Lime Essential Oil

Purely Essential Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) essential oil is invigorating, cleansing, and purifying with a fresh, vibrant yet sweet, citrus scent. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-aging, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Lime essential oil’s antioxidant properties help combat free radicals and oxidative stress. It aids in the reduction of acne, ageing indicators like fine lines, sun spots, and wrinkles, and its astringent characteristics help keep the skin tight and enhance a clearer appearance.
It can assist in the lightening of skin tone, as well as balancing skin complexion due to the high levels of vitamin C, carotenes and enzymes.
Lime essential oil is cleansing and helps promote healthy hair growth and strengthen the hair follicles by providing them with needed nutrients. In addition, the citric acid found in lime essential oil can help remove dead skin cells from the scalp, which allows for new and healthy hair growth.
Lime essential oil is known for its antiviral properties and this can make it an effective natural remedy for symptoms of cold and flu. Due to its high limonene content, its believed to boost the immune system when inhaled.
Lime essential oil contains high ester substances so that has pharmacological effects such as natural analgesic effects to relieve muscle pain. When used in massage application, it has seen beneficial results in reducing cellulite and fluid retention. Studies have found that Lime essential oil used as topical massage therapy oil is better for accelerating the DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness). It has also been suggested to help improve rheumatism, arthritis and poor circulation.
The antibacterial properties of Lime essential oil along with its fresh scent makes it a wonderful ingredient in home cleaning. You can add a few drops of this oil to your current household cleaners, or use it to make your own natural cleaning products. Lime essential oil can cut through tough grease, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in kitchen cleaning products. It can also be used to remove unpleasant room smells in DIY air fresheners, or in aromatherapy diffusers and in a oil warmer/burner.
Lime essential oil is known for its healing benefits which can be attributed to anti-inflammatory, astringent, analgesic, stimulant, antiseptic, soothing and energising properties. You can use it diluted to treat minor cuts, scrapes, burns and chilblains. Lime essential oil is phototoxic, so always use it at low dilutions (the recommended dermal maximum is 0.7%).
In aromatherapy, Lime essential oil has been purported to have an uplifting quality that helps alleviate stress, uplift mood, combat feelings of lethargy and promote a sense of well-being.
The major constituents of Citrus aurantiifolia are limonene (58.4%), Ɓ-pinene (15.4%), Ɓ-terpinene (8.5%), and citral (4.4%).

Suggestions for Use:

Add 3-7 drops of lime essential oil to diffuser (depending on size of the water chamber), or sufficient amount to oil warmer/burner.

Add a few drops to the corner of your shower for inhalation benefits.

To help treat minor skin problems, add 4-8 drops to 50ml carrier oil of choice and apply to affected area(s).

For a relaxing and invigorating bath, add 20-30 drops to water.

Add a few drops to your shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, body/hand lotion and/or face cream to enhance skin and hair health… or make your own DIY skin/hair care products with lime essential oil.

Simply mix a few drops in your moisturiser or lotion and apply as usual, or you can create your own DIY product.

To help ease muscle and joint soreness, add 7-10 drops of lime essential oil to 50ml carrier oil of choice.

For a natural room/fabric spray, mix 10-15 drops of lime essential oil to ½ cup of vodka/witch hazel. Mix in 1 cup warm water then pour into a glass spray bottle and shake well before use.

For a natural surface cleaner, mix 6-10 drops of Lime essential oil to 200ml white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 400ml cup water in a large bowl or pouring jug. Pour the mixture into a reusable spray bottle and shake gently. Spray onto hard surfaces and wipe with a damp cloth (not to be used on marble or hardwood).

Cautions:

Do not ingest.

Avoid using near eyes.

Keep out of reach of children.

Keep out of direct sunlight.

Avoid using topically during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.

Discontinue use of any essential oil if you experience skin, stomach or respiratory irritation or discomfort.

Due to its citrus nature, Lime essential oil may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid extended direct sunlight or UV exposure for up to 24 hours after topical use.

Always dilute Lime essential oil before topical application, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.