26 User Reviews
| 5 star (20) | 77% | |
| 3 star (1) | 4% | |
| 1 star (2) | 8% | |
 (3) |
12% |
★☆☆☆☆
Please read these statements by the American Botanical Council and see the studies:
and
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9037863/
and
Anne,
Newer studies in the 2000s such as this 2021 study suggest that GSE is very effective against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) bacteria even at low dosing.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7830962/
The studies you linked to were from 1996 and 1999. In the age of MRSA and VRSA, having options for MDR bacteria is of the utmost importance, making GSE a very important option in such cases where standard antibiotics are oftentimes no longer adequate to the task by themselves due to bacterial resistance to those antibiotics.
In this 2020 study, GSE shows its mettle against Covid-19 when combined with the popular sugar substitute, Xylitol, via an otc easy to obtain, use and very safe nasal spray called Xlear Nasal Spray. Again a timely and effective treatment option to a virulent disease.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7645297/
In this next 2019 study, GSE again excels as it shows it the ability to breakdown biofilms from E.coli. and Staphylococcus aureus :
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31370119/
This is very important because biofilms allow these pathogens to evade the body's natural defenses as well as antibiotics, so having options to not only breakdown these biofilms, but also fight the MDR bacteria that has developed is of very significant importance.
GSE is a natural substance with a very good safety profile that has significant value in the fight against MDR bacteria and biofilms. GSE also has potent antifungal effects as noted in the following study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6538181/
In this next study GSE not only is highly active against Candida albicans(Ca) biofilms at just 1%, but also had potent inhibitory effects.
Overall, these potent qualities of GSE are very important in the equation of human health.
Art
(Pacific)
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?
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!
Waimeagirl ... You say you used it for "nasal irrigation".... Please notice on Nutribiotic's website & label how the product is described, & the warning given ... NutriBiotic® Maximum GSE Liquid Concentrate provides the HIGHEST CONCENTRATION of Grapefruit Seed Extract available. Contains Citricidal (60% grapefruit seed extract, and 40% vegetable glycerin) ... The grapefruit bioflavonoids (polyphenolics) are converted into an EXTREMELY POTENT compound. Suggested use: Dilute 1 drop Maximum G[F]SE in a minimum of 1 fluid ounce of water. *> FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY! <* WARNING: ... DO NOT USE FULL STRENGTH. DO NOT PUT IN EYES. ***AVOID ALL CONTACT WITH SENSITIVE AREAS.*** IF FULL STRENGTH CONTACT OR IRRITATION OCCURS, FLUSH WITH WATER FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES. IRRITATION IS TEMPORARY AND MAY LAST UP TO 48 HOURS. Source: https://www.nutribiotic.com/maximum-gse-liquid-concentrate.html I THINK that on the prior occasions when you used GSFE, you must have used the WEAKER PREPARATION: NutriBiotic® Grapefruit Seed Extract, Liquid Concentrate Ingredients: 33% grapefruit seed extract, and, 67% Vegetable glycerine. Suggested Use: Adults, mix 10 drops of NutriBiotic GSE Liquid Concentrate into a glass of water or juice (5 oz. or more) and drink, 1-3 times daily, with or without meals. For children 5 years of age and older, mix 3 drops into a glass of water or juice, 1-2 times daily, with or without meals. Or, use as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not use full strength in mouth. WARNING: Keep out of reach of children. ALWAYS DILUTE! Do NOT use full strength. DO NOT put in eyes. ***AVOID ALL CONTACT with SENSITIVE AREAS.*** IF full strength contact or irritation occurs, FLUSH WITH WATER FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES. Irritation is temporary and may last up to 48 hours. SOURCE: https://www.nutribiotic.com/gse-liquid-concentrate-2oz.html However, Nutribiotic's info & warning for that recipe also includes to *AVOID ALL CONTACT* with sensitive areas.... (and everyone I know considers the inside of the nose & nasal passages *are* VERY SENSITIVE areas).... Plus you say nothing about having flushed your nasal passages with water for any length of time. So it seems you may not have read, or accurately recalled, the entire label's suggestions for use & warnings ... regarding either strength. I hate to think how unpleasant that experience must have been, but hopefully know now how to avoid it in future!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★☆☆☆☆
Erkin,
One feature of long term sinusitis is that biofilms can form to protect whatever pathogen('s) are present. Xylitol has biofilm busting characteristics as does colloidal silver. There is a commercial sinus spray that contains xylitol called "Xlear" that I have bought and is available on amazon : I can use the colloidal silver (AgNPs) in a neti pot, but not at the same time as the Xlear because the saline portion of Xlear may cause the colloidal silver to break down if the colloidal silver is not capped. So, for myself, I might use Xlear in the morning and colloidal silver in a neti pot with 5% to 10% xylitol dissolved in the colloidal silver in the afternoon and then Xlear in the evening and repeat each day until the biofilms are destroyed and the pathogen('s) eradicated.
