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Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Cures
"Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), also known as citrus seed extract, is a liquid derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit. While there has been no scientific demonstration of efficacy, this extract has been claimed by some practitioners of alternative medicine to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Indeed, it has been recommended by some nutritionists for the treatment of candidiasis, earache, throat infections, and diarrhea. Some natural food retailers claim this extract to be a safe, natural, and an effective preservative. Recent studies have identified synthetic preservatives in commercial grapefruit seed extracts. When preservatives were not present in some of the extracts, laboratory tests found the natural extracts to have little or no natural antimicrobial attributes of their own. An early proponent was Dr. Jacob Harich (1919–1996). Some of the manufacturers of GSE have claimed that their extract has compounds nearly identical to benzethonium chloride but a 2001 study overviewed by chemist G. Takeoka and run by fellow researchers has documented that commercial GSE preparations contain the synthetic compound benzethonium chloride that couldn't have been made from GSE. Nonetheless, promoters from book authors to cosmetic companies continue to affirm that citrus seed extract has strong natural healing properties despite lack of scientific or clinical evidence." (Wikipedia)
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
BLEEDING GUMS, TOE FUNGUS and LICE
[YEA] 04/23/2007: Andrea from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates writes: "This site is wonderful and I'm grateful for you all guys who help keep it alive. We should spread the word about how we can cure a lot of ailments with simple methods. The pharmaceutical industry is all about money and are not always for real help or real health!!
After doing some research on the internet I decided to try grapefruit seed extract. I read that it can do many wonders and I was eager to try it after reading all those "wonders". I'm surprised that this website doesn't mention this natural remedy yet. You can google it and read a lot of good things about it!
For many years whenever I washed my teeth I had bleeding gums and one of my front teeth was very sensitive because of the receding gums. Also I noticed that some of my teeth started to become loose! I'm only 36 years old and want my teeth to last a lifetime. For 3 months now I put just one drop of grapefruit seed extract on the toothpaste before brushing me teeth and believe me or not from the very first brush of this kind I have absolutely no bleeding of the gums at all! What's more, my gums look and feel healthy, no sensitive tooth and no moving tooth either! On top of this, in the morning when I get up my breath still feels fresh because of that one drop of grapefruit seed extract that I put on my toothpaste the previous evening.
I have tried many uses of this wonder product and have had very good results. Namely, my 4-year old boy came home from nursery with itchy and red toes, scaling skin between the toes. I guess it was a fungus infection. They often play around barefeet and therefore prone to infections between the toes. I put one drop of grapefruit seed extract into a bit of the usual nappy cream that I've been using for my two young children - and mixed it well. Then applied the cream generously between and around all his toes. The itchiness immediately subsided and the skin gradually healed and did not cause any complaints after that. I used the cream mixed with the grapefruit seed extract once a day, in the evening, after bath, for 4 days. My son's friend who goes to the same nursery had similar complaints and they had several visits to the doctor and had some expensive creams prescribed to cure his ailment. It was a fungus according to the doctor.
And that reminds me, I had nail fungus a year ago when I didn't know about grapefruit seed extract. My big toe was yellow and it even had a bit of black "line" in it. It did not cause concern only aesthetically but I knew it could get worse. I soaked my feet in water mixed with white vinegar for several days. I noticed that when my toe was growing it was of the healthy pinkish colour, and gradually the yellow colour and the black spot was gone. It took several months though as nail on the toe grow very slowly. I still soak my feet in vinegar water after using a public pool as a preventive measure.
I heard that grapefruit seed extract can equally well cure fungus of the toes. Also, some people recommend it to use it for headlice. Headlice can occur in schools and kids bring it home. Its cure is expensive and the shampoo applied to kill the lice is very toxic. Just one drop of grapefruit seed extract in the usual shampoo and voila - headlice gone. This is not my own experience though but I think it is worth a try!
