Grapefruit Seed Extract

In our conquest to fight thrush over the past couple of months, I became really familiar with Grape Fruit Seed extract and its many uses. Since discovering this, I have really been inspired to research and incorperate more natural remedies into our daily life!

The following is taken from an article I found:

"Grapefruit Seed Extract is being used successfully in humans and animals alike to fight many types of internal and external infections caused from parasites (single and multi-celled), viruses, bacteria, fungus and more!

The greatest benefit is due to it's multipurpose (broad spectrum) effect. It is effective even if the causes of the infections are known, unknown or misdiagnosed. Grapefruit seed extract naturally detoxifies, enhances and supports the immune system.

Grapefruit seed extract contains high levels of vitamin C and E, and bioflavonoids. The important substances have an antioxidant action and can neutralize free radicals that damage cells and cause a number of illnesses.

Another important benefit of grapefruit seed extract is that it is helpful in alkalizing the blood. Alkalizing the body fluids (raising pH) is one of the single most important health regeneration benefits available as disease causing microforms (fungi, bacteria, virus etc.) cannot survive in an alkaline oxygenated environment. Though lemons, limes, and grapefruits are chemically acid, tests show that when they are metabolized in the body they actually have an alkalizing effect. They have very little sugar and they contain an abundance of oxygen. This is a plus for anyone fighting candida or any other disease. Conclusion: Eat more fresh vegetables and less processed foods as most all vegetables are alkaline forming in the body.

Grapefruit seed extract is effective at very low concentrations. During 1989-90, an international research team (reported in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Volume 5, No. 3, USA, 1990) examined the effects of GSE and compared this with 30 effective antibiotics and 18 proven fungicides. GSE was found to perform as well as any and all of the tested agents. Without the harsh side effects. It is a natural alternative to strong antibiotics.

Grapefruit seed extract is nontoxic. According to an independent laboratory testing "Acute Oral Toxicity", it would take at least 4,000 times the normal dose of gse to produce a 50% chance of poisoning (called LD50).

Because grapefruit seed extract does not exhibit the harsh side effects and high cost of pharmaceuticals it is becoming the alternative health choice for naturopathic physicians, clinics and the general public."



In researching Grapefruit seed extract over the last couple of months, I have found several uses for it.

1. I have started using it as a multipurpose cleanser in my home-especially in the kitchen. Simply add 30-60 drops of the liquid form of it to 32 oz. purified water in a spray bottle (this is important, as the chemicals in your tap water with make the GSE ineffective) Voila! You cann also purchase natural cleansers with the GSE in it at Kroger in the natural foods section. Not only does it kill yeast and other fungi, but also viruses and bacteria. I recently read an article, and now for the life of me I can't find it, that stated GSE was more effective in killing bacteria and viruses than bleach and hospital grade cleaners. Wow!

2. GSE is great to add to your laundry. Especially if you have had a bout of thrush, or any other kind of illness in your home. I add it to my laundry once a week to help kill any nasty bacteria/viruses we may be picking up and bringing home on our clothes. Just add 20-40 drops (I found this is equal to 2-4 droppers full) to each load.

3. For thrush, taking it in capsule form, 3 times a day for AT LEAST 2 weeks helps to rid your body of the candida. Also, in the liquid form, for baby oral thrush, mix 10 drops per 1 oz. of purified water. Swab the inside of baby's mouth after each feeding.

Here are a number of other uses that I found on a website, and just copied and pasted:

HOUSEHOLD USE:


Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash - Add 25-30 drops to sink filled with cold water. Briefly soak vegetable, fruit, meat or poultry. Spray Washing - Add 15-20 drops to 32 oz. spray bottle. Fill with water, spray on fruits or vegetables.
All-Purpose Cleaner - Add 30-60 drops to any 32 oz. pump sprayer filled with water. Use on all household surfaces.
Cutting Board Cleaner - Apply 10-20 drops to cutting board and work in with wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water.
Laundry - to control mold and odors add 25-30 drops to each load.
Toothbrush cleansing - stir 5-10 drops into 1/2 cup water. Soak toothbrush 15 minutes and rinse.

