Lime essential oil is a skin rejuvenator superstar, having excellent firming effects, making it a great skin revitaliser, and is also ideal for mature skin. Lime is also known for its detoxifying properties and is especially good for reducing the signs of cellulite. 

Lime’s history: Originating in Southeast Asia, limes were introduced into Egypt & Northern Africa around the 10th century. They were then introduced into Spain around the 13th century & spread from there throughout the rest of Europe. We have Columbus to thank for taking these beautiful fruits with him in 1493 on his second voyage where they were cultivated in the warm Caribbean climate. Limes were used extensively by British explorers & known for the their high vitamin C content and for preventing scurvy.

Lime is a wonder oil and can aid with the following:

• Aids with easing tonsillitis, throat infections & influenza
• Combats viral & bacterial infections
• Eases muscle spasms
• Combats chronic fatigue & mental exhaustion
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
• Cleanses & disinfects minor wounds 

How to use Lime essential oil

• Diffuser: Use lime essential oil in the diffuser and inhale for its sedative properties, its citrusy fragrance acts as a tonic and enhances our mood & well-being.
• In the bath: add a few drops of lime to your bath to relieve stress (and smell nice too) and help reduce nasal congestion.
• Helps to Alleviate Toothache Pain: An influx of bacterial growth within a decaying tooth can cause horrible toothache, the astringent properties of lime essential oil can help to reduce toothache until you can get to your dentist.
• Reducing dark spots: Lime essential oil is loaded with antioxidants, which help in softening & reducing the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Age spots in particular and scarring can lightened with the healing properties of lime. Also effective in smoothing out lines, softening wrinkles & improving overall skin tone. Add a few drops to your face moisturiser for best results.
• Prevents viral infections: Lime has antiseptic properties that help the body fight and heal infections, so diffusing a few drops in the home during the wintery flu & cold seasons helps keep the home & family clean and healthy.
• Fights acne: Add a few drops to your facial cleanser. The astringent and antibacterial properties of lime essential oil can help to stop blemishes and acne breakouts.
• Aromatherapy & disinfecting room spray: Add a few drops of lime to a spray bottle to make an aromatic air freshener that can eliminate bacteria, and a few drops of Lemon & mint can be added as well for disinfecting qualities.

Botanical name:  Citrus aurantifolia

Family:  Rutaceae

Origin: Italy

Aroma characteristics: Citrusy, sharp, tangy & tart

 

Therapeutic properties

• anti-microbial • antiseptic • astringent • anti-viral • digestive • cholagogue (promotes the discharge of bile from the system)• depurative (purifier) • restorative • tonic

Therapeutic uses

• Digestive problems 
• loss of appetite 
• detoxifying 
• cellulite 
• throat infection 
• tonsillitis
• sore throat 
• influenza
• lethargy
• chronic fatigue 
• mental exhaustion 
• intestinal parasites.

All the essential oils highlighted in this column are available at The Emporium of the Enchanted Forest (inside the VaVa Yoga Studio) or online, and you can explore our Apothecary and discuss any questions you may have with me, Ashlí.

Lime

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