The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Robin (Westhampton, Ny, Usa) on 01/28/2011
★★★★★
I've had a sinus headache for over 2 months with no nasal congestion and no mucus (It actually took me 2 months to figure out it was even a sinus problem at all). Wanting to avoid antibiotics, I tried the Neti pot for the first time ever, using a mixture of salt and colloidal silver. After 5 days of this at 2-3 rinses per day, I had few/no results and not even a runny nose. I still had severe headaches and facial pain in my cheeks and upper jaw.
After reading this site, I tried Grapefruit Seed Extract. Dose 1 opened up the flood gates! I feel THAT strongly about it that I didn't want to wait until tomorrow for Dose 2 to write about it here. I used 7 drops in the saline solution but diluted it half way through because it was too strong to handle.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Rjforshort (Dover, Oh, United States) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★
Grapefruit seed extract nasal wash cured sinus infection
On sign of a sinus infection, I did a 2 cup nasal cleanse (with the nasal syringe) using 2 cups of water, 1/2 tsp salt and 8 drops grapefruit seed extract. I experienced an immediate 'stuffing up' but by morning was symptom free. I repeated cleanse before I went to work and have had no problems since! Worked great!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Jamie (Lake Worth, Fl) on 03/10/2011
I also had a great experience with grapefruit seed extract. At work a girl came in sick (thanks pal) sore throat, very bad, and flu type ailments. Sure enough we all got it, my throat was not just sore, it felt like it was swollen. Maybe glands, my ears hurt down into my neck. After 2 days of getting worse, I started grapefruit seed extract. 10 drops 4 times a day, after the first day I felt a little better. I put it in warm water and drank it. This was very soothing to the throat. After two full days I was almost all better, I did continue four days, six days total
My coworkers who just let it pass naturally were sick for two weeks, some longer. I really think this stuff helped me, next time I will use it at the onset of an illness.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/25/2012 2042 posts
Sarah, I have had good results w/ Liquid Grapefruitseed Extract Concentrate mixed w/ vegetable oil for fungal infection, but nothing noted for viral. As for the interactions, did you mean Grapefruitseed or Grapefruit??? because there appears to be very little or no Naringin in the seed as compared to the fruit. There is a discussion on this somewhere on E.C.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Pam E. (SW California) on 05/08/2024 165 posts
It is important to be aware that GrapeFruit Seed Extract is made from more than just the SEED of GrapeFruits! Other parts of the GrapeFruit are also sources of GSFE.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Paul (CA) on 05/17/2022
★★★★★
Wow, thank you for sharing this. I just tried Grapefruit extract GSE in a neti pot with pink salt (finely ground) and it's definitely helping my sinuses!
I did 10 drops.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Mark (FL) on 08/02/2024
It not a good idea to use pink salt because of possible contaminants. Refined white salt is as safest choice for neti pots.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Libby (Riverside , Florida ) on 02/19/2011
★★★★★
I frequently use gse during the winter months as a general precaution against several infections , but especially from sinus problems. Every year in January to March my sinuses give me problems. I am 54, female and hate sniffling as it embarrasses me and probably aggravates anyone near me. I also worry about spreading it.
The gse keeps me healthy IF I remember to begin it about two weeks prior to mid-December.
It is bitter, yes, but that it a minor consideration compared to spreading infection to others just because I could and feel lazy. That is plainly evil to spread disease just because I don't feel like placing a few drops into my daily water supply everyday. And so I use it and so my health is stronger in winter than it was when I was younger and careless.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Jane (Andover, Ma) on 04/02/2011
You are supposed to use 1/4 tsp fine salt in a Neti Pot... Not 1/2 tsp. Maybe that us why you felt burning? Salt in a wound? Try less salt, and body temp warm water. I hope it's better.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Diane (Kitchener, Ontario) on 11/19/2009
To Cathy from Homer Geo. How much grapefruit extract would you use in an eight oz. water bottle? I would like to try this cure. thanks, diane
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Pam E. (SW Calif.) on 05/08/2024 165 posts
That depends on which preparation you're using and what you're using it for. For example:
Nutribiotic GrapeFruit Seed Ezxtract Liquid Concentrate Ingredients:
33% Grapefruit seed extract, and, 67% Vegetable glycerine.
