CAGE'N BIRD

GSE an Alternative Product

The more I read about the medicinal and disinfection properties of this plant extract the more I have become interested in its utilization in the aviary and avian nursery. For years, I have been reading and saving articles on GSE.  Grapefruit Seed Extract has proven to be a safe and powerful germicidal agent with broad-spectrum applications with many uses in the aviary, particularly  as a nutritional support for many conditions of ill health, including those of the stomach and intestines. Following is a little background information on GSE and suggested uses for this multipurpose alternative product.

What is GSE?

GSE, grapefruit seed extract, was discovered in 1976. It has been used in the agricultural industry as mold inhibitor and in the cosmetic industry as a preservative. GSE concentrate has been sold by health food stores and by health practitioners and a few well informed avian and pediatric supply retailers for over a decade. GSE is usually available in liquid concentrate form. Citricidal, Nutribiotic, Agrisept and ProSeed are some of the brand names. GSE is not irritating to skin and mucous membranes and is non-corrosive to metal, wood, fabric, plastic, painted surfaces, etc.

GSE is a natural, potent, broad-spectrum, non-toxic antimicrobial compound synthesized from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit. This very acidic liquid is a quaternary compound loaded with polyphenolic compounds, including quercitin, helperidin, campherol glycoside, neophelperidin, naringin, apigenin, rutinoside, poncirin, etc. the polyphenols are themselves unstable but are chemically converted into more stable substances that belong to a diverse class of products called quaternary ammonium compounds.

Familiar chemical quaternary compounds, such as benzethonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride, are used in industry as antimicrobials, but these chemical compounds are toxic to animal life. On the other hand, Choline, a B vitamin, is also a quaternary compound.  It is non-toxic and even essential for maintaining healthy neurological function and fat metabolism.

GSE features the best of both worlds:  the quaternary compounds derived from grapefruit seed and pulp exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, while evidencing none of the toxic side effects of chemically derived quaternaries.  This plant based germicidal has proven to have a growth-inhibiting effect on bacteria (including E. coli), fungi (e.g. candida yeast), parasites and viruses. It is the only product available with broad-spectrum effectiveness against virtually all microorganisms, and deserves to become the first line of defense in many applications. According to Carolyn Swicegood in her article Grapefruit Seed Extract: Cure and Disinfectant, “[GSE} is being used to kill strep, staph, salmonella, E. coli, candida, herpes, influenza, parasites, fungi and more……GSE has proven in laboratory tests to be 10 to 100 times more effective as a disinfectant than chlorine, colloidal silver and iodine”!

What are the medicinal advantages of GSE?

GSE has a proven record in the laboratory and with thousands of users as a powerful and non-toxic germicidal agent with broad-spectrum applications. Simply, it kills germs but doesn’t hurt people or animals.  GSE is known to be effective in combating hundreds of pathogens, including parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi. Because of GSE’s extremely low toxicity for humans plants and animals it is becoming the treatment of choice by those seeking a broad-spectrum, antimicrobial without the side effects associated with most microbials. There is research available to back up the claims of GSE’s efficacy as a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, antiprotozoan, anti-viral and antiseptic disinfectant. GSE has been tested and validated by the USDA, FDA, the Pasteur Institute in France and numerous physicians and health care specialists.

 GSE stimulates the immune system thus there is less need for medication, and lower mortality rates. It eliminates bacteria, viruses and parasites in the gut. It stimulates the absorption of nutrients by eliminating those undesirable microorganisms in the gut. It does not damage beneficial bacteria in the gut at normal dosages and it is compatible with all known antibiotics, sulfur drugs, notrofuranes, coccidiostats and other chemotherapeutics. However you may be able to eliminate the use of such compounds by using GSE.

 GSE has a wide variety of uses. It has been recommended by doctors, nutritionists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other health practitioners (including veterinarians and holistic practitioners). All creatures, including humans, can benefit greatly from the use of  GSE: it is an excellent remedy for skin diseases, external injuries, fungal infections, and internal diseases caused by parasites and bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Because of its low toxicity and its broad-spectrum properties GSE is becoming the first-line of defense for many farmers, veterinarians and aviculturists. GSE has proven to work well along side other herbal and pharmaceutical remedies without any know interactivities or contraindications. GSE will not interfere with the activity of homeopathic remedies nor will it damage the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract when used at normal dosages.

What are the suggested uses for GSE in the aviary and nursery?

GSE can be introduced in food, water, or by topical application, including mouth spray or can be used as a disinfectant. Carolyn Swicegood, in a number of articles found on the Internet, has suggested various uses for GSE in the aviary and nursery. She stated,  “GSE has been successfully used for years by aviculturists”. GSE can be used for many cleaning and disinfecting purposes in and around the aviary.  Ms. Swicegood  makes claims of “GSE’s efficacy as a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-protozoan, anti-viral and antiseptic disinfectant.” And  yes, GSE can be given as a preventive. There is no report that GSE has ever harmed a living thing. I have successfully used GSE here in my aviary and nursery and I do recommend it.

q       GSE can be added to birds drinking water. Add one drop of GSE to water bottle or dish (about 8 oz. water). This will help prevent growth of pathogens and can be effective against internal parasites.

q       Can be used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. As an antibacterial hand wash and for cleaning brooders, incubators and disinfecting feeding utensils. 10 to 15 drops to 8 ounces of water.

q       A few drops added to water in incubators, brooders, and humidifiers to prevent algae growth. 3 to 4 drops per gallon of water.

q       Useful as a medicinal treatment/preventative for gastrointestinal disorders which can be bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral. According to Ms. Swicegood, “Use approximately one drop of GSE liquid concentrate per 10 pounds body weight,” Once a day. Remember, a little goes a long way. As a preventative, use just a touch in babies hand-feeding formula, daily. As a treatment, you may want to use a little more, more often.

q       GSE  can be used externally for bacterial or fungi related skin disorders. A strong solution of 30 to 40 drops of GSE concentrate to about a quart of water can be sprayed on infected area. May even work on some types of feather plucking  conditions.

q       To clean up babies after feeding. Add 3 or 4 drops to about 5 to  8 ounces of warm water.

q       Use as a mold and fungus preventative on sprouting seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables. A few drops (about 20 to 30) added to rinse water or 32 ounce spray bottle will get rid of any bacteria and prevent mold and fungus growth.

q       As an antibacterial spray for perches, cages and other cleaned surfaces or all purpose cleaner. Also, use solution for presoaking cages, etc. Mix a strong solution of 1 tablespoon  GSE concentrate per 16 ounces water or 30 to 60 drops of concentrate per 32 ounce pump sprayer filled with water or cleanser.

q       As a dish and utensil cleaning additive. Mix 15 to 30 drops of GSE concentrate to dishwashing water or final rinse.

Copyright © 2001 Wanda Barras. All Rights reserved. WWW users are granted the right to download a single copy of this catalog and Mrs. Barras articles for archival on electronic media and/or conversion into a single printed copy for personal use. All commercial or educational use or reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited. It may not otherwise be reprinted or recopied, in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of Wanda Barras.

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