Cheers from Andrea, - a Hungarian woman currently living in the Gulf"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 03/21/2007: Lorenzo from Portland, OR writes: "I had a very bad case of Candida last winter. It was extremely harsh. My crotch and butt were itchy and sometimes burned, my mood was agitated, I was suffering from insomnia. To finally get rid of the ailment, I went on a sugar-free diet and took some medication from my doctor. This was great. It killed all the candida within days. My problem then became a severe flu, as my body was not getting rid of the dead candida fast enough. My body was basically experiencing toxic shock. I took tons of fiber, drank gallons of water over several days. This finally made me feel better. Now, I just take Grapefruit seed extract in water every few days to keep the candida at bay. It is very effective at eliminating candida after it has set in as well, but you should take a diuretic to get the dead candida out of you. For candida, take 5-6 drops of GSE in 20oz of water. Drink in one sitting. Do this once each day for 3 days. May cause heartburn. If so, water down the dosage or use fewer drops (3-4)."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 09/18/2007: M F from Mineral Wells, Texas writes: "In the past I've been troubled with Diverticulitis to the point I had to take anitbiotics. This would happen about every 3 to 4 months. I started taking Grapefruit Seed Extract when I'd feel an attack coming on. I would take 12 drops in a glass of water 4 times a day. After about 4 days the pain would subside. Then after several months I would have another attack and do the same. I finally got smart, I take 12 drops (GSE) in a glass of water each and every night with out fail. I am now free from the attacks and when I do feel like an attack is coming on I do the 12 drops (GSE) twice a day and soon go back to just once a day. I hope this helps others that are bothered with this condition, it has made a big difference in my life. I don't like to take antibotics. I have just found this web site and am really interested in reading about all the different cures and remedies. I'm going to try several of those mentioned."
[YEA] 11/20/2009: Janet from Alexandria, La, United States replies: "Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), and digestive enzymes have helped me ward off diverticulitis attacks. From the moment I feel the slightest pain or pressure, I drink this tiny tonic 2-3 x a day: 12 drops GSE in 1-2 ounces of any citrus juice. During this time, I also alternate an ACV tonic 2-3 x day: 2 tsp organic ACV w/ mother in 3 oz cold water, chasing it with a few ounces of plain cold water. I also take digestive enzymes to avoid diverticulitis problems. These are sold almost anywhere. My first attack landed me in the emergency room a year ago, so I am afraid of that excruciating pain again! In my humble opinion, the key to avoiding attacks is: stay regular (fresh fruits & veggies, fiber, exercise...), don't over-eat, take ACV tonics & digestive enzymes daily. I prefer to save the GSE for when I really need it since it is an antibiotic."
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3 YEA
[YEA] 12/29/2006: Lisa from Memphis, TN writes: "Grapefruit seed extract, peroxide, and apple cider vinegar cured my sore throat, runny and stuffy nose and body aches. I was sooo happy with my results I feel great! after only 20 mins. I feel almost normal. It only took me a day to start looking for cures, and it took less than a day to work! This site is wonderful!"
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[YEA] 11/05/2006: Dean from Tulsa, OK writes: "I discovered this site a few days ago. I have been impressed. Yesterday I awoke with dark rings around my eyes, fever and sore muscles. The flu was coming on STRONG. I started a new job today too. I went straight to your site and read the grapefruit seed extract cure. They should change the name to bitter fruit, but it has worked. It's awful but within an hour I felt 80% better. By evening I felt 98% better. I can tell it is still there, in hiding, so I will do it 2-3 days like it is suggested. It now feels like that day after your sick which is great because I was really going to be sick. I could tell. Jobs great too. Thanks!"
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[YEA] Genevieve from Bellingham, WA writes: "I absolutely hate being sick and getting the flu, like I'm sure everyone does. But, I have found something that really helps. GSE, Grapefruit Seed Extract which can be bought at supplement and health stores, really helps boost my immune system. I drop 13 drops in a small glass of orange juice three to four times a day when I start feeling and sick and by the next morning I feel 100% better."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/08/2008: Zanz from Nelson , New Zealand writes: "i have recently stumbled apon the most fantastic cure all!!!!!! grapefruit seed extract has served as a mirical cure for my double whammy fungal infection which then spawned impetigo! i had been back to the quack 3 times prescribed antibiotics which 1/2 worked but then the sores spread! i was devistated as they were set to take over my whole face! then fate stepped in and handed me a little bottle of GSE whithin 3 days the impetigo was peeling away to reveal beautifull healthy skin underneath and after just 8 days my face was compltetly clear and even the annoying hormonal breakouts i get on the sides of my chin have shown dramatic healing and i mean dramatic! I took GSE internally and i wash my face with it morning and night and put a couple of drops in almond oil as a moisteriser."
