Lime Oil
Lime oil is extracted from the rind or the peel of unripe lime fruits. This shrubby tree is a member of the Rutaceae plant family. It is indigenous to Asia and is cultivated in many other countries in the world including West Indies, Mexico, North America, South America and Italy. Lime is an evergreen thorny tree that grows up to a maximum of 16 feet high. This tree has smooth green leaves that resemble orange leaves. These ovate leaves measure about 1 to 3.5 inches. Lime tree has sharp stiff spines. It bears small flowers that are yellowish-white in color with a purple tinge on the flower margins. These flowers measure about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are followed by the Lime fruits that have a sour taste. These fruits are green in color and measure about 2 inches in diameter. The flowers and fruits are found plenty during the months of May to September.
Lime oil is extracted from the rind of the unripe Lime fruits either by steam distillation method or by cold expression method. The oil extracted by cold expression might have a phototoxic effect on the skin. Lime oil blends well with clary sage oil, neroli oil, lavender oil and ylang-ylang oil. This oil is also used as a flavor in certain non-alcoholic drinks like cola, ginger ale etc.
Latin name: Citrus aurantifolia.
Alternative names: Key Lime, Sour Lime, Indian Lime, West Lime, Omani Lime, Mexican Lime, Bartender’s Lime.
Lime trees grow well with full sunlight to partial shade in well-drained soils. Propagation is usually carried out by sowing the seeds. The seeds should be kept in a moist condition until they are planted as the dried seeds might fail to germinate. Cuttings from the plant can also be used for cultivation. Lime oil contains neral acetate, terpinolene, borneol, linalool, myrcene, 1,8-ceneole, a-pinene, geranyl acetate, citral, b-pinene and limonene. This essential oil has aperitif, restorative, antiviral, tonic, febrifuge, bactericidal, disinfectant, antiseptic, astringent and haemostatic properties.
Uses: Lime oil is used to ease bronchitis, asthma, cough, cold, flu, sore throats, influenza, sinusitis and fever. This oil stimulates the mind and refreshes it. It enhances the function of the immune system and helps in treating poor blood circulation, arthritis, obesity, rheumatism, cellulite and obesity. Lime oil is also used in a wide range of creams and lotions focused on treating oily skin, acne, cellulite and few other skin disorders.
