Lime
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Citrus aurantifolia
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Rutaceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Italy, India, South America
PLANT PART
Fresh fruit rind
NOTE
Top
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Fresh, light, and citrus-like
GC/MS REPORT
MonoterpenesLimonene (45%); γ-terpinene (12%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
Limonene's known therapeutic properties include: antioxidant, skin penetration enhancer, and wound healing. γ-terpinene's known therapeutic properties include: antinociceptive, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and antiviral.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - helps relieve cold, flu, and throat infections as a strong antimicrobial agent. Skin care - astringent and antibacterial, good for treating acne and oily skin. Detoxification - helps detoxify liver and biliary congestion; treatment of fluid retention and cellulite. Digestive system - considered a digestive tonic and recommended for digestive problems.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Uplifting, refreshing; relieveing mental fatigue and poor concentration; helps eliminating pessimism, negative thoughts, low energy, and depression.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
Lime is a small evergreen tree believed to have originated in India and brought to South America by the Polynesians and to Persia, Egypt and Europe by the Arabs (together with the orange and lemon trees). In the sixeteenth century, Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought lime to North America. British vessels used to carry ample supplies of lime juice as prevention for scurvy outbreaks among sailors. Today, distilled lime is used extensively as flavoring agent for food and drinks.
SAFETY
Distilled lime is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing; no phototoxicity is reported unless the oil is cold pressed.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.