Lime Essential Oil

Latin name: Citrus Aurantifolia

Plant part used: fruit peel

Source: Mexico

Extraction method: cold expression

The essential oil of lime is obtained from Citrus aurantifolia, also known as Mexican or West Indian lime, as well as sour lime. The oil is extracted from the peel of the unripe fruit by cold expression, or from the peel and/or the whole ripe fruit by steam distillation. Lime oil has a strong citrus scent that immediately lifts the mood when inhaled, and is pale yellow to light olive in color.

Lime oil, when used in an oil burner, stimulates a tired mind and helps relieve anxiety, apathy, and depression. It is useful for reducing fevers associated with colds, sore throats, and flu. It boosts immunity while relieving coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. It is said to be useful for arthritis, rheumatism, and poor circulation, as well as obesity and cellulite. This oil is good for the skin; it reduces oiliness and acne, and helps with herpes, insect bites, and cuts. However, oil obtained by cold expression (as opposed to steam distillation) can cause photosensitivity and irritate the skin.

Limes are native to Asia, but are now grown in most warm countries, such as Italy, the West Indies, and the Americas. A lime is green when unripe and ripens to yellow, and is usually about two inches in diameter. It was introduced to Europe by the Moors and from there spread to the Americas. Limes are said to have a lower vitamin C content than lemons. People often carried limes on long sea voyages to prevent sailors from becoming ill from vitamin C deficiency.