Information on Lime essential oil
Lime essential oil is extracted from Citrus x aurantifolia (also known as Citrus medica var. acida and C. latifolia) of the Rutaceae family and is also known as Mexican and West Indian lime, as well as sour lime.
Lime Essential Oil, a clear smelling citrus oil, can help lift depression and lighten your mood when feeling blue. It is used to fight cellulite and to tone the skin in general.
Oil Properties
Lime Essential Oil has a sharp, citrus peel smell and is pale yellow to light olive in color.
Origin
Originally from Asia, it is now cultivated in most warm countries, especially Italy, the West Indies and the Americas.
It is an evergreen tree growing up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) high with smooth, green leaves, stiff sharp spines and small, white flowers.
The fruit is green and although there are many varieties they usually measure about two inches in diameter.
It was introduced into Europe by the Moors and from there it migrated to the Americas.
Ships transporting it were called ‘lime juicers’ and ship crews depended on it to prevent scurvy, because of the vitamin C content (although Limes are not as high in vitamin C as lemons).
The colloquialism ‘Limey’ for a British sailor comes from their use of limes instead of lemons to prevent the outbreak of scurvy on their vessels.
It is used to flavor ginger ale and cola drinks, and also used in the perfume industry.
Extraction
Lime Essential Oil can be extracted by expression or by distillation – the peel of the unripe skin by cold expression or the peel and /or the whole ripe fruit by steam distillation.
Our lime oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fruit rinds and since it is distilled it does not have a photo toxic effect on the skin.
Chemical composition
The main constituents in the distilled Lime Essential Oil are (+)-Limonene + 1.8-cineole, α-Terpineol, γ-Terpinene. Terpinolene, 1,4-Cineole, β-Pinene, ρ-Cymene, Terpinen-1-ol
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of lime oil are antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, restorative and tonic.
Uses
Lime Essential Oil is beneficial to the immune system, easing infection in the respiratory tract and relieving pain in muscles and joints, while revitalizing a tired mind and banishing the feeling of apathy, anxiety and depression.
Precautions
Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing if the oil is obtained by steam extraction, yet the oil obtained from cold expression can cause photo-sensitivity in strong sunshine and can irritate the skin.
As with most essential oils, this essential oil should be kept in a dark and cool place and should be stored in an airtight glass bottle (Preferably in the fridge at a temperature of around 4° Celsius / 39° Fahrenheit).
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Uses
Lime Essential Oil is useful to cool fevers associated with colds, sore throats and flu and aids the immune system while easing coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as helping for asthma.
Lime oil can stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with depression.
It can be helpful for arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation, as well as for obesity and cellulite and has an astringent and toning action to clear oily skin and acne, and also helps with herpes, insect bites and cuts.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, lime oil can be used to lift depression and energize a tired mind, while easing breathing and assisting the digestion.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
Lime oil can be used as a massage oil or diluted in the bath, to help with painful muscles and joints, respiratory problems and cellulite, as well as when colds and flu strike.
Blended in a Cream
When used in a cream or lotion, it is helpful to clear oily congested skin and is also often used to help fight cellulite and remove the cottage cheese effect from the skin.
Suggested Dilution Rates for Lime essential oil (Distilled)
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.25% to 0.5%
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2 %
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Blends
Although most essential oils blend well with one another, Lime oil blends particularly well with Neroli, Lavender, Clary Sage and Ylang-ylang.
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