Lime - (Mexican and West Indian lime) Citrus aurantifolia
Lime is used in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments such as, bilious headaches, brightening dull hair and detoxifying the body.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Botanical Classification: Family Rutaceae
Genus and specie: Citrus aurantifolia
Other names:
Sour lime as well as Mexican or West Indian lime.
Description of the herb lime:
It is a small tree with light green, ovate leaves and white flowers, followed by ovoid green fruits with a sour pulp.
Parts used:
Leaves, fruit, peel and oil are used.
Properties:
It has cooling and astringent properties.
Therapeutic uses:
Internal use:
Internally, with leaves infused as a herbal tea, it is helpful for bilious headaches. The fresh juice is also used to counter diarrhea.
External use:
In folklore lime is sometimes used externally to lighten the skin, but can be irritating and should be avoided. A few drops can be added to the final rinse water while washing hair to brighten otherwise dull hair.
Aromatherapy and essential oil use:
Lime essential oil will energize a tired mind, while banishing apathy and anxiety. It stimulates the digestive system, detoxifies the body, cools fevers and is useful in treating rheumatic pain. On the skin, it has an astringent action and helps to clear congested skin and stems bleeding from minor cuts. The therapeutic properties of lime oil are antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, restorative and tonic.
Safety precautions and warnings:
Lime oil can cause phototoxicity if the skin is exposed to sunlight after application, but this effect is not found in oil obtained by cold expression.
