Lime Essential Oil : Health Benefits and How to Use
Lime, whose botanical name is Citrus aurantifolia originated from Asia but could now be found in warm countries like the West Indies, the Americas and even Italy. At one time, ship crews depended on it as an important source of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy.
Today, lime is much in demand in the perfume industry and is also used to flavor ginger ale and cola drinks.
The common method of extraction of lime essential oil is steam extraction and cold expression. Lime oil is light green in color with a hint of yellow or orange and has a thin consistency. It has a sharp smell akin to that of citrus peel.
Health Benefits
The main benefit of lime essential oil is in the strengthening of the immune system. At the same time it is excellent when it comes to cooling down fevers resulting from colds, flu and sore throat. It’s also beneficial for sinusitis, bronchitis and coughs.
Lime oil provides relief for arthritis, rheumatism and poor blood circulation. It can also be used to treat cuts, insect bites and herpes.
The oil offers relief for toothache and it acts to strengthen teeth and gums. Hemorrhages can be prevented with lime oil as it has a contacting effect on blood vessels.
Lime essential oil is also a good bactericide. It has been effectively used in the treatment of food poisoning, cholera, typhoid and diarrhea. It also works well for colon, stomach and urinary tract infections.
How to Use
In aromatherapy lime essential oil is used to produce a positive effect on the spirit and mind with its purifying, cleansing and renewing properties. It is said to have the ability to cleanse the aura.
Lime oil can be used via vapor therapy through burners and vaporizers. It combats depression and invigorates a tired mind. It also has the additional benefit of making breathing easier and also helps with digestion.
You can also blend lime oil with massage oil or use it in the bath. This will help in such conditions as sore muscles and joints. When used this way, it’s also excellent for respiratory problems and as relief for colds and flu.
Lime oil blended with cream or lotion, has a therapeutic effect on the skin. It helps keep cellulite at bay, cleanse oily, congested skin and also rid the skin of cottage cheese effect, not to mention acne.
Lime essential oil blends well with the essential oil of lavender, ylang-ylang, neroli and clary sage.
Precautions
There are no really proven adverse side effects in the use of lime essential oil. However, if it’s obtained through cold expression, it could cause photosensitivity if exposed to sunlight and could lead to skin irritation.
References
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lime-essential-oil.html - health benefits of lime
https://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/lime.htm - origin of, extraction methods of and how to use lime essential oil
Disclaimer
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