What are the benefits of Lime essential oil?
Our sense of smell is closely linked to a part of our brain that is responsible for our memories, so any aroma may provoke a memory with just one tiny sniff. Inhaling a citrus aroma inevitably makes you think of sunny days and will often bring a smile to your face! Lime, citrus aurantifolia, is a classic citrus essential oil. Fresh, sweet, and uplifting with a wonderful tart aroma. But what are the benefits of Lime essential oil?
Part of the Rutaceae family, the origin of Lime is not certain. All citrus fruits are believed to have originated from parts of Asia and India, and a fair few of them are natural hybrids. First introduced to Europe by early Arab traders, Limes are now cultivated throughout many warm-climate countries and grow natively in South America. Tisserand Aromatherapy's Organic Lime essential oil comes from Sri Lanka and is steam distilled from the peel of the fruit.
In Aromatherapy, Lime is used in many ways, including as an antiseptic, a tonic, a digestive aid, and an emotional uplifter. It can be emotionally refreshing, revitalising the mind and boosting mental energy. All citrus essential oils are associated with sunshine, helping us feel bright and uplifted! Lime can be cleansing for the body as well as the mind, immune-boosting and supportive for the body's systems during and after illnesses like colds and flu. Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties also make it a great skin cleanser for congested, oily and acne-prone skin.
Like all the citrus family, Lime essential oil can be used for cleaning around the home thanks to its antibacterial, cleansing and purifying properties. It is found in many natural household cleaners and brings a fresh, zingy aroma to your chores!
Lime is a versatile essential oil that will bring a sweet note to any blend. It blends well with Black Pepper, Juniper Berry and Lemon but goes particularly well with any floral, woody or spicy essential oils and will soften more medicinal aromas.
Like all citrus fruits, Lime is a classic ‘top note’ essential oil, meaning that it has a high volatility rate and will evaporate quickly. This means that when using a citrus essential oil in a blend, you will need more of that essential oil for the aroma to last. It also means it has a short shelf life, so it's best to use your citrus essential oils within 12 months of opening them.
You also need to be aware of how your Lime essential oil is obtained, as there are two different ways. Cold Pressed/Expressed Lime is phototoxic, meaning that at certain levels in a blend, it will cause the skin to burn when exposed to ultraviolet light/sunshine. But distilled Lime is NOT Phototoxic, meaning that it doesn’t carry a ‘phototoxic’ warning. At Tisserand, our Lime is distilled and, therefore, NOT phototoxic.
Here are some blends for you to try at home.
To your Aroma Spa diffuser, add the following drops:
3 drops of Lime Citrus aurantifolia
3 drops of Grapefruit Citrus paradisi
2 drops of Cardamom Elettaria cardamom
This wonderful, energising, revitalising blend is perfect for when you need a ‘pick me up’.
To 20ml of Jojoba blending oil, add the following drops:
1 drop of Lime Citrus aurantifolia
1 drop of Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
2 drops of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
Take a small amount of the blend and massage it into your face at night after cleansing.
To 20ml of blending oil, add the following drops:
4 drops of Lime Citrus aurantifolia
4 drops of Coriander Seed Coriandrum sativum
2 drops of Ginger Zingiber officinale
Massage over the abdomen in a clockwise direction around your navel to bring calm and relaxation to a nervous tummy.
You can also find Lime in our new Smell Training Collection! If your sense of smell has been lost or affected for two weeks or more, then this collection could help.
We are always interested to hear how you are using your essential oils, so please leave a comment below or on our social about how you use Lime essential oil.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
Origin & History
Part of the Rutaceae family, the origin of Lime is not certain. All citrus fruits are believed to have originated from parts of Asia and India, and a fair few of them are natural hybrids. First introduced to Europe by early Arab traders, Limes are now cultivated throughout many warm-climate countries and grow natively in South America. Tisserand Aromatherapy's Organic Lime essential oil comes from Sri Lanka and is steam distilled from the peel of the fruit.
Benefits of Lime essential oil
In Aromatherapy, Lime is used in many ways, including as an antiseptic, a tonic, a digestive aid, and an emotional uplifter. It can be emotionally refreshing, revitalising the mind and boosting mental energy. All citrus essential oils are associated with sunshine, helping us feel bright and uplifted! Lime can be cleansing for the body as well as the mind, immune-boosting and supportive for the body's systems during and after illnesses like colds and flu. Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties also make it a great skin cleanser for congested, oily and acne-prone skin.
Like all the citrus family, Lime essential oil can be used for cleaning around the home thanks to its antibacterial, cleansing and purifying properties. It is found in many natural household cleaners and brings a fresh, zingy aroma to your chores!
Lime is a versatile essential oil that will bring a sweet note to any blend. It blends well with Black Pepper, Juniper Berry and Lemon but goes particularly well with any floral, woody or spicy essential oils and will soften more medicinal aromas.
An added note -
Like all citrus fruits, Lime is a classic ‘top note’ essential oil, meaning that it has a high volatility rate and will evaporate quickly. This means that when using a citrus essential oil in a blend, you will need more of that essential oil for the aroma to last. It also means it has a short shelf life, so it's best to use your citrus essential oils within 12 months of opening them.
You also need to be aware of how your Lime essential oil is obtained, as there are two different ways. Cold Pressed/Expressed Lime is phototoxic, meaning that at certain levels in a blend, it will cause the skin to burn when exposed to ultraviolet light/sunshine. But distilled Lime is NOT Phototoxic, meaning that it doesn’t carry a ‘phototoxic’ warning. At Tisserand, our Lime is distilled and, therefore, NOT phototoxic.
Here are some blends for you to try at home.
Refreshing Diffuser Blend
To your Aroma Spa diffuser, add the following drops:
3 drops of Lime Citrus aurantifolia
3 drops of Grapefruit Citrus paradisi
2 drops of Cardamom Elettaria cardamom
This wonderful, energising, revitalising blend is perfect for when you need a ‘pick me up’.
Congested Skin Tonic Blend – suitable for the face
To 20ml of Jojoba blending oil, add the following drops:
1 drop of Lime Citrus aurantifolia
1 drop of Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
2 drops of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
Take a small amount of the blend and massage it into your face at night after cleansing.
Anxious Tummy Massage Blend
To 20ml of blending oil, add the following drops:
4 drops of Lime Citrus aurantifolia
4 drops of Coriander Seed Coriandrum sativum
2 drops of Ginger Zingiber officinale
Massage over the abdomen in a clockwise direction around your navel to bring calm and relaxation to a nervous tummy.
You can also find Lime in our new Smell Training Collection! If your sense of smell has been lost or affected for two weeks or more, then this collection could help.
We are always interested to hear how you are using your essential oils, so please leave a comment below or on our social about how you use Lime essential oil.
About Jo KellettOur essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