INTERNAL USE (never use full strength)

Orally - (to ward off sore throats, colds, flu, or any bacterial, viral or fungal infection) 5-15 drops mixed well in 5 oz. or more of juice or water, 2-3 times per day, before, during or after meals. For children under 10, 1-6 drops in 5 oz. juice, 2-3 times daily.
Diarrhea - Take 10-15 drops of GSE 4 times per day in juice or herbal tea. Consult your physician if condition persists.
Throat Gargle - Thoroughly stir 6-12 drops into 6 oz. of water. Gargle as often as needed, only as directed.
Nasal Rinse - Add one drop of GSE to 2 oz. of distilled or purified water. Tilt head back, fill each nostril with a full eye dropper's worth of the mixed solution. Swing head forward (head is not upside down) to force solution into nasal passages. Return to upright position and allow to drain.
Dental Rinse - (for healthy gums and fresh breath) Stir 3 drops into 2 oz. water. Swish a small amount for 10 seconds, 1-2 times daily. For Waterpik-type units, add 3-4 drops to water reservoir.
Candida - Vaginal Rinse - Mix 5-10 drops in 8 oz. water. Douche once or more daily for one week.

EXTERNAL USE

Facial Cleanser (normal skin or acne) - Moisten face with water. Add 2-3 drops to still wet hands and massage into skin avoiding contact with eyes (rinse thoroughly with water if eye contact occurs). You may also add GSE to your favorite liquid soap.
Scalp Treatment (including dandruff control) - Mix 5-10 drops of GSE with the amount of shampoo you normally apply to your hair. Massage into scalp and leave on for at least 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water, avoiding contact with eyes.
Nail Treatment - Add 5-10 drops to 1 T. water or alcohol. Soak nails twice daily for as long as necessary.
Warts - Place 1 drop of GSE directly on wart twice a day. (Avoid contact with eyes) May have to use for 2-3 weeks


Anyone else have any uses for GSE? Post a comment and let me know!!

Getting Rid of Thrush...FOR GOOD!

Megan over at Sorta Crunchy posted about a thrush remedy, which reminded me that I keep meaning to do this post!!

Since Cooper was a week old, we have been dealing with thrush. Let me tell you, there is no bigger pain the you-know-what than getting rid of thrush! UGH! We did the nystatin-for 4 weeks mind you, to no avail. That ended in a round of Cooper taking Diflucan. A month went by, and it came back. So, the pediatrician put him on Diflucan once again. A month later it comes back again, once again we do diflucan. A couple of weeks later, you guessed it, back AGAIN!

On top of the diflucan, we had been boiling all paci's, never using a paci more than once during the day, washing all the laundry in grapefruit seed extract to kill the yeast, using lotramin creams, taking grapefruit seed extract pills and probiotics, etc...You name it, we did it! NOTHING was working.

I was OVER giving my little baby anymore diflucan, so I decided to do some research.

I found a product called "ThreeLac" that apparently was the only thing that worked for many people to get rid of their yeast issues. It is a triple probiotic, that is in a powder form. We started taking it at the end of January-I take one packet a day in the powder form, and I dissolve 1/2 of a packet in about 1 tsp. of water for Cooper to take. He LOVES it and sucks it right down.

(I got the picture off of the website I ordered it from, so don't mind the ordering info...unless you want to order it! ;) )

I am beyond thrilled to say, that here less than 2 months later our thrush issues are GONE!!! Praise God! About 1 month in, we had a flair up, which apparently is normal as the yeast tries to "fight back". But here we are now, going strong with NO THRUSH!!

I HIGHLY recommend this product if you are struggling with any type of yeast issues. Apparently, 85% of Americans are struggling with yeast infestations in their body, which causes a variety of ailments, and they don't even know it!

White Vinegar Hair Residue Remover

I was reading a magazine this weekend, and I found a great residue remover for your hair!

It's simple:

Combine 1/4 c. white vinegar and 1 c. of water.
Shampoo your hair and rinse out in the shower.
Pour the vinegar rinse through your hair. Use your fingers to work through your hair for about a minute.
Rinse with clean water.
Apply your conditiioner (if you use it)

Do this once a week to remove product build-up.

I just tried it today and it works GREAT! Clean and shiney hair!!