Grapefruit Seed Extract and its many uses

Jacob Harich

Grapefruit seed extract was first really discovered and promoted through the efforts of Jacob Harich, a European nuclear physicist who later on went into medical studies in the USA in the Fifties, as having experienced the horrors of the war, he felt he should devote himself to contributing to the well-being of his fellow man. He was sampling a grapefruit at his home in France after the war (a treat at the time, as fruit was scarce) and bit into the seed. Its bitter taste prompted him to ask himself the reason for its bitterness, which led to decades of work and research, particularly after his later move to "grapefruit country" in Florida. His work has subsequently been well recognized and honored by august bodies such as the Pasteur Institute in France.

Broad spectrum uses

One of the first great benefits discovered was its broad spectrum use. It has the ability apparently to work like an antibiotic but, unlike antibiotics, has "minimal impact on beneficial bacteria" making it the "ideal antibiotic"as Allan Sachs D.C., C.C.N., author of "The Authoritative Guide to Grapefruit Seed Extract", notes. One of the things I liked about the product when I first discovered it, apart from its multi-purpose use, was that it was very economical.

Alkalizing effects

Another great benefit of grapefruit seed extract is that it is helpful in making your blood more alkaline. Alkalizing or raising the pH, in a person's body fluids, is one of the most important health needs since fungi, bacteria and viruses etc (which cause disease) are not able to survive in an alkaline oxygen-rich environment. Though lemons, limes, and grapefruits are chemically acid, tests show that when they are digested within the body they actually have an alkaline or alkalizing effect.

My Malaysian test

In 2006 I visited some of the small villages and famous "long houses" near Kuching in East Malaysia. I was part of a team of church workers assisting local churches with whom we were associated, many of them in outlying districts, some of them contactable only by a trek through jungle or via "roads" only traversable by 4x4 vehicles. Within the first week a few of the team had diarrhea or stomach upsets. I was suffering from a stress-related condition and the last thing I wanted was to exacerbate the condition with stomach troubles. So out came the trusty bottle of Grapefruit seed extract ("GSE"), and I put a few drops into most every drink. I avoided any milk drinks or dodgy-looking local "soup" dishes, and drank a lot of coca cola (I know, that's where the healthy part ends!). Despite high humidity and the very different food, I completed my ten days in the jungles and towns with no untoward stomach problems. I do not believe that I was any fitter than anyone else, and I attribute this to two things: prayer and GSE!

Grapefruit Seed Extract and Swine flu

Since then I have discovered it has quite wide-ranging uses, from a surface cleaner to a cold sore remover to an eczema treatment. Apparently it is becoming the disinfectant of choice in many hospitals throughout the USA. Grapefruit seed extract also has potential uses in the modern fight against H1N1 Swine flu. In October 2009 the WHO concluded a three-day meeting in Washington D.C, concluding with recommendations that patients with pneumonia and H1N1 symptoms be treated quickly with antivirals even before the tests are complete. A Washington Post article by R. Stein in October 2009 says: "So far, the virus does not seem to sicken or kill people more often than the typical flu. But the pattern of people getting seriously ill is far different than in typical flu seasons. The elderly, who are usually most vulnerable, are generally spared; children, teenagers, pregnant women and young adults are the most common victims." 

So perhaps here we have another potential use for GSE. Apart from its usually-espoused antibiotic and anti-microbial properties, I have also read recently there has been encouraging research into the antiviral properties of Citrus extract as well. It is still too early to say how many viruses it can inactivate, but William Shannon, head of Microbiology-Virology Division at Southern Research Institute found that grapefruit seed extract was effective against herpes simplex and one of the influenza viruses.

Citricidal is probably the product of choice if wanting to get the strongest GSE or citrus extract product for defense against nasty flu outbreaks, as it is the most potent formula available (triple the potency of regular strength GSE sold elsewhere on the internet)-but note!-care should be taken if using grapefruit in conjunction with certain drugs, as it increases the potency of certain compounds. Citricidal (like "normal" GSE) is an amber-colored liquid with a mild citrus aroma. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, non-corrosive, yet very potent. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before taking grapefruit seed extract if you have flu symptoms, as he will be able to give appropriate advice on conventional remedies as well as other alternatives.

Whether GSE or Citricidal can cure swine flu is unproven, but there seems to be good evidence that the extract of the humble grapefruit seed can pack a punch out of all proportion to its size, helping immunity and a strengthened immune system should be your first line of defense against any illness or disease.

I think it is fascinating to see how someone who was simply eating a grapefruit and experienced a bitter taste with the seed was able to extend his thinking processes beyond the obvious initial question "I wonder why it's so bitter?", to develop this into a subject of research and to a product with many useful applications. I have a feeling we have not heard the last about the many uses and applications of this interesting product.

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