A third option I might also try for myself is to skip the Xlear and just use the colloidal silver + 5% to 10% xylitol in my neti pot as needed.In my experience, I have also found that the xylitol has helped to reduce the sting of 20 ppm colloidal silver from the neti pot and I only mix enough for one use at a time and do not store any of the mix unless I will be using it the same day that I made it.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27394715/
Silver nanoparticles have biofilm busting qualities.
As long as the biofilm(s) are present, the pathogen's are fairly well protected and resistant to most attacks against them so breaking them down is important. Art
(Germany)
06/11/2020
Art, Thank you very much for your comment. I already heard of biofilms but never focused on that. I will give it a try and report if I see any effects.
(ny)
11/16/2021
You need to add salt!!!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
(Birmingham, Al)
02/14/2016
What is the maximum daily usage you would recommend one can use the 4 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract Liquid in saline solution. In other words, how many times can I rinse with the saline, using the proper ration of saline to the extract liquid?
(Central Florida)
02/28/2017
The 10 drops in 5 ounces of water is what you drink or use as a nasal rinse? I had a viral sinus infection about 5 months ago and at least 50% of my smell and taste are gone. I started the saline rinses but have not noticed much differences yet (only 4 days consecutively). I made my own nasal spray with GSE, and have been using it once a day for months, but guess I need to step it up.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
Grapefruit Seed Extract
(Worden, Il, Usa)
01/10/2013
Hi John... I have been using the GSE for the past month... Mostly the 2 oz of distilled water with 3 to 4 drops of the GSE solution for nose drops. First thing of a morning, I use about 1/3 dropperful for each nostril. After slightly tilting my head back for this (naturally.. lol), I hold my nose and then bend from the waist and have my head down by my knees. Then I shift to the right and then the left and do this about 3 times. When I come back up, I sniff a couple of times (not hard) and then blow my nose. Surpringing what can come out... :( This helps to keep my head clear all day and on a prevention measure during this flu/sinus season, I take 10 drops in about 4c. of water and drink during the day.
The directions on my bottle say to mix 10 drops into 5oz of water or juice 1 to 3 times daily, with or without meals.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
Then I saw GSE. Ordered it and that was the miracle that I was looking for. Took a 2 ounce nasal spray bottle left over(couldn't live without the over the counter spray that at the end only kept my nose open for less than a hour)cleaned it out and put 2 ounces of saline solution and 3 drops of GSE in it. DAY ONE: Took eight ounces of orange juice with 15 drops of GSE concentrate three time a day(45 drops a day total). I then sprayed my homemade GSE nasal mix in my nose 4 times a day with 2 sprays in each nostril each time. By morning two I stared to blow my nose and sorry this may sound gross but the green/yellow mucus was thinning and turning clear. I could not believe it! I woke up with only a small headache for the first time in months and I could breath a little better.
DAY THREE: UNBELIEVABLE! I could breath out of both nostrils! Not completely but well over 50% better! Pressure and pain was less than half. All the antibiotics and hot showers for the last 4 months had done nothing close to the 2 full days of GSE. To make my story short and happy within 6 days of continuing the GSE treatment I was cured! YES CURED! People say that GSE only works because it has some synthetic stuff in it. Why do I care. IT WORKS and no side effects! And the cost is crazy! CHEAP! CHEAP! CHEAP! I will never be without it. I will always keep in touch with my Dr. But GSE will almost always be my first course of action for any cold or sinus problems! You have to try it. IT WORKS MIRACLES!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★☆☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
This time I had a small cough that lasted a week before the infection progressed to my nose (just in time for work on Monday, ugh).
I've previously used saline solution with my neti pot with some success, but only if I do it early enough. When my sinuses get worse it only irritates it even more and causes more swelling. Even Apple Cider Vinegar has only temporary effects on me.
