Limes have a long history of use for health, most notably for scurvy in the 18th and 19th century due to their high vitamin C content. Did you know that Lime essential oil (Citrus aurantifolia), derived from the lime fruit, also contains antioxidants and can benefit the body in many ways? Lime oil is also a popular ingredient in cosmetics, skincare products, and also used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
Lime is a citrus fruit that is related to the lemon. There are several varieties of lime but it is most commonly a hybrid of citron and pummelo. The lime fruit is green or yellow, and the juice is sour. Lime essential oil is usually extracted from the peel of the fruit by cold pressing.
Lime aroma is a citrusy, tart smell, that is refreshing, uplifting, and calming, all at the same time! In aromatherapy, its scent is often used to invigorate the mind, enhance focus, uplift the spirit, and improve mood.
How does lime essential oil benefit the body?
The properties of this versatile essential oil can benefit our health in many ways. I have used lime essential oil to:
- Promote a positive mood with limes uplifting and happy aroma
- As an air freshener and for odor control
- Scent cleaning products and personal care products
- In my skin care routine for its skin cleansing properties
- For my hair health
- For general health benefits and immune system support as it may contain antioxidants
- As a flavor boost in any food recipe that calls for lime
Did you know lime essential oil has been studied for its antioxidant capacity? This study summarizes that "Lime Essential Oil exhibits potent DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity" This can make lime essential good for general wellness support.
Lime essential oil has also been studied "as a natural antimicrobial preservative" in food.
How to use lime essential oil
Lime essential oil can be used in a variety of ways – it can be added to skincare products, diffused in a aromatherapy diffuser, or applied topically with a carrier oil, or added to food recipes for antioxidant health benefits. Next time you reach for a bottle of lime juice or zest, consider the benefits of using lime essential oil as well. Your body – and your taste buds – will thank you.
Is lime essential oil safe for skin?
Yes, but take care with topical application of lime. As a citrus essential oil, lime oil should not be applied to skin that is exposed to sunlight, as it can cause phototoxicity, which means it can increase your skins sensitivity to sunlight. If applying during the day, apply underneath clothing or add to your personal care products at night before bedtime. I have used lime essential oil in my natural shampoo at night by simply adding a drop to the dollop I squeeze out in my palm. This gives me an 'all night diffuser aroma' coming straight from my hair! This also works well by adding a drop to your natural body wash.
You can also use the aroma of lime to relax at the end of the day and rejuvenate your body with a lime bath! Simply add about 5 drops of lime essential oil to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts and dissolve in your bath water. The Epsom salts help to disperse the lime in the bath water.
When using lime essential oil topically, it is important to mix it with a carrier oil before applying directly to the skin. My favorite carrier oil is fractionated coconut oil, which is simply coconut oil processed to stay liquid and have no odor. It's light, absorbs well, and is non greasy. You can use any carrier oil you like though, such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil. You can also add a few drops of lime essential oil to your favorite all natural lotion, moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner.
One of my favorite ways to use lime essential oil is by diffusing it in an essential oil diffuser. Diffusing essential oils can be a great way to unwind after a long day, promote better sleep, and purify the air. In fact, many people find that using a diffuser is one of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
When used in a diffuser, the aroma of lime essential oil can help to uplift the mood and create a sense of happiness. Lime essential oil is also known for its ability to promote creativity and clarity of thought, making it a great choice for use during meditation or prayer. Additionally, when used in aromatherapy, lime essential oil can be helpful in restoring balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
Essential oil diffusers are devices that disperse essential oils into the air. Diffusers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all work to release essential oils into the air. You can check out one of my favorite essential oil diffusers here.
Try some of my favorite lime oil blends below or make your own! Lime oil blends well with other citrus oils, lavender, neroli, and rosemary. I often interchange lime oil with other citrus essential oils in a blend if I don't have the particular essential oil the recipe calls for. Lime aroma will add an element of happiness to any blend!
Lovely Lime Time
3 drops lime
2 drops clary sage
1 drop vanilla
June Delight
2 drops lime
2 drops kunzea
2 drops citronella
Citrus Burst
2 drops lime
2 drops lemon
2 drops grapefruit
For even more lime essential oil diffuser blends, click HERE and
grab my free PDF of lime essential oil diffuser recipes!
Lime also makes a great flavor enhancer to food recipes! It will enhance the lime flavor of any dish that calls for lime. (Make sure you are using an essential oil labeled for ingestion, though, like Young Living's Vitality™ Lime, check it out HERE) I love to add a few drops to homemade guacamole and I love this "margarita popcorn" recipe!
1/4 cup coconut oil melted
5 drops Lime
salt to taste
Add the essential oil to the melted coconut oil, stir well, then drizzle over popped popcorn, and sprinkle with salt to taste. Yum!!
Lime essential oil has a host of benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. It's a great choice when you need an uplifting aroma or want to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
If you already have lime essential oil, add it to your diffuser today! If not, consider adding lime to your wellness product line by shopping HERE. (This is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission from your order at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business! I'm so excited to help you get started, that I'll connect with you once you order and send you something special!)
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