Agrisept-L® Benefits
Grapefruit Seed Extract - A History of Health Uses
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is an extremely useful, non-toxic, health-enhancing extract. In its diluted form, GSE has many practical applications, both topically and internally.
History
First discovered in the Caribbean Island of Barbados, the grapefruit tree was brought to Florida in 1823 for commercial cultivation. It wasn’t until 1919 that Yugoslavian-born physicist, Dr. Jacob Harich, discovered GSE’s health properties.
GSE was first examined for its antiparasitic benefits. Then for it’s ability to preserve and protect fruits and vegetables by inhibiting not only parasitic infection, but also fungi and bacteria. By the 1990’s, GSE was widely recommended for use by holistic health care professionals to protect the body from undesirable microorganisms.
The object of study and recommendation was not the entire grapefruit, nor its juice, but an extract derived from the grapefruit’s seed, pulp and white membrane. This extremely bitter extract was shown to be acidic and non-toxic, with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Candida Albicans (Yease Infections), Salmonella and Other Bacteria
GSE has since been shown to protect against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including salmonella, staphyloccus, streptococcus and e-coli. It can also strongly inhibit many types of fungi and yeast. One of its most common applications is for Candida Albicans (excessive yeast). Due to its low pH level, it leaves good flora in the system untouched, while destroying the bad.
Parasites
The antiparasitic action of GSE is effective against microorganisms and parasites, including Giardia Lamblia and Entamoeba Histolytica. These parasites infect humans and animals typically via water contamination and cause diarrhea and dysentery. This broad spectrum of applications and uses makes GSE a traveler’s must.
Athlete's Foot, Nail Fungus and Other External Uses
Common external uses for GSE include as a mouthwash, and for cold sores, acne, head lice, athletes’ foot, nail fungi and warts. As an added benefit, when used as a wash, GSE can also preserve meats, fruits and vegetables by killing molds, fungi and more while cleaning insecticides and herbicides, the chemicals used to kill insects and weeds, found on our produce.
Finally, the antiseptic action of GSE makes it an effective product for cuts and wounds, as well as for washing dishes and utensils. In fact, many U.S. hospitals use GSE as a sanitizing agent.
Kari Ann Harrison, BBA
EYI Product Specialist
References:
Corinne T. Netzer, Big Book Of Miracle Cures, 1999.
Kirschmann and Kirschmann, Nutrition Almanac, fourth edition, 1996.
Gale Malesky, Nature’s Medicines, 1999.
James A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy, 1997.