AVOID using on sensitive areas.
Nutribiotic's Maximum GSE Liquid Concentrate contains Citricidal
(60% grapefruit seed extract and 40% vegetable glycerin).
EXTERNAL use ONLY. AVOID using on sensitive areas.
NutriBiotic Nasal Spray is a natural formulation designed to lubricate nasal passages. Contains CRITRICIDAL® brand grapefruit seed extract and sodium chloride. Ingredients: Water, glycerin (vegetable), citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract (CITRICIDAL®), sodium chloride.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by PAM E. (SW CALIF.) on 05/08/2024 165 posts
I use (for my family & our pets) Nutriceutical's, GrapeFruit Seed Extract (33% GFSE in 66% glycerin). The higher amount of glycerin (than the product you are using) seems to buffer it & make it more pallatable. Citricidal is MUCH HIGHER in GFSE, while also being MUCH LOWER in glycerin ... thus it NEEDS to be MUCH MORE DILUTED before being applied or ingested!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by lisa (ny) on 11/16/2021
You need to add salt!!!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Emersmask (Media, Pa, Usa) on 12/20/2011
I have had a very strong and rather unfortunate reaction to the GSE. I have used it before with some success, and after a chronic season of sinusitis, I attempted another go today. While it is not the most comfortable, soothing remedy in the world, I was not prepared for the extent of the irritation and pain I experienced this time around. Pain--awful--burning that persists four hours later, and the chronic inflammation has gotten much worse.
6 hours later--the problems persist.
The worst part is that I have absolutely NO sense of smell. I'm praying that this in particular resolves very soon.
Either I used too much, or developed a sensitivity. I followed the instructions very closely, diluting a few drops in 8 oz of water, but it is possible I mis-counted.
In any event, this can be effective but I highly suggest you start with a very small dose--2 drops or less--and work your way up to where it does not burn.
And if anyone has this same experience or any insight as to if/when my smell sense will return, please share!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by P (Middle Of, Fl) on 12/21/2011
I use the grapefruit seed extract
tablets with great success, I've taken up to 3 at a time no problem, but then later on noticed heart burn so I needed to reduce again and no heartburn!
However I've tried sea salt for a cold one day because I waited too long to attend myself and needed a quick fix, and the minute it hit my belly I felt the difference...my nose stop running, stop coughing & fever went away thus aches & pain!
The reason why I mentioned this is because I felt my sinuses declogging, I even heard it making noise, so perhaps it may work for you!
This is what I did:
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 glass of water
and really try to drink it down! Yuk, but worth it!
Thanks to the good people of EC I read the water cure websites and they claim 1/8 of a teaspoon of salt dissolved on your tongue and drink a glass of water and dont babysit the glass of water may do the trick; but keep in mind its less salt therfor you ought to do it more times!
Also half your weight of water in ounces divided into six times a day will do the trick among other tricks!
example; if you weigh 200 pounds drink 100 ounces of water daily! But not all at once! Its like drinking 8-9 bottles of 24oz of water a day will keep you disease free!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Nathan (San Rafael, California) on 12/29/2011
I found that GSE as a nasal spray has little effect. A nasal rinse works best Then drink a 10 oz glass of orange juice with at least 15 drops of GSE 3 times a day. The orange juice takes away the bitterness of the GSE. I am presently taking 30 drops in my OJ 4 times a day. I'm finding this to have better results than the antibiotics prescribed by my doctor. I take GSE where ever I travel. It kills parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungus. If I feel a cold or flu coming on. 30 drops immediatly usually does the trick.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Kristin (Albuquerque, New Mexico/USA) on 12/02/2012
After fighting a sinus infection for a full year with 5 rounds of antibiotics I finally sought out a natural cure. Resigned to being constantly stuffy and 'nasal' sounding, I was skeptical about these treatments.
