Plant name: Lime
Latin name: Citrus aurantifolia
Parts used: fruit peel
Family: Rutaceae
Although its origins might not be certain, many believe lime comes from jungles of Myanmar and India and was brought to Europe by early Arab traders. Today, lime is cultivated throughout many warm climates around the world. When expressed, squeezed or distilled lime releases a strong and fresh citrusy smell that is energising for our body and mind.
Research has shown that “its components have antioxidant potential to stabilise free radicals, and antimicrobial potential to inhibit the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms.”1
Extracted or steam distilled?
Lime essential oil can be cold extracted or steam distilled, however, cold extracted lime essential oil can cause allergic reaction on skin when exposed to sunlight if not used properly due to its phototoxic character. Steam distilled lime essential oil might be safer option for unexperienced user. By steam distillation we aim at “obtaining a mixture of bioactive compounds with benefit properties”2 from the young limes peel’s volatile compounds. The steam enables the peels of the limes to release it’s odour.
What are Lime essential oil benefits for my skin and health?
Research has shown that “its components have antioxidant potential to stabilise free radicals, and antimicrobial potential to inhibit the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms.”3
For your skin:
When applied properly diluted, lime essential oil can tighten, cleanse excess oil and lighten the skin as well as adding shine to your hair. This is due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic and soothing effects.
For your health:
Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties can help with pain relief or digestion. “In folk applications, limes were used to relieve common cold, flu, and other diseases.”4
For your mood:
Ideal for aromatherapy with a diffuser or for a massage for mental alertness. The tart but sweet invigorating fragrance of lime can help with stress, anxiety and uplifting mood.
Essential oil safety:
Essential oils are very concentrated and potent ingredients that might create a severe allergic reaction if not used properly. It is important to remember that the dosage maximum varies for each type of essential oil, between brands and also for different batches sold of the same brand. Each time you buy a pure essential oil check with your chosen brand what are the dosages recommended and never apply any essential undiluted on your skin.
Feeling like energising and fresh scent for the day? Lime essential oil in our products.
Sources:
1. M.R.Cruz-ValenzuelaM.R.Tapia-RodríguezF.J.Vazquez-ArmentaB.A.Silva-EspinozaJ.F.Ayala-Zavala,
Chapter 61 - Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) Oils, Essential Oils in Food Preservation, Flavor and Safety
2016, Pages 531-537,
2. Idem
3. Idem
4. Idem
5. PatríciaWeimerabJosué GuilhermeLisbôa MouraaVanessaMossmannaMônica LuizaImmigcJulianade CastilhosdeRochele CassantaRossi, Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm) Swingle: Biological potential and safety profile of essential oils from leaves and fruit peels, Food Bioscience Volume 40, April 2021, 100905, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429221000304
6. All about the Lime Essential Oil, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429221000304
7. Li-Yun Lin,1,*Cheng-Hung Chuang,2Hsin-Chun Chen,3 and Kai-Min Yang, Lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) Essential Oils: Volatile Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Hypolipidemic Effect, Foods. 2019 Sep; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770194/
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