Shining the Limelight on Lime Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses, & More (Updated April 2020)

Just like all other citrus essential oils, lime essential oil is known to be a powerful support for your immune system because of its potent supply of vitamin C. The lime fruit may be famous for being a garnish for cocktails, but in its essential oil form, it can work wonders for your health.

As a member of the citrus family, lime shares many of its qualities with its cousins, which include lemon, orange, and grapefruit. However, there’s a reason they’re called “cousins” and not, say, siblings or twins.

Each of these zesty fruits has one or two things unique to them, and we’re here to explore just what sets lime apart and how this translates into the essential oil extracted from it.

Here on Aroma Foundry, we are dedicated to finding the most reliable sources of essential oils. Our goal is to put quality and purity together and bring these all-natural and authentic essential oils right to your doorstep.

lime essential oil

We did a side-by-side comparison with two of the world's biggest essential oil brands.

essential oil brands

The History of Lime Essential Oil

For centuries, lime has been used in Chinese medicine to promote the digestion of fats and to improve the absorption of nutrients. Lime can help food and fluids pass through the stomach tracts more smoothly. According to Chinese medicine, this results in the detoxification of the body by way of flushing, as well as in the improvement of the flow of the body’s energy via the purification of blood.

Various species of lime are now being grown in all the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, so it is hard to imagine that this fruit was once indigenous only in parts of the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asian countries.

It’s a testament to its hardiness that after being introduced to Europe – and then the Americas via Africa and the Mediterranean – it has continued to prosper and propagate. It was even able to cross with other species to create natural hybrids.

A hybrid is exactly what Citrus aurantifolia is, and Mexican lime—also known as Key lime of the sumptuous pie fame—is possibly the most widely used lime variety today.

A recent study has shown that lime and its essential oil can be beneficial in facilitating weight loss. Lime can curb hunger pangs or cravings in people suffering from medication-induced obesity and other similar conditions.

Another study compared the chemical components of the distilled essential oil of Key limes grown in Mexico and the essential oil of limes from elsewhere. A whopping number of 33 compounds out of the 98 identified “have not been previously reported for Key lime oil.”

We can all take from these what we will, but we can safely say that lime essential oil has a lot more to offer than any of us may realize.

buy essential oils

Uses and Benefits of Lime Essential Oil

Chemical analysis of lime essential oil reveals that its main active component is limonene. This compound is commonly found in citrus peels and in some other plants. This explains why lime essential oil can potentially help promote weight loss, which is one of the effects that limonene is known for.

From this component of lime essential oil alone, we can already expect multiple benefits. Lime essential oil, however, has 21 other active components, and like limonene, they each have more than one use. Let’s go and explore some of these uses and benefits in terms of their collective effects.

lime essential oil benefitsThe benefits of lime essential oil are varied and certainly worth looking into.

 

1. Antiseptic

Lime essential oil is a highly effective disinfectant. It can be especially beneficial as a first aid treatment for wounds caused by rusty iron or anything soil-contaminated in order to help ward against tetanus. Just add one to two drops of lime essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil.

If you’re using lime essential oil that’s been produced through cold pressing, use only a fraction of a drop as this type tends to be a lot more concentrated. Dip a toothpick into the bottle—the resulting drop at the tip should just be enough.

Like we cover in the Precautions section, cold-pressed citrus essential oils are photosensitive, which means that they are highly reactive to any source of ultraviolet light, sunlight chief among them. As such, when using lime and other citrus essential oils topically, please refrain from going out into the sun for at least twenty-four hours and wear protective clothing.

 

2. Antibacterial

Lime essential oil may not only protect against infection, it may also fight infections that are already existing, whether they’re outside of the body or in. The list of skin conditions it can help treat includes acne, eczema, psoriasis, and sores.

If you lead an active lifestyle, however, and daily sun exposure is unavoidable, lime essential oil might not be the most suitable choice to help with facial skin issues. Other essential oils, tea tree essential oil, can be just as effective, if not more so.

You can reap the best benefits from lime essential oil by using it for internal complaints such as sore throat, diarrhea, and UTI, to name just a few. In most cases, all you’ll have to do is to add up to two drops of lime essential oil (steam distilled, please use much less for cold-pressed lime) to a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage it over the affected areas.

