Hello all!
With the sun still shining and the weather being deliciously hot, I continue to find myself drawn to citrus oils, especially Lime essential oil. Lime, as well as Grapefruit are by far two of our favorite citrus oils. Lime essential oil also goes by the name Citrus Aurantofolia and has quite a sharp, almost fruity aroma. Think key lime pie in a bottle!
It’s believed that Limes originated in Northern India and have reached the west coast of South and Central America carried by the Polynesians.
Did you know? The transport ships were called ‘lime juicers’ and the crew on these ships depended on the fruit to prevent scurvy, because of the fruit’s high Vitamin C content.
This essential oil is quite well known in folklore for it’s ability to clear the mind, purify, and renew the spirit. So overall, it’s considered to be quite an uplifting and invigorating essential oil. Some say it is also useful in cleansing the aura.
When the peel is cold expressed, there is only a very small yield of oil. However when the whole fruit is distilled, the result is divided into three layers. Of those three layers, the middle is composed of the juice, while the top and bottom layers – which contain the essential oil – are re-distilled to obtain the final essential oil. At the end of the day, the expressed oil is far superior to the distilled oil.
Precautions: Expressed Lime oil (Persian) contains bergapten which makes it phototixic.
Compared to some other essential oils, I find that this essential oil doesn’t have quite as many uses. Most of it’s uses pertain to the skin, where it acts as an astringent, and is great for both oily and acne prone skin. As well as the immune system because it’s great for throat infections as well as being antiviral and antimicrobial. But let’s not forget how useful this oil can be for the mind! Being such a cheery and uplifting oil it’s amazing in helping to combat anxiety, depression, fatigue and promote alertness.
Until next time!
*Do you have a specific essential oil that you’d like to learn more about? Let us know, and you just might see it as one of our next features!*
We never, under any circumstances, suggest internal use or neat application of any essential oils. Essential oils, while a fantastic aid in your journey to a healthier you and a great addition to every day life, are extremely concentrated and must be treated with respect.