After reading this and other sites I put myself on a strict regime of the following:
- Apple cider vinegar (2 Tbls. Mixed in water or juice)- NOT tasty; 3 times a day
- 1000 mg Vit C a day
- Oregano oil (tablets) as directed
- Saline nasal rinse (I use Neil Med bottle/mix) with warm water and 10 drops Grapefruit seed extract; 2 times a day (I started at 5 drops and worked up to 10 to avoid potential burning others described)
My results were not as immediate, however I'm now on day three and for the first time in months my sinus pressure is down, I have drainage (it's finally breaking up in there!), and that stuffy feeling is going away!
After a year of infection built up, I'm not suprised it's taking more time but I believe it's working.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Waimeagirl (Pacific ) on 01/03/2024
I have Nutibiotic brand Maximum GSE and am wanting to add to my buffered steam distilled water for nasal irrigation for chronic sinusitis.
It says on the bottle it is 60% GSE/40% veg glycerine.
I put 4 drops in 32 ozs of buffered water (a recipe I have used for decades with no reaction) and it burns like a napalm attack followed by nuclear bomb.
I have to believe the maximum strength is different than those posting here...?
Any suggestions on the dilution ratio for the 60% concentration?
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Charles (Gainesville, FL) on 07/17/2023
My wife is about an hour in to the exact same reaction. Was there anything that helped? Any advice would be urgently and greatly appreciated!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 12/21/2011
Hi, you must have a different kind of GSE than we have here in Europe! I have tried two brands so far but none of them burns or anything of the kind. Usually I take 15 drops in a glass of water 3 times a day and I have never noticed any side effects. Both times I have taken it I take a bottle and then stop for a few months. I have to say that I don't notice any major changes other than once, when I had a bad cold and my nose was running the whole time the cold was gone within a couple of hours.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Elizabeth (Oceanside, Ca) on 01/31/2012
I agree with Emersmask from Media, Pa, Usa. I had the same reaction when I used the GSE in the neti pot as well as ACV in the neti pot (different occasions). Severe symptoms: pain, sneezing, increased inflammation. This went on for hours.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Stefiec (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 07/12/2010
Does anyone know or have you tried putting GSE in a sinus irrigation solution for fungal infections?
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Mike (Belgrade, Serbia) on 05/24/2010
When I made my grapefruit seed extract rinse with water and salt I got a severe headache and sinus pressure, there was a lot of mucus and my sinuses congested even more. Should I continue to do this?
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Elizabeth (Springfield, Pa) on 05/30/2010
I had the same reaction, however, after approximately 5-6 hours, I noticed the release of pressure. Perhaps you put too many drops in (I know I did...didn't have glasses on) and that's why the sudden headache etc. I've continued once a day with 4 drops plus saline in the neti pot. Blow my nose and all is well! I hope this helps.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Ana (New York, New York) on 04/27/2010
Hi, I've had a sinus infection (so I think),as I only feel pressure but no mucus, and I've been to 2 doctors a this point and both have been prescribing antibiotics for sinus infection.
Anyway, figured I'd try the grapefruit seed extract to try to relieve some pressure to get some relief. I mixed 4 drops in 8oz of water with 1/2 tsp of salt and put into neti pot. As soon as the mixture hit my nasal passages, I felt a strong burning /stinging feeling and immediate pain in my face & head, as if the pressure was getting worse. I tried a couple more times and felt the same thing, so I stopped and wanted to get feedback first before I continue. Is this normal, the burning/sting? Does it feel worse better it gets better (regarding the pressure)? Thanks.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Laura Coleman (Stroud, Oklahoma) on 11/19/2009
have had sinus infection 20 years every 2 month on antibotica i am now immune to them and on steriods i take toprol for heart palpations. it a blood preasure med. is it ok to use the grapefruit seed extract in my saline solution? I got to get off antibotica need help with natural remedies. help please