 

3. Antiviral

It’s viruses that are responsible for common illnesses like colds and influenza. Viruses are persistent and can be harder to get rid of than bacteria, which is why you often see people walking around for days or even weeks on end sniffing and coughing as if trapped in a neverending pollen season. In some cases, even seemingly innocuous infections like the flu can be fatal if left untreated.

Lime essential oil can not only help fight and kill viruses, it can also help protect you from catching them in the first place. As a citrus, it is rich in vitamin C which boosts the immune system. Its essential oil, meanwhile, has natural antiviral components which target infections at their root.

You can take advantage of lime oil through methods like steam diffusion, which would also be helpful for decongesting sinuses or the chest.

 

4. Antipyretic

As a natural antipyretic, lime essential oil can also serve to lower the body’s temperature while it attacks the cause of the fever. By adding up to two drops of lime oil to a quarter cup of distilled water, the extra-powerful steam produced could help induce sweating. 

This would then serve to cool the fever down while also flushing out toxins from within. Bask in this oil’s fragrance and essence for thirty minutes to an hour and repeat later if necessary.

cold-busting essential oils

5. Anticarcinogenic

Several studies have revealed lime essential oil’s great potential for inhibiting the growth of different types of cancer cells, including lymphoma, cancer of the breast, and cancer of the colon. Regular consumption of citrus fruits such as lime has also been found to have a strong correlation with lowered incidence of cancer among a large cohort of subjects aged 40–79 years.

Cancer research that specifically looks into the benefits of citrus essential oils have already produced some promising results and are still ongoing around the globe. We can expect to learn more about the anticarcinogenic effects of citrus fruits, among many others, in the future.

 

6. Astringent

Lime essential oil’s ability to act as an astringent has been known in the cosmetic industry for quite some time, which is why we often find it as one of the main ingredients of pore-refining and anti-aging products. 

Astringents are also often used to treat gum problems that often result in loose teeth. They help inhibit bacterial growth while tightening the blood vessels. As such, it can also help treat varicosity, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and eliminate cellulite.

For topical use, dilute one to two drops of lime essential oil with one tablespoon of a skin-friendly carrier oil like coconut. Rub over the affected areas up to twice a day. 

7. Antidepressant

Sharing the antidepressant properties of other citruses like orange and lemon, lime essential oil also works to help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression by lowering the heart rate and reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the main stress hormone.

In Chinese medicine, digestive stagnation is said to be one of the causes for the rise of negative emotions like irritability, frustration, and moodiness. Lime essential oil is used to reduce this stagnation because it’s believed to facilitate a steady and healthy flow of energy throughout the body.

Just pop a few drops in your citrus-safe diffuser and feel your body relax as the uplifting scent of lime melts your stress away.

8. Antimicrobial

Aside from helping rid and protect the body from bacteria and other infection-causing entities, lime essential oil’s property as a general antimicrobial makes it ideal for cleaning the air as well as household surfaces.

It also works great for scrubbing away stubborn and sticky grease and other types of residue. This is because citrus oils have high acidity that can melt grease away completely — disinfecting and giving off a fresh scent all the while.

 

9. Hemostatic

Hemostasis is the opposite of hemorrhage. It promotes blood coagulation in order to stem bleeding. As a hemostatic, lime essential oil has this effect.

This makes the oil ideal not just as a first aid treatment for wounds but also for helping to ease heavy menstrual flow in women. A heavy menstrual flow might be caused by an issue with the body’s hemostatic function.

 

10. Bronchodilatory

Lime essential oil can function as a bronchodilatory to help soothe the symptoms of bronchitis. Breathing in lime’s essence through steam diffusion may facilitate the relaxation of lung and throat muscles, widening the airway and allowing for easier breathing.

You can also mix up to two drops of steam distilled lime oil to a massage carrier oil and rub over the throat and chest. Please note that the skin around the neck area is also highly sensitive. Ensure proper coverage if sun exposure cannot be avoided, but it is advisable to keep away from UV rays for at least twenty-four hours after any topical application.

 

11. Depurative

A depurative is a substance that detoxifies the body by supporting the liver and the kidneys’ ability to flush out accumulated toxins, among other things. Lime essential oil’s main function in this regard is by aiding a healthy lymphatic circulation.

