Lime is a small evergreen tree with drooping branches, oval leaves, white flowers and small green fruit. The essential oil is expressed from the peel of the nearly ripe fruit. Lime has clean, fresh, green top notes with slightly bitter, citrusy undertones.

Lime can be traced to warm tropical regions in Asia. Mexico, West Indies and parts of United States are now large lime producing regions. Presently, Mexican lime oil tops the production of lime essential oil, followed by Peru, Cuba and India. The use of lime juice as medication can be traced to sailors, at sea for long periods of time, using lime juice abundant in Vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

The oil is extracted either by being cold pressed or steam distilled; cold pressing is a better way to produce the oil because it preserves the compounds within the natural plant. The fruit itself is grown on an evergreen tree reaches 15 feet high with green leaves.

Limes have been a kitchen staple for centuries. It is believed that limes were first introduced to the Americas by 16th century Portuguese navigators. The lime soon became a favorite fruit, both for its therapeutic value and taste. Traditionally, lime has been used as a remedy for indigestion, heartburn, and nausea. It also has cooling effects on fevers, and can help ease coughs and various respiratory disorders. Lime oil is also useful as part of a beauty regimen, as its astringe properties help clear oily skin and acne. Plus, because lime oil also promotes good circulation, it is often used to help relieve varicose veins. Last but not least, lime oil has a wonderfully uplifting scent, with the power to uplift and re-energize the spirit.

The essential oil of lime is extracted by cold compression of fresh lime peels or by steam distillation of its dried peels. The essential oil of lime is composed of compounds like Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Terpinolene, Cineole, Linalool, Borneol, Citral, Neral Acetate and Geranyl Acetate. Across the world and are extensively used in pickles, jams, marmalades, sauces, squash, sorbets, desserts, beverages, cosmetics and a number of other industrial products.

The health benefits of lime essential oil is in its use as a antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, disinfectant, astringent, febrifuge or fever reducing agent, as well as its aperitif or appetite stimulant, haemostatic or in helping to stop bleeding, restorative and as a tonic. It is helpful in reducing fevers associated with colds, flu and sore throats, and it can help to ease coughs associated with bronchitis, sinusitis and other infections. It is also useful in helping with asthma. It has a benefit to the immune system by helping to ease infections associated with the respiratory tract and is helpful in relieving pain in the muscles and joints.

Benefit & Uses: Lime essential oil tones up muscles, tissues and skin as well as the various systems that function in the body, including the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and excretory systems. This tonic effect helps retain youth for a long time and prevents the appearance of aging symptoms like hair loss, wrinkles, age spots, and muscle weakness.

Lime oil acts as an antibacterial agent fighting off infections. Respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis may also find relief through lime essential oil. The astringent effect of lime essential oil finds its use in cosmetic products aimed at treating acne and acne scars. Lime essential oil may repel mosquitoes and other bugs making it an important ingredient in citronella candles and topical lotions that repel mosquitoes.

Lime essential oil can help with blood pressure, dissolving cellulite, energy, gallstones, sore throats, air purification, nervous conditions, flu, muscle cramps, memory improvement, fevers, anxiety, broken capillaries, leukocyte formation, and lymphatic system, cleaning skin, water purification, nails and hair. It’s also helpful in removing oil and grease spots and wood stain.

Children will experience asthma relief by directly inhaling lime. Use a diffuser, drop oil in cupped hand and inhale, or make a tea and inhale the steam as it evaporates.