by Katri Marson

Created on: March 04, 2009

Grapefruit seed extract is a potent anti-microbial made from the seeds and dried pulp of grapefruit. Its anti-microbial properties make it very versatile. A small bottle of Grapefruit seed liquid concentrate can be used for many uses and last for a long time, because only a few drops are needed at a time. Grapefruit seed extract is very potent and should only be used diluted. It can be purchased at most health food stores, some drug stores and available widely on the internet.

Neti pot / nasal rinse - mix 4 drops of grapefruit seed extract to the prepared salt water in your neti pot and use as necessary. If you do not have a neti pot you can use the same solution in a nasal syringe, instead add 1 drop for every 1/4 cup of water. This is very effective for sinus infection and various sinus issues.

To treat nail fungus mix 7 - 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1 tablespoon of water and apply the solution to the nail, cuticle and the whole area of the effected nail. Try to get as much under the nail as possible. Do this at least twice a day, for as long as necessary. The same solution is effective for use on athlete's foot.

Hand disinfectant - Add 2-3 drops to moistened hands and rub over hands and wash.

Sore throat - mix 3 drops in about 1/2 cup of water and gargle several times and as needed. This is the most effective when taken at the first sign of a sore throat or cold.

For facial skin problems, like acne and eczema or for general facial cleansing - Thoroughly wet face. With wet hands apply 2 - 3 drops of grapefruit seed extract to your fingers and massage it throughout your face, then rinse your whole face thoroughly.

To get rid of vaginal yeast infections prepare about 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a cup of water. Use the preparation as a douche for 1 week.

For itchy dandruffy scalp try adding up to 10 drops to shampoo in your hand and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 3 minutes, then rinse.

Oral Rinse To kill bacteria in your mouth and treat oral issues, like gingivitis prepare 3 drops in a glass of water and swish for at least 30 seconds.

Purify water, very useful to purify water while traveling add 3 - 5 drops to a glass of tap water, let the water stand for at least 10 minutes before you drink it. Adding the grapefruit seed extract to the water will cause the water to have a slight bitter taste.

Cold, Flus, Systematic Candida, or parasites - take a solution of up to 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract mixed in a glass of water or juice. Consume up to 3 times a day. For a cold or flu take it at the first sign of illness.

Learn more about this author, Katri Marson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.