Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is in the citrus family of essential oils and comes primarily from the Ivory Coast (South Asia). It is cultivated in Florida, the West Indies, and Central America and Italy. We get the oil through cold expression of the peel of the unripe fruit. The lime tree is a citrus tree that grows to about 15 feet high. It has stiff sharp spines, smooth ovate leaves and small white flowers. The bitter fruit is a pale green color about half the size of a lemon. In the past, lime was often used indiscriminately in place of lemon which has many of the same healing properties. It has been used primarily for skin care and in supporting and strengthening the respiratory and immune systems. Lime was used for fevers, infections, sore throat, colds, etc.
How Can Lime Help Us Today?
Much as in the past, lime oil can be used for skin care like acne, brittle nails, boils, corns, cuts, greasy skin, herpes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, spots, varicose veins and warts. It can also help with arthritis, cellulitis, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, obesity (congestion), poor circulation and rheumatism. For the respiratory system, it may help asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, and for the digestive system, it may ease painful swallowing. Lime can be taken internally in capsules, can be diluted 50-50 then applied on location, can be applied to the chakras and vita flex points, directly inhaled or diffused. Lime blends well with orange blossom, citronella, lavender, lavandin, rosemary, clary sage and other citrus oils. As for safety, lime is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. However, it is a phototoxic oil meaning you should not use it on your skin and then expose it to UV rays of the sun or tanning bed.
Author:Linda Lee Smith
Want to learn more about the healing properties of lime and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. The Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy teaches classes throughout the United States.
By Going to my web site: http://www.ISHAhealing.com and signing up for our free monthly newsletter, you can receive a free gift: 5 Monographs on Biblical Oils. These oils include Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Spikenard and Balsam Fir. While you are at our web site, check out our aromatherapy program and our program in Christian energy healing.
From Linda L. Smith, director of the Institute of Spiritual Ministry and Aromatherapy, Inc.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Essential-Oils—Lime—Not-Your-Ordinary-Citrus-Fruit&id=1025117
