“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” 
~ Etty Hillesum

August's Scent of the Month:

Grapefruit Oil

information provided by Dr. Mercola

Grapefruits are delicious– they are a treat on their or they can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any salad. Like many other citrus fruits, grapefruit can also be converted into an essential oil, which is packed with antioxidants and provides numerous practical uses and benefits.

Grapefruit oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, and is well known as a detoxification agent, as it helps stimulate the lymphatic system. When inhaled, grapefruit oil helps take the edge off of hangovers, headaches, mental fatigue, and depression. Grapefruit oil can also be added to your creams and lotions to help treat acne and prevent oily skin. It has also been said to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

To purchase grapefruit essential oil, click here. Or, you can make you own!

Ingredients:

• Grapefruits with moderately thick rind
• Spoon
• Kitchen grater
• Carrier oil, like almond oil and olive oil
• Small crock pot or mason jar (see Procedure)
• Cheesecloth
• Dark glass container

Instructions:

• Wash the grapefruit thoroughly, as it may contain wax and other synthetic preservatives.
• Peel the grapefruit. Using the spoon, scrape the white pith from inside the rind, and discard the pith. Another option would be to use the kitchen grater with a zesting or small grating option. This is helpful when removing the rind.
• Spread out the rind on a plate and leave it in a warm area for a couple of days to dry. Smaller pieces are preferable as they will dry out faster. Make sure that it's completely dry so your oil will have very little moisture.
• From here, you may choose one of two methods. Using the crock pot will produce the oil in a few hours, while using the Mason jar, which does not require power, can take longer.
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• Crock pot method – Place the rind in the crock pot and add the carrier oil on the top level of the rind. Don't add too much as this can affect the quality of the oil. Switch the crock pot on low and cover it. It can take at least eight hours for the mixture inside to heat and mix.
• Mason jar method – Place the rind in the Mason jar and add the carrier oil. Similar to the crock pot method, don't add too much. Seal the mason jar and expose it to direct sunlight for about two weeks.
• Transfer the mixture into a bowl lined with four or five layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze as much oil as you can into the bowl.
• Store the oil into the dark-colored containers and seal tightly. Store in a cool and dry place.

Notes:

To make a stronger grapefruit oil, press the rind within the cheesecloth between two plates. Place the cheesecloth between two plates and heavy items, like books, on top of the plate. The weight will press the remaining oils from the grapefruit. Leave for a day or two.

Only use the rind, not the pulp, when making essential oil.