Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

The grapefruit is a sub-tropical citris tree grown for its fruit which was originally named the "forbidden fruit" of Barbados. The fruit was first documented in 1750 by Rev. Griffith Hughes describing specimens from Barbados. All parts of the fruit have uses. The fruit is mainly consumed for a tangy juice. The peel is expressed into an aromatherapy oil and is also a source of dietary fiber. The seed and pulp as a by-product of the juice industry is sold as cattle feed and is manufactured for use to make an extract. Discovered in 1972 by Dr. Jacob Harish, a physicist, GSE has been used all over the world for the better health of people, plants and animals. Grapefruit seed extract is used as an antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant, and as a preservative in food and cosmetics. GSE is also non-toxic, environmentally safe, and quickly bio-degradable. It causes no side effects and is often dramatically less expensive than existing treatments or chemicals for similiar applications, whether human, animal, or agricultural in scope.

In the years since its discovery, grapefruit seed extract has been tested and validated by the FDA, USDA, the Pasteur Institute in France, and numerous physicians. The active ingredient of grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic and is synthesized from the seed and pulp of certified organically grown grapefruit.It is available as a concentrated liquid from several different manufacturers, and it comes in different size bottles at most health food stores. It is manufactured using a bio-technical process that isolates all the natural protective elements from the seeds and pulp of the fruit Citrus Paradisi, which is commonly known as grapefruit. The process converts the grapefruit bioflavonoids (polyphenolics) into an extremely potent compound that has been shown to be effective in treating hundreds of different organisms including: Shigella, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Giardia lamblia, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium species, Campylobacter, candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Proteus, Cholera, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Legionella pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Herpes1, Influenza A2, and measles virus. It has been know to help with osteoporosis. GSE has been shown to kill both gram-negative and gram-positive strains of bacteria

Salmonella

Staphylococcus Aureus

Shigella

Giardia Lamblia

Campylobacter

GSE has been proven in laboratory tests to be 10 to 100 times more effective as a disinfectant than chlorine, colloidal silver, and iodine. The United States Department of Agriculture tested GSE and found it effective against four animal viruses: Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine fever, Swine Vesicular Disease, and Avian influenza.

GSE contains phenolic compounds, bioflavonoids, amino acids, fatty acids, tocopherols, saccarides, ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acids. The phenolic compounds are unstable but are chemically converted into more stable substances that belong to a diverse class of products called quaternary ammonium compounds. Standardized GSE has the chemical name diphenol hydroxybenzene and is used by prescription in Germany. The chemical structure of the compounds produced by GSE is not fully documented; so much more investigation of GSE is needed in this area.

Different products may vary in strength so you should follow the label or your doctor's directions for any particular product. As concentrated solutions, they almost always require dilution, and a different dilution for different forms of application. Its bitter taste may be avoided by mixing it with carrot, vegetable, orange or grapefruit juice, or by taking it in capsule form usually just after a meal

GSE liquid is available in tablets, capsules, powdered concentrate, spray, and ointment. There also is an insect repellent made of it.

• For the drinking water of parrots, cats & dogs one drop of Nutribiotic GSE in an eight-ounce water dish prevents the growth of pathogens and removes existing parasites. There are claims that GSE cured several parrots of stubborn cases of Giardia, and there is now documentation that GSE does kill parasites.


• Numerous clinics and medical practitioners consider the availability of grapefruit seed extract to be a major therapeutic breakthrough for patients with chronic parasitic and yeast infections. One doctor reports treatment failures in only two cases out of 297!


• Orally - (to ward off sore throats, colds, flu, or any bacterial, viral or fungal infection) 5-15 drops mixed well in 5 oz. or more of juice or water, 2-3 times per day, before, during or after meals. For children under 10, 1-6 drops in 5 oz. juice, 2-3 times daily.


• Diarrhea - Take 10-15 drops of GSE 4 times per day in juice or herbal tea. Consult your physician if condition persists.


• Throat Gargle - Thoroughly stir 6-12 drops into 6 oz. of water. Gargle as often as needed, only as directed. Another company: Gargling with GSE and water will handle the most resistant Strep germs. The necessary dilution of GSE against Streptococcus faecalis is only 1:80,000 in vitro. In vivo, doctors are recommending gargling with two or three drops in five ounces of water. This gives an effective and potent dilution ratio of about 300-500 ppm.


• Nasal Rinse - Add one drop of GSE to 2 oz. of distilled or purified water. Tilt head back, fill each nostril with a full eye dropper's worth of the mixed solution. Swing head forward (head is not upside down) to force solution into nasal passages. Return to upright position and allow to drain


• Dental Rinse - (for healthy gums and fresh breath) Stir 3 drops into 2 oz. water. Swish a small amount for 10 seconds, 1-2 times daily. For Waterpik-type units, add 3-4 drops to water reservoir.


