisis, see below), reduce the dose again to just a tolerable amount and drink plenty of water to support and accelerate the elimination of the dying bacteria or fungi and their toxins.
  • Stay with the still tolerable dose and only increase it again after a few days.
  • Stay on the highest attainable dose until symptoms subside. Drink at least 250 to 400 ml of liquid – ideally water – with each dose.

On the one hand, the slow procedure described is important in order to identify an as-yet-unknown allergy to citrus fruits. On the other hand, the risk of the healing crisis mentioned above should be kept as low as possible.

Healing crisis through grapefruit seed extract?

A healing crisis occurs when a large number of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, etc.) die off at once as a result of the grapefruit seed extract. This releases a lot of toxins, which now burden or overload the body. This in turn can lead to so-called detoxification symptoms such as slight discomfort, headaches, digestive problems, or tiredness. The healing crisis is here and is sometimes referred to as the Herxheimer reaction.

Children may also benefit from grapefruit seed extract. The extract should not be used on babies.

The guideline is: 1 drop per kg of body weight, i.e. a person weighing 60 kg should take a maximum of 60 drops per day (divided into at least 3 doses). In children, the maximum dose is reduced accordingly.

External use 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

The grapefruit seed extract is considered the ideal natural mouthwash with a strong antiseptic effect. Put 1 to 3 drops in a glass of lukewarm water three times a day and gargle vigorously.

For hoarseness, gargle with a solution of 1 to 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract three times a day.

Gingivitis

Put 1 drop on a damp toothbrush and brush your teeth with it three times a day.

Sniffles

If available, you can spray a grapefruit seed extract nasal spray into your nose three times a day. In addition, grapefruit seed extract should be used internally.

Acne and impure skin

In the case of acne, we recommend wetting the face and massaging 1 drop of the extract thoroughly into the damp face with damp hands. Leave on for a while, rinse well and pat dry. If the extract gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Dandruff and itchy 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. Then rinse well.

Athlete’s foot and nail fungus

If the affected 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 tights, about 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract should be added to the last rinse water to avoid reinfection.

Sweaty feet

For sweaty feet, add about 30 to 50 drops to a bowl of warm water (the water should be up to your ankles) and soak your feet in it for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterward, please make sure to dry your feet very well.

Grapefruit seed extract – The quality

The grapefruit seed extract is best extracted using gentle methods such as B. cold water extract. Of course, the extract should be free of additives.

The latter was not a matter of course until a few years ago, since harmful substances were found in grapefruit seed extract products at the time, e.g. benzethonium chloride, triclosan, and methylparaben. These were chemical extraction agents and preservatives, which are of course no longer contained in high-quality products today.

Perhaps the most important quality feature of grapefruit seed extract, in addition to the guaranteed purity and authenticity, is a high proportion of bioflavonoids and antimicrobial substances.

When choosing a suitable product, we recommend comparing different products with each other, writing to the manufacturer and asking about the number of active ingredients,s and only then making a purchase decision.

Despite its naturalness, grapefruit seed extract should not come into contact with the eyes and should not be used there either, as it can cause irritation, burning, and unpleasant irritation in the eyes.

In general, grapefruit seed extract should never be applied to the skin, mucous membranes, or genital area in a diluted form (except when treating nail fungus).

Do not take grapefruit seed extract with medication

Since the flesh of the grapefruit contains certain plant substances – the so-called furanocoumarins – you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice if you are taking medication. Because furocoumarins can increase the effect of some drugs.

However, grapefruit extract does not contain any furocoumarins and can therefore usually be combined with medication without any problems. However, there are also grapefruit seed extracts that also contain extracts from the pulp. Therefore, when buying grapefruit seed extract, make sure that it does not contain any pulp extracts if you are taking medication.

Since furocoumarins do not interact with all medications, you could also ask your doctor or pharmacist whether or not you can drink grapefruit juice and eat grapefruit with your medication.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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