The health benefits of Lime essential oil can be attributed to its properties as a potentially antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, hemostatic, restorative, and tonic substance.
The essential oil of lime is extracted by cold compression of fresh lime peels or by steam distillation of its dried peels. The scientific name of lime is Citrus aurantifolia. It is composed of compounds like alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, cineole, linalool, borneol, citral, neral acetate, and geranyl acetate. Limes seem to be very well known across the world and are extensively used in pickles, jams, marmalades, sauces, squash, sorbets, desserts, beverages, cosmetics, and several other industrial products.
Health Benefits of Lime Essential Oil
Lime, like a lemon, is full of antioxidants and possibly other beneficial nutrients, as is its essential oil. Let’s explore the more specific health benefits that lime essential oil can provide.
May Treat Infections
The lime essential oil may have some antiseptic properties, and it can treat infections and might even protect against their development. When externally applied, lime oil can cure infections of the skin and wounds. When consumed, it can effectively help to treat some infections which may include infections of the throat, mouth, colon, stomach, intestines, and urinary system. It can be miraculously effective in curing sores, gangrene, psoriasis, ulcers, rashes, carbuncles, and other similar problems. It can be used to even treat viral infections of the respiratory system, including bronchitis. It can also be effective in fighting other viral infections which may include flu, mumps, coughs, colds.
May Prevent Viral Infections
This essential oil can help to fight and protect against viral infections which may cause the common cold, mumps, pox, and similar diseases.
Lime essential oil smells just like freshly sliced limes. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Can Relieve Toothaches
As it can be used as an astringent, lime essential oil may also help in relieving toothaches, strengthening the grip of gums on the teeth, and may protect them from falling out. It can also tighten loose muscles and may give a feeling of firmness, fitness, and youth. This property might also be used to cure diarrhea. The final important benefit of astringents is their plausible ability to stop hemorrhaging by contracting blood vessels.
May Increase Appetite
The very smell of lime oil is mouthwatering. In small doses, it can serve as an appetizer or an aperitif. It can also activate the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach before you even start eating and may increase your hunger and appetite.
Can Treat Bacterial Infections
Lime essential oil is a good bactericide. It can be used in the treatment of food poisoning, diarrhea, typhoid, all of which are caused by bacteria. Furthermore, it might cure internal bacterial infections like those in the colon, stomach, intestines, urinary tract, and perhaps as well as external infections on the skin, ears, eyes, and in wounds. [1]
Potentially Effective Disinfectant
Perhaps, lime oil is also known for its disinfectant properties. If added to food, it may protect it from getting spoiled through infection by microbes. When consumed, it can cure the microbial infections in the colon, urinary tract, kidneys, and genitals. When applied externally, it may protect the skin and wounds from infections and might help them heal quickly. It can also be used in a diluted state for applying on the scalp. This can strengthen the hair and might protect it from various infections which may include lice.
May Reduce Fever
Fever is just a symptom that shows the immune system of our body is fighting against infections or various unwanted substances. Thus, fever almost always accompanies infections, such as colds, viral infections, bacterial infections and infections on wounds, liver malfunctions, pox, boils, allergies, and arthritis. Lime essential oil, since it can be a potentially antiallergenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, cicatrizant, fungicidal and antiseptic substance, might help cure the cause of fever and maybe even eventually reduce it, thereby acting as a possible febrifuge. [2]
Can Promote Blood Coagulation
An agent that can stop bleeding, either by promoting the coagulation of blood or by means of contracting the blood vessels, is considered a hemostatic. Lime oil can be considered a hemostatic, by virtue of its potentially astringent properties, which can help to reduce hemorrhaging by contracting the blood vessels.
May Restore Health
This oil can serve as a restorative by possibly restoring health and strength to organ systems throughout the body. This can be quite similar to the effect of a tonic and can be very good for those who are recovering from extended bouts of illness or injury.
Might Prevent Signs of Aging
Lime essential oil can tone up muscles, tissues, and skin as well as the various systems that function in the body, which may include the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems. This tonic effect can help to retain youth, perhaps for a long time, and may prevent the appearance of aging symptoms which may include hair loss, wrinkles, age spots, and muscle weakness.
Other Benefits
Apart from having the medicinal properties discussed above, it can act as an antidepressant and antiarthritic substance. It can reduce pain in the muscles and joints and is a very good antioxidant. [3]
Word of Caution: In very rare cases, this oil can cause photosensitivity if exposed directly to the strong sun after application.
Blending: Lime essential oil blends well with the essential oils of Clary Sage, Lavender, Neroli, and Ylang-Ylang oil.
