04/16/2024
Shared with permission from Fletcher Farms Rabbitry
I read this back in 2019 and wanted to share one of the best all natural cure alls! 😊 (besides herbs)
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT (GSE)
It’s uses include but are not limited to are: antiparasitic, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and I’ve found it to be a useful antibiotic.
General Information
Grapefruit seed extract, also known as citrus seed extract, is a liquid extract derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit. GSE is prepared by grinding the grapefruit seed and juiceless pulp, then mixing with glycerin.
GSE is used in agriculture for eliminating fungi and bacteria, preventing mold growth, killing parasites in animal feeds, and helping preserve food and disinfect water. Many disinfectants use GSE as an ingredient, and it's also used as a natural preservative in products to help eliminate bacteria and mold contaminants.
Grapefruit seed extract uses are numerous due to its action as a highly concentrated, natural general antimicrobial and antioxidant. Benefits include killing all kinds of infectious microbes—bacterial, viral, and fungal—at least in test tube and animal studies.
Warnings About Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit juice and possibly other grapefruit products, including grapefruit seed extract, are known to interact with certain drugs and may lead to serious adverse reactions. Grapefruit inhibits certain enzyme systems within the body most often involved in drug metabolism. This increases blood concentrations of the drugs concerned, creating a risk of overdose and dose-dependent adverse effects. Grapefruit seed extract can sometimes cause skin irritation when used topically. The liquid grapefruit seed concentrates should always be diluted; never use full strength and avoid contact with eyes or other sensitive areas.
Medical Overview
Liquids and/or capsules can be used whether the infection is on the skin; in the ears, nose, or mouth; or in the gastrointestinal tract.
1.Contains Powerful Antimicrobials
Grapefruit seed extract contains potent compounds that can kill more than 60 types of yeasts and bacteria
Test-tube studies have shown that it can even be as effective as some commonly prescribed topical antifungal and antibacterial medications, such as nystatin
GSE kills bacteria by breaking down their outer membranes, causing them to burst open after just 15 minutes of exposure.
It kills yeast cells by causing apoptosis, a process in which cells self-destruct
2. Packs Antioxidants
Grapefruit seed extract contains many powerful antioxidants that can protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Oxidative damage has been linked to many chronic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes
Studies on grapefruit seeds and grapefruit seed extracts have found that both are rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, essential oils and polyphenols — all of which act as antioxidants in your body
The polyphenol naringin is found in very high concentrations in grapefruit seeds. In fact, it’s what gives grapefruit its bitter taste.
Naringin has strong antioxidant abilities and has been found to protect tissues against radiation damage in mice!
3.Antifungal
GSE Benefits Include Killing Candida and Treating Digestive Symptoms
Grapefruit seed extract is perhaps best known for its ability to treat digestive disturbances and kill pathogens, especially fungal pathogens like Candida albicans, in the gastrointestinal tract. Effective in people with symptoms eczema and IBS. A study showed significant improvement in both after a month of use. However note that if you are using GSE then you will need to use probiotics as well. It tends to wipe out the good flora as well as the bad.
4.Antiparasitic
Pretty self explanatory. Useful for killing intestinal parasites in animals and humans alike. I will point out again that you will need to use probiotics as well.
5.Antibacterial
It will eliminate bacteria but again it will kill both good and bad... just a warning. Effective use is to use a drop on your hands when cleaning up get rid of anything bad that may be left behind.
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT MEDICAL USES
Among the multiple grapefruit seed extract uses are the following:
* Throat gargle (for colds and sore throats)
* Mouthwash (for gums and dental health)
* Nasal/sinus wash (for sinus infections and colds)
* Ear drops
* Digestive disturbances (including candida and traveler’s diarrhea)
* Skin wounds (prepare for the burn though)
* Fruit and Veggie wash
* Water disinfectant
* Kills parasites and worms
* Weightloss
* Asthma: Some research shows that eating vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, including grapefruit and others, might improve lung function in people with asthma. But other studies have not shown this benefit.
* Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Early research shows that grapefruit seed extract can decrease constipation, gas, and stomach discomfort in people with eczema. This benefit may be due to the effect of grapefruit on intestinal bacteria.
* High cholesterol: Early research suggest that taking grapefruit pectin daily for 16 weeks decreases total cholesterol and the ratio of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol compared to baseline.
* High blood fats called triglycerides. Eating one grapefruit per day appears to reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with high triglyceride levels.
* Lice: Early research shows that applying a shampoo containing grapefruit extract to the hair of children for 10-20 minutes kills lice. Applying the shampoo again 10 days later helps remove any remaining nits.
* Depression.
* Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
* Infections.
* Muscle tiredness.
* Preventing cancer.
* Promoting hair growth.
* Psoriasis.
* Reducing acne and oily skin.
* Stress.
* Treating headaches.
* Toning the skin.
* Yeast infections (as a vaginal do**he).
RABBIT USES
As you can see from the info above, GSE can be used efficiently and effectively to treat many different ailments however it is my go to for treatment of parasites and worms. Use @10 drops per gallon for 21 days to eliminate any parasites or worms that may be present. It also gives an immune boost to your bunnies so even if there doesn’t end up being any parasites or worms it will not harm our buns.
You can use with raw pumpkin seeds if worms are heavily present.
It is great for treating inner ear/ear infections too. Both humans and rabbits alike. 1-2 drops put directly into the canal twice a day for 5-7 days. Massage the base. It helps distribute it a bit more.
I love GSE for its effectiveness but as well as it being natural.
