What does marmalade, cosmetics, disinfectant, cicatrizant, aperitif and febrifuge have in common? Answer? Limes!

Now, are some of you asking what the heck aperitif, cicatrizant, and febrifuge are? Well, it’s said that the essential oil of limes has properties that can stimulate appetite (aperitif), help in the forming of scar tissue (cicatrizant), and can reduce fever (febrifuge).

Extracted by the cold compression of fresh lime peels or by distilling dried peels with steam, lime essential oil is reported as an antioxidant, antiviral, antiseptic, and astringent — and those are just the characteristics that start with an “A.”

Some of the health benefits are:

• Treats, cures, or prevents viral and bacterial infections (tetanus, gangrene,
  psoriasis, ulcers, rashes, respiratory, typhoid, cholera)
• Cures toothaches (helps to tighten loose gums)
• Increases appetite (helps increases digestive juices)
• Reduces fever (combats the cause of infection as an antiallergenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, cicatrizant, fungicidal, and antiseptic substance)
• Promotes blood coagulation (as a hemostatic discourages hemorrhaging)
• Delays signs of aging (tones muscles, skin, and tissue)

Lime essential oil can be used topically or internally. When used topically, it helps the skin absorb antioxidants, reduce dark spots associated with aging, and can serve as an insect repellent. Like other citrus oils, lime can cause photo sensitivity when the skin is exposed to strong sunlight. The oil is potent, so it is advised to use it with a carrier oil when applying to the skin. Some use lime essential oil in the laundry or in a spray as a household air freshener.

Taken internally, lime essential oil can aid in digestion and detoxification, which may assist in weight management. When taking internally, it is suggested that you dilute the oil by placing one drop for every four ounces of liquid.

Diffusion is another way to use the oil. When diffusing, use 3-4 drops. Whether you use it to spice up a chicken recipe or mix with other oils as a moisturizer, remember it is concentrated, so little goes a long way.

For the most part, lime essential oil is very reasonably priced. There are a few brands that are more expensive than others, but most seem to be similar in price. Lime essential oil can be purchased at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts, or online from Amazon. Brands such as doTERRA and Young Living offer the oil as well.

Those who diffuse lime essential oil state it mixes well with Clary Sage, Lavender, Neroli, and Ylang Ylang essential oils. What follows is a simple DIY recipe using lime essential oil found on EssentialOilSanctuary.com.

Exhilarating Body Wash

Ingredients

• 30 drops lime EO
• 1 cup castile soap
• 4 tablespoons glycerin
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ¼ cup organic honey

Directions

• Mix all the ingredients.
• Pour the mixture into a glass bottle with a pump top.
• Shake gently before use in the bath or shower because ingredients separate.

Lime essential oil is a go-to if you are looking for something that will excite your senses and can be used as part of your beauty regimen. Used around the house for cooking, laundry, or as a remedy for multiple ailments, limes and lime essential oil seem to be something that will benefit most families. It is worth a try!

Botanical Name Citrus aurantifolia

Part Used
Fruit Peel

Extraction Method
Cold compression (fresh lime peels)
Steam distillation (dried peels)

Fragrance
Citrus
Sweet
Tart

Price Point
Inexpensive

Properties
Antibiotic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, aperitif, astringent, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, restorative, tonic

Therapeutic Uses
Alcoholism, anorexia, anxiety, depression, fevers, headaches, mental clarity, rheumatism, sore throats, viral infections

Skincare Uses
Carbuncles, dandruff, gangrene, hands (beauty oil), oily to normal Skin, psoriasis, rashes, sores, ulcers

Complimentary Oils
Citronella, clary sage, rosemary, neroli, ylang-ylang and lavender

Possible Oil Substitutes
Lemon or Wild Orange

Safety Information
Photosensitivity – Cold pressed lime essential oil is phototoxic.

Information Sources

• The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy – Valerie Ann Worwood
• Green Beauty Recipes – Julie Gabriel
• https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/lime-essential-oil.html
• https://www.youngliving.com/blog/how-to-use-lime-essential-oil/
• http://essentialoilsanctuary.com/8-lime-essential-oil-benefits-uses-plus-14-recipes-tips-faq/

Candace Alike Smith is a Las Vegas-based content creator, womb warrior, and matcha enthusiast. Candace founded this site in 2015 to help women of color reclaim their vitality. Follow Candace’s content on holistic beauty, mental wellness, herbs and essential oils, non-toxic products, healthy libations, wellness travel, and self-reflection. Green is her happy color.

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