• Candida - Vaginal Rinse - Mix 5-10 drops in 8 oz. water. Douche once or more daily for one week.


• Gingivitis - Mix 3 drops of GSE in 5 oz. of water. Swish vigorously for 30 seconds twice daily. Do not swallow the mixture.


• Ear Infections - Thoroughly mix 1 drop in 6 oz. of distilled water. Apply 1 drop of the solution in each ear. See your doctor if the infection does not resolve quickly.


• Chronic Candidiasis (intestinal and systemic) - Thoroughly mix 2 - 3 drops in 5 oz. of water, vegetable, orange or grapefruit juice. Take twice daily. For resistant cases, take as much as 6 - 7 drops mixed in at least 5 oz. of liquid. If the situation does not improve, see your doctor.


• Allergies/Hay Fever/Food Sensitivities - Mix 5 - 10 drops of GSE into 5 oz. of water or juice, 2 - 3 times a day, with or without meals. Do not put GSE directly in your mouth.

• for skin fungi or bacterial diseases of the skin: Mix 30 to 50 drops of GSE liquid extract in a quart of water, and spray on the infected area. This same dilution can be used as a general antiseptic for cages, stalls, or any other contact areas. No need to rinse or remove residue of GSE. It can also be mixed into virtually any topical preparation, like shampoo, flea-dip, cat litter, bedding, etc.

• Nail Fungus and Athlete's Foot - Mix 3 - 4 drops per 8 oz. of warm water. Soak for 10-15 minutes. The general purpose spray can be misted on the affected area if soaking is not convenient.Soak nails twice daily for as long as necessary.
  


• Hospitals add GSE to their carpet shampoo machines. It is reported that ten to fifteen drops per gallon in the reservoir is effective in killing staph, strep, aspergillus, salmonella and many other pathogenic organisms that are present in hospital carpets.
  


• Grapefruit seed extract can be used to clean fungus and mildew off swimming pools and birdbaths. It is user-friendly, and environmentally safe.
  


• GSE can be used in the garden to control aphids, snails, fungus, mildew, and algae. Use in hot-tubs or Jacuzzis (one to two ounces per hundred gallons) or less if you are also treating with ozone. When you compare the cost of GSE to pool chemicals, both monetarily and in medical costs that can result from the exposure to chemical vapors, it compares favorably to other forms of disinfection. Drinking Water can be made safe by ten drops for each gallon of clear water. Agitate or mix vigorously and let it rest for a few minutes. It may be used as a prophylactic agent for those who travel abroad.
  


• Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash - Add 25-30 drops to sink filled with cold water. Briefly soak vegetable, fruit, meat or poultry. Spray Washing - Add 15-20 drops to 32 oz. spray bottle. Fill with water, spray on fruits or vegetables.


• All-Purpose Cleaner - Add 30-60 drops to any 32 oz. pump sprayer filled with water. Use on all household surfaces.
  


• Cutting Board Cleaner - Apply 10-20 drops to cutting board and work in with wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water.
  


• Laundry - to control mold and odors add 25-30 drops to each load.
  


• Toothbrush cleansing - stir 5-10 drops into 1/2 cup water. Soak toothbrush 15 minutes and rinse.
  


• GSE makes an excellent decontaminant for wood surfaces such as perches. Apply GSE full strength, just a few drops to the cleaned wood while still wet. Let stand for half an hour. As an alternative method, you can also mix a strong solution, a tablespoon in sixteen ounces of clean water, and spray or dip perches, leaving on for half an hour. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
  


• Facial Cleanser (normal skin or acne) - Moisten face with water. Add 2-3 drops to still wet hands and massage into skin avoiding contact with eyes (rinse thoroughly with water if eye contact occurs). You may also add GSE to your favorite liquid soap.


• Skin Cleanser/Acne Remedy - Mix 1 - 2 drops in soaps, cleansers, or apply directly to wetted skin, massaging in a circular motion for one minute. Rinse thoroughly when through.
  


• Scalp Treatment (including dandruff control) - Mix 5-10 drops of GSE with the amount of shampoo you normally apply to your hair. Massage into scalp and leave on for at least 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water, avoiding contact with eyes.
  


• Cyst or Warts - Place 1 drop of GSE directly on wart twice a day. (Avoid contact with eyes) May have to use for 2-3 weeks.
  


• GSE can be used externally as a disinfectant for both intact skin and to prevent infection in wounds. A study in Brazil found it to be 100% effective (at 100ppm) for skin disinfection when used as a pre-surgical prep compared to an effectiveness rate of 72% for alcohol and 98% for commercially available surgical soap.
  


