What is Citricidal / GSE?
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is derived from the seeds and membrane portion of the grapefruit, and often other citrus fruits. Citricidal is grapefruit seed extract in liquid form, is very potent and is carried in vegetable glycerine, often with vitamine C aka ascorbic acid. At room temperature, GSE is an amber coloured, thick pourable liquid, and can be used to preserve cosmetics, and internally and externally.
Never use GSE at full strength to ingest - always dilute with water or fruit juice (see directions below). GSE is well known as a great and effective broad spectrum anti-viral, anti-parasitic, bactericide and fungicide compound. Specifically, GSE has demonstrated its ability to kill or inhibit the growth of a wide array of potentially harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoan parasites. See http://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1990/pdf/1990-v05n03-p155.pdf
It can be used for cleaning your cutting board, benches and for washing vegetables. It is an effective treatment for candida overgrowth in the digestive system, but is also useful for nail fungus, thrush and hard to treat fungal and yeast infections. Follow your health practitioner's advice.
Directions for internal use
Please note: Do not use at full strength. Avoid contact with sensitive areas. When mixing with water or juice stir well.
Oral: Adults: mix 5-15 drops of GSE in a glass of water or fruit juice (minimum 150ml), 1-3 times daily, with or without a meal. For children (5 years or older) mix 1-6 drops in a glass of water or juice, 1-2 times daily or as directed by a health care professional.
Ear Cleanse: Add 1 to 2 drops of GSE into 28 grams of vegetable glycerin and mix really well. Apply 1 or 2 drops of this liquid in the ear 1 to 2 times daily, as needed. Do not use full strength in ears.
Nasal Rinse: For adults only. Stir 1 drop of GSE with @60ml of water. Angle your head backward and release one drop per nostril. Sway head forward and down so your head is now upside down to force solution up into nasal passages. Return head to the normal position and allow nasal passages to drain. Do not inhale through the nose during this process.
Mouth & Throat Rinse: Add 3 drops of GSE into @90ml of water and stir well. Gargle the solution several times. Use as often as needed.
Directions for external use
Please note: Do not use at full strength. Avoid contact with sensitive areas. When mixing with water or fruit juice stir well.
Skin: Add 5-10 drops of GSE with 1 tablespoon of water and mix well. Apply this solution directly to affected area twice daily. Do not use full strength on skin. Also do not use on broken skin.
Face Cleanser: Thoroughly moisten face with warm or cool water. With hands still wet, apply 2-3 drops of GSE to fingertips and gently massage facial area with circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry. A tingling sensation may follow. Always dilute.
Nails: Dilute 5-10 drops of GSE with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply this solution directly on surface of nail, along the cuticle and underneath the front of nail. Or, soak nails twice daily for as long as desired. Do not use full strength on nails.
Scalp: Add 5-10 drops of GSE to each shampooing (mix in hand or on head with shampoo). Massage into scalp and leave on for at least 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Directions for use in cosmetics
GSE can be used in a wide variety of personal care formulation for reliable preservation, and is especially valued for its anti fungal properties (anit mold) as an alternative to parabens and hydantoins. It is easily incorporated because it is carried in vegetable glycerine and is soluble in water, alcohol and organic solvents. GSE is compatible with most cosmetic raw materials, and will thin lotions and creams slightly. Be sure to include a sun protecting ingredient to counteract the slight sun sensitization that all citrus ingredients can cause. Recommended use levels in a finished formulation is 0.1 to 1.0%. I use 0.36% in lotions, for instance.
I sell Grapefruit Seed Extract here www.anarreshealth.ca/node/406. Because Anarres is not a food handling facility, the GSE I sell is technically for cosmetic making and external use only.