Pure, in dropsin capsules… The seed extract of grapefruit is a natural antibacterial to have at home. It is particularly recommended in case of digestive bacterial infections (parasitosis, tourista, ulcers), ENT (angina, bronchitis) or even genital-urinary (cystitis, vaginosis). Instructions for use and precautions for use, with Angélina Jeandel, naturopath.

What is grapefruit seed extract?

Grapefruit seed extract is obtained by crushing the grapefruit pips of a very specific variety of pomelo: the Citrus Paradisi. The liquid plant extract is commonly called EPP (Grapefruit Seed Extract). Its natural composition is simple:citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which are natural preservatives. It also contains amino acids, polypeptides, tocopherol and bioflavonoids.

What are the benefits of grapefruit seed extract?

• Antibacterial: PPE can prevent various infections, and relieve them. It is effective in case of bacterial and viral infections of the digestive tract, such as parasitosis, tourista, poisoning, gastric ulcers. It also acts against respiratory tract infections: bronchitis, pharyngitis, angina ; and on the genitourinary infections: infectious cystitis, vaginal infections. "Its greatest advantage is attack only "bad"bacteria, and therefore not to destroy the microbiota (intestinal flora) "underlines Angélina Jeandel, naturopath.
• Antifungal: to prevent or treat cutaneous and digestive mycosis.
• antioxidant: to prevent accelerated cell aging caused by excess free radicals in the body.
• Immune system booster: the active ingredients of the EPP help to strengthen the body’s immune defenses and get through winter epidemics. It helps reduce the incidence of chronic fatigue.
• Sanitizer: EPP can be applied to the skin, locally, in case of acne. It can be added to shampoo or toothpaste for better hygiene.
• Fight against canker sores: THE antiviral properties of EPP are useful in gargling, or in application on the mouth ulcer using a cotton swab.

How to use grapefruit seed extract?

Grapefruit seed extract can be used pure, in drops or in capsules. A few drops can be deposited under the tongue (respecting the dosage indicated on the bottle), or diluted in water before drinking it, or added to a salad dressing oil. You can add a few drops in the palm of the hand with the shampoo, or on the toothbrush before the toothpaste, to benefit from its antibacterial action. The EPP can be applied to the skin as part of the healing of a small wound or on acne pimples using a cotton ball or a compress, referring to the instructions mentioned on the label by the product manufacturer. In particular, it is necessary to check in advance for a possible allergic reaction or irritation.

Dosage

Taking grapefruit seed extract should follow the recommendations on the labels of the purchased product. The naturopath recommends "start its use with 3 drops in a little water and see if an allergic reaction occurs, before continuing to take it according to the dosages of the product". It is also necessary to adapt its use: "if the symptom disappears, we stop taking it. In prevention, it is always advisable to follow a cure of 21 days, no more, to renew if necessary after a week of break." Examples of taking PPE:

• Curative in case of tourista: 15 drops of EPP in a glass of water for 5 to 6 days.
• In prevention of the tourista: 3 drops in a glass of water every day for the duration of the trip.
• For a antioxidant effect: 1 drop per day in cure of 21 days once a year.

"Its use in children is possible, but by reducing the dosage, or by distributing the intake over the day"for example 1 drop morning, noon and evening, rather than 3 drops in the morning.

What are the contraindications of grapefruit seed?

Grapefruit seed extract is prohibited in case of:

• Immunosuppression
• Taking statin or medication for heart problems.

Can PPE be used when pregnant?

"As a precaution, it is better to avoid the use of PPE, or seek the advice of your doctor." advise the naturopath.

Drugs interactions

"Taking grapefruit seed extract is not recommended with drug treatment, because grapefruit inhibits or increases the effects of drugs tenfold. The same is true with the consumption of the fruit"specifies the naturopath.

Which grapefruit seed extract to choose?

There are different compositions of EPP in commercial products. The first selection criterion must be "the flavonoid content, which varies between 400 mg and 5,000 mg per 100 ml. The product is relatively expensive, warns the naturopath, around 15 euros for 50 ml for a good quality product." Avoid products that contain synthetic preservatives such as benzethonium chloride, and parabens, and "those with added vitamin C. Recommendable products are for example: QuantaEpp, CitroBiotic, CitroPlus"quotes the expert.

Where to buy grapefruit seed extract?

Grapefruit seed extract is available in pharmacy And in organic food shops.

Thanks to Angélina Jeandel, naturopath in Fontenay-aux-Roses and in Paris.

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