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1 YEA
2 WARNINGS!
[WARNING!] 02/15/2007: Tamara from Baton Rouge writes: "Do NOT use products with Xylotol in them for your pets. It's toxic in very small amounts."
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[YEA] Alan writes: "We use: Grapefruit seed Extract. H20, carmal extract, xylotol for sweetness -- found in sugar free gums. A solution of 20 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract with 10oz. H20 and carmal extract for taste has cured incoming dogs to the pet rescue of bad breath and tarter build up. This took about 2 days of having it sprayed into the mouth for bad breath and a week to notice loss of tarter. Daily maintenace of 4 drops in water also showed a reduction in weight in our heavier dogs. Give chew toys or carrots to dogs during this time to assist with the cleaning process. GSE is an excellent anti bacterial element and has many uses for people and pets. Great for raising the pets PH level as well."
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[WARNING!] Candice from Victorville, CA writes: "Hello. I was reading a remedy for Halitosis, from: Alan and he writes, "We use: Grapefruit seed Extract. H20, carmal extract, xylotol for sweetness -- found in sugar free gums. A solution of 20 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract with 10oz. H20 and carmal extract for taste has cured incoming dogs to the pet rescue of bad breath and tarter build up." I was worried about the Xylotol that is used for a sweetener, in his recipe, because I read an article stating that Xylitol caused serious side effects in Dogs including death. I believe the article was from Pedigree.com, but I am not sure. I just thought that this would be useful information. Thanks!"
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HEEL SPURS AND PLANTAR FASCIITIS
[YEA] 07/15/2008: John from Eugene, Oregon writes: "One year ago I was supposedly diagnosed with heal spurs and plantar fasciitis. Doc did not want to acknowledge the symptoms of migrating pain and twitching up the leg and into the body. I would at times catch a cold, and would feel it go into my heel, which would then swell so I could not walk. One day out of desperation, I rubbed GSE on it. The next day the pain was gone. A week later, I felt the pain and swelling come back. Again, over night with the GSE say 12 drops on the bottom of the foot, and it was gone the next morning. Simply amazing. I had not considered GSE but had tried: Iodine, DMSO, H2O2, other essential oils, colloidal silver, heating foot packs, magnesium oil rubs and soaks; some of which helped a small bit, but nothing like the GSE. So take it for what it's worth. And thanks Ted."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/21/2007: marybeth from volcano, HI writes: "I have used GSE in the past for candida but I'm looking forward to using it for other things. I live where mold is a problem so I make a mixture of 20 drops GSE, 2 cups water, a few drops tea tree oil and a few drops lavender. I spray it on walls, furniture and it works great. I also put some in my dishwater-where I live there's no water lines to it's just rainwater in a big tank. The GSE helps with any bugs that may be there."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/05/2008: Rebekah from Melbourne, Australia writes: "After taking Grapefruit Seed Extract for two days my perioral dermatitis (that i have battled with for two years) disappeared.....and i mean gone !!! I almost couldn't believe it myself but i am keen to share this "miracle" cure with other people suffering similar skin conditions. Take orally in 250ml of water , 8-10 drops of the oil twice daily. I had no luck with the ACV for my skin but grapefruit seed extract did the trick !!!"
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2 YEA
1 WARNING!
[YEA] 03/27/2008: Miller from Austin, Tx writes: "I, too, have recently used Grapefruit Seed Extract (one drop per ounce of water), applying it several times a day for a couple of days, and it immediately dried up and mostly disappeared. I'm in the process now of applying once a day for a more extended period of time."
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[YEA] 12/05/2006: Deirdre from London, England writes: "Grapefruit seed extract "citricidal" cures ringworm. I used about 4 drops in 3 tablespoons luke warm water, twice daily, applied with cotton-wool pad. It got rid of my cat's ringworm in about 7 days."