A friend recommended GSE in my netipot and voila! Instant results with just a couple drops of it in the water. It completely drained my nose! It was expensive but very well worth it. It's my first day using it but I plan on doing it every day until it goes away. I'm also adding it to my water to drink. I did notice that my sense of smell/taste were completely gone, which I'm hoping is only temorary until my sinuses are normal again. However, I'd much rather try this than any over the counter colored chemicals that make me drowsy!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
I went to the ENT, was diagnosed, and he gave me 2 weeks of prednisone, and an antibiotic. Steroids are terrible for you, but they also shrunk the polyp and brought back my breathing, and sense of smell! All the while I wondered what would happen to my nose once I was off the steroids.
By the time I was done with prednisone my nose was not 100%, but it was much improved. My constantly plugged nostril was now open 60% of the time. I then started a steroid nose spray (which supposedly have fewer side effects) to keep things open.
Things seemed pretty stable for a week, and I decided to try some of the homeopathic remedies to see what effects they had. I got really brave, and put two little drops of GSE into my neti pot.
I did my third GSE neti wash tonight, and it seems to be making a difference! My "bad" nostril is open almost all of the time now, and still seems to be on the upswing. I will say this - the GSE certainly isn't hurting anything, and I distinctly feel that it is improving my condition.
I'll write more if anything drastically changes. I got an allergy test which came back totally negative, so what's causing the inflammation in my nose is sort of a mystery. I guess the theory with GSE is that if I have a low level fungal infection, or perhaps an over reaction to normal fungus in the air, the GSE and its potent antifungal properties helps reduce my inflammation. Hmm. as of now, I think I buy it.
(Pdx)
11/13/2014
Mayo Clinic states that 90 percent sinus infections are fungal.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
Taking more does no harm and you are meant to take it on an empty stomach, You should also take it at a different time to some meds such as magnesium, fexofenadine antihistamine and monoamine inhibitors (antidepressants I think) or it reduces their effectiveness - grapefruit actually interacts with a few meds so do your research!
As for me, I have TERRIBLE sinus issues from a life of severe allergies (hayfever) that left me with regular infections for all of my young life (I suppose thatd be all my life as im only 24) but since I started GSE I havent had another sinus infection since and it more or less saved my life It also reduces viruses :) (Oil of Oregano is good for this too)
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.
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.
(Gainesville, FL)
07/17/2023
★★★★★
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.
(Media, Pa, Usa)
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!
(Zug, Zug, Switzerland)
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.
(Middle Of, Fl)
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!
(San Rafael, California)
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.
(Oceanside, Ca)
01/31/2012
(Albuquerque, New Mexico/USA)
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.
(CA)
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.
(FL)
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
(Riverside , Florida)
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
★★★★★
After the 1st round of the neti/GSE my nose ran for hours and I just kept sneezing. After about 3 hours, I noticed the left side was opened up. It took awhile longer for the right side, and, I'm still waiting for my right ear to pop. I just finished my 3rd neti(which I've always done daily, so, I know it was the GSE that helped) and I can't believe the difference in 24 hrs. This AM was the first morning in MONTHS that I woke up with no headache. I didn't even have to take 1 aspirin! Everything from my nose was clear...just huge amounts. I can't thank everyone enough.
(Belgrade, Serbia)
05/24/2010
(Springfield, Pa)
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.
(Los Angeles, Ca)
04/18/2012
★★★★★
I went to the dentist because I thought I had a cavity, because my tooth felt hot/cold sensitive. The dentist said it was not a cavity but a sinus infection that had caused the root of my tooth to become swollen we looked at the xIrays and I was stunned, at how stuffy my sinus appeared on the x-ray. I had no headache, no pressure, no was I stuffy a slight runny nose, really nothing except the tooth issue. I have suffered from dry eyes, red itchy eyes and crazy itchy tear ducts. So I used a neti pot with purifed water, three drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract and sea salt. My nose and eyes began clearing up within hours and I found the itchy eyes and the itchy tear ducts stopped immediately.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
(New York, New York)
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.
(Andover, Ma)
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
★★★★★
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
(Alexandria, La, United States)
11/20/2009
★★★★★
Instead of adding GSE to your saline, purchase the a nasal spray with Grapefruit Seed Extract. It has the correct proportions, and does not sting. It worked for my sinus infection, and I have since bought a bottle for each of my grown children. I could only find it at health food stores out-of-town, so I recommend calling first, because 1 out of 5 stores might have it. Just ask if they have nasal spray with GSE, and stress that you don't mean GRAPE, but GRAPEFRUIT.