• Wrinkle Reducer - Believe it or not, GSE can actually help reduce those tiny lines around your eyes and mouth! Being a fruit acid, it will make your skin "puff up" as a reaction to the acidity, thereby making facial lines less noticeable. Why pay $50 a jar at the cosmetic counter when you can achieve the same results for mere pennies? Thoroughly wet a cotton ball, add 1 (and only 1!) drop of GSE to the surface, then carefully wipe it over the areas you wish to enhance. Leave on overnight, and in the morning, you will see a reduction in your facial wrinkles. Remember, the lines haven't disappeared completely; the skin has been mildly irritated, which makes it "puffy", thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Be sure to keep the solution out of your eyes, as it will burn. Rinse with warm water for 10 minutes if you accidentally get the GSE on your eye. Wearing sunblock, sunglasses and a hat will be far more beneficial in the long run towards preventing wrinkles than trying to cover them up after they have appeared. Never apply GSE directly to unmoistened skin for any reason.
  


• Fungicide For Soil - Spray the surface of the soil with a solution of 1 drop well mixed into 1 quart of water.
  


• Cuts and Scrapes - Thoroughly wet a cotton ball or soft rag and apply 1 drop of GSE to it. Rub the GSE into the water on the cotton ball with your finger to make sure it is diluted. Gently dab the cut or scrape with the diluted extract and cover with a bandage.
  


• Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Skin Disorders - Mix 1% concentration (1 part GSE to 100 parts water) with other essential oils (such as chamomile or tea tree--ask at your local health food store), apply with a spray bottle and leave on skin, OR apply 2-3 drops to a wetted area (do not use full strength), leave on the skin for a few minutes, then rinse off.
  


• Humidifer and Resevoir - Put 3 - 4 drops per gallon in the water reservoir to prevent fungi, viruses and bacteria.
  


• Homemade Handwipes - Keeping a ziploc plastic sandwich bag filled with several paper towels lightly soaked with this mixture can make for an easy clean-up before and after meals where hand washing facilities aren't available. Commercial hand wipes usually contain petroleum-based solvents, chemicals that some people cannot tolerate.

• In the holistic pet world the use of GSE began with cat and dog owners using it to disinfect and remove the bacteria from raw meat (i.e., poultry and fish). Shortly thereafter it became popular for bird owners to use it to keep sprouted seeds from developing bacteria and fungi. Naturally, it must be used in appropriate amounts to be effective for these purposes. GSE can also be used as an internal medicine, but must be used very carefully for the appropriate health conditions and in the correct dosage.


• Algaecide For Fish Tanks - Using 70-200 ppm will keep that nasty algae from building up in your fish tank.Fish Tanks and Fish Health: Start with (?) drops grapefruit seed extract to 2-cups water and mix well. Slowly add this to tank. The algae infestation seen on the glass walls will decrease as a result. Increase drops if necessary. This is also good for keeping fish healthy from diseases, parasites and fungus without toxic side effects

Drug Interaction with Grapefruit can have a number of interactions with drugs, often increasing the effective potency of compounds. Grapefruit contains naringin, bergamottin and dihydroxybergamottin, which inhibit the protein isoform CYP3A4 predominately in the liver. It is via inhibition of this enzyme that grapefruit increases the effects of a variety of drugs.The effect of grapefruit juice with regard to drug absorption was originally discovered in 1989. However, the effect became well-publicized after being responsible for a number of deaths due to overdosing on medication.

Grapefruit juice may be the first documented, but apple and orange juices have been also implicated in interfering with etoposide, a chemotherapy drug, some beta blocker drugs used to treat high blood pressure, and cyclosporine, taken by transplant patients to prevent rejection of their new organs.

In much the same way that synthetic antibiotics can kill off the naturally occurring flora which exists in one's body, so might GSE. Consequently, if this herb is to be used long-term in the treatment of a chronic infection, supplemental acidophilus may need to be taken. However, while one study found that GSE significantly inhibited E. coli, another normal inhabitant of the GI tract, it left the important and beneficial Bifidobacteria unchanged, and only slightly reduced the Lactobacilli species.

People using GSE should be aware that they may have, or may develop an allergy to this preparation. Persons with a known citrus allergy are at higher risk. Should you develop a rash or experience any other symptoms while using it, discontinue use immediately.

GSE is a VERY powerful substance that should be saved for serious illness and it can be harmful if used inappropriately. GSE acts as an antibiotic in the true sense - antibiotic means anti-life. While it is believed that GSE has no harmful effect on the beneficial bacteria, if given internally in excessive doses over a long-term period it can kill off all intestinal bacteria much as broad-spectrum antibiotics do, with the same adverse effects. NOTE: GSE should never be used in the eyes. The extract can cause severe eye irritation. In humans, caution is recommended during pregnancy.

Thank you for reading, I hope this article has educated you on the possible uses of this wonderfull extract and that you will find other great natural cleaning agents to help enhance your life's health and well being.