[WARNING!] 06/03/2008: Whitby from UK replies: "Grapefruit in various forms has multiple toxic interractions with prescribed drugs including valium/diazepam some bp lowering drugs and many others. Please consult a docor or pharmacist before use if you take medication: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4415/grapefruit.html"
04/14/2009: Teresa from Bay City, MI replies: "The Grapefruit seed extract is not the same as Grapefruit Juice so you don't have to worry about interactions with drugs. It is taken from the seed of the Grapefruit."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/25/2008: Mike from Wellfleet, MA writes: "I had recurring problems with scalp fungus. It wasn't too bad in summer, when I was out in the sun and swimming in salt water, but come late fall and winter I would get large pieces of scalp flaking off and my hair would be greasy. My hair was thinning out and my scalp was itchy.
I tried GSE (grapefruit seed extract) by putting a few drops in my shampoo. I mixed them together in the palm of my hand each time I shampooed, which was every other day.I left the lather in for two minutes or so. The results were immediate, now I just have a slight touch of dandruff, no itch and my hair seems to be getting a little thicker. My hair and scalp definitely look better as well."
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08/09/2009: David from Tacoma, Washington writes: "Grapefruit seed extract.
The wikipedia article cited states that no studies have proven its ability to kill pathogens.
Simply google: Grapefruit seed extract tea tree staph.
There are several science articles stating the same thing.
G.S.E. combined with tea tree kills one strain of MRSA.
G.S.E. combined with Geranium oil kills the other strain of MRSA.
So dont listen to the wiki article author tell you that there is "no scientific evidence". "
EC: Here's the entry -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit_seed_extract
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/12/2009: Chip from Pompano Beach, Florida writes: "GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) for Strep Throat:
I absolutely love this site! One thing I haven't seen is the amazing and simple treatment for Strep Throat and several other issues. GSE (grapefruit seed extract) has kept me out of the doctors office for 13 years now. One bottle can last me at least a year or two and it only cost me $12.00. I work around germs and virus' every day (poker dealer)and use it as a preventative measure as well. Just 3-8 drops in water or juice once a day when others are getting sick, keeps everything I'm exposed to from rooting itself into my system. When I have had Strep Throat catch me off guard, I simply mega-dose by taking 13 drops in a small glass of water. Gargle and swallow. Yes, swallow. I do this 3 times a day and keep doing it even though the sore throat is gone within 12-24 hours and The white bumps within 24 -36 hours, for at least 7 days. Just like a script for antibiotics, keep going past the symptoms stage. GSE attacks germs and is even used as a dissinfectant for tooth brushes, countertops etc... It is said it is 50 times more potent than bleach against germs yet the whole bottle (hundreds of doses worth) is less toxic to the body than one baby Bayer aspirin. Google it yourself and see it does natures work like the hand of God. I read it is even effective against Anthrax?"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/08/2009: Eh from Atlanta, Ga writes: "Grapefruit Seed Extract is an awesome product that I came to discover when I developed a terrible yeast infection from taking 2 rounds of antibiotics in one year, about 5 years ago. My docs could not even diagnose it, because it was what I would call "atypical yeast" -- not the typical symptoms, but rather an intense irritation and burning on the outside skin of my genitals. Anyway, I finally figured out that's what it was and went looking for natural treatments. BTW: you can do a search on GSE on the web and there are several websites that sell it, AND give VERY specific instructions on how to take it. But this is what I did: 10 drops GSE (in a empty capsule) 3 times/daily. (Be prepared to experience "detox" symptoms -- but mine were just a runny nose and a little headache). You could also douche with 5 drops/quart water. That is also recommended -- I did not, because my problem wasn't in my vagina, but on the outside. Since then, though, I have had "flare ups" with it again (got reinfected from my husband, actually, I think), and have used the douche - it gives almost instant relief -- a few times will almost cure it. But continue to use it -- I used it (decreased to 2x daily and then 1x daily) for months, for fear it it coming back. You can use it long-term without worring about it killing the good bacteria (or so they say), but I used a pro-biotic along with it (once/daily - spaced out 2 hrs between - very important!) You do not want to kill the good bacteria with the GSE... too expensive to do that! :o) Hope this helps! Oh! and the pet thing -- you can put it in their drinking water -- it is bitter so it may be difficult. But just give it maybe 2-3 drops and do it long-term... hopefully that will work. GSE has powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I have used it for many applications, after reading all that you could use it for on a website. It really is amazing. Hope this helps you guys!"
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