A clogged or stagnant lymphatic system results in the overburdening of the liver with toxins that have no way of getting flushed out. It often prompts the body to find other means of releasing them, such as through the skin.

Detoxifying is essential to promoting the good working order of all the systems in the body. One way to enable detoxification is by regularly practicing aromatherapy using depurative essential oils like lime.

As many traditional medicine practices around the world have found, can be quite helpful to the digestive system. The chemicals in lime may have appetite-suppressing effects when it comes to certain conditions. However, a few whiffs could also often result in the production of digestive acids in the stomach, which could in turn promote a good appetite, especially in the case of patients under recovery.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and as stated before, we may discover many more of lime essential oil’s properties as research on it advances. In the meantime, to make the most of lime’s effects, try blending it with other essential oils.

lime essential oil usesLearn how to best use lime essential oil.

Precautions

Essential oils in general are incredibly potent, and citrus-based essential oils can be even more so. Always use lime essential oil after proper dilution in carrier agents like coconut oil or olive oil. Before any extensive topical use, please perform a patch test on a non-sensitive part of the skin to ensure that you do not have adverse reactions.

It is important that you first understand how your essential oil had been distilled before putting them to use. In the case of a majority of citrus-based essential oils, there are two methods of distillation. The first is through cold pressing, or extracting the oil directly from the citrus peels.

The first method collects the oil that’s already naturally occurring in the fruits’ skins, and this largely accounts for the greater potency of cold-pressed citrus essential oils.

The second method is through steam distillation, and this is the standard process of essential oil making for any raw material. As the lime oil produced through this method is truly “essential,” it doesn’t come with any extra precautions.

Lime and other citrus essential oils that had been cold-pressed are photosensitive: when it’s already on the skin, exposure to UV rays or other strong sources of light may cause pigmentation, rashes, or other skin damage. Following topical application, avoid sun exposure for at least twenty-four hours and wear protective clothing.

The high acidity of lime and other citrus essential oil may also cause damage to some diffuser machines. Before diffusing, check with the manufacturers to see if citrus oil may be safely used with their product.

As with any other type of essential oil, avoid any contact with eyes or other mucous membranes. Keep away from children and pets, and refrain from using if you are pregnant, lactating, or undergoing medication unless cleared by a qualified professional.

 

Recipes

Lime Essential Oil Recipes, Uses, BenefitsThe numerous benefits of lime essential oil make it an ideal ingredient for scrubs and lotions. Photo Source: Pexels

 

Using lime essential oil it is a great way to spur your body’s natural cleansing mechanism. We found a few great ways for you to enjoy these benefits!

 

This is a great way for you to make full use of your time in the shower. All you’ll need are:

    • 40 drops of lime essential oil
    • 2 cups of sea salt OR brown sugar
    • 1 cup of coconut oil
    • A dark glass jar* for storage

Instructions:

    1. Over a double boiler, melt the coconut oil. Set aside and allow it to cool.
    2. Stir in the salt or sugar just enough to incorporate everything, not so much that the sugar melts.
    3. Blend in the drops of lime essential oil.
    4. Transfer to your glass jar and seal tightly when not in use.

This is a great way to treat the whole body to the detoxifying properties of lime essential oil. Slather onto your skin and gently rub dead skin cells away for a smoother, more glowing skin!

 

For another full-body treat to help you soothe tired muscles and relax your mind before hitting the sack, gather together:

    • 15 drops of lime essential oil 
    • 1 cup pf coconut oil
    • ¼ cup avocado oil OR olive oil 
    • A dark glass* lotion dispenser for storage

Instructions:

    1. Place all the ingredients in a bowl and beat together either by hand or using an electric beater set on “whip.”
    2. Keep beating for 3–5 minutes, or until you’ve attained a light and fluffy consistency.
    3. Transfer to your glass lotion dispenser and apply all over the body before bedtime.

And there you have it! Enjoy these aromatic treats and reap all of lime essential oil’s benefits in one sweep. Just keep in mind that the measurements for lime oil used here are strictly for the steam-distilled kind.

For cold-pressed lime essential oil, you’ll need a lot less, and you'll also have to exercise due caution after every application as this type is reactive to UV light. Refrain from going out in the sun for at least twenty-four hours if cold-pressed lime—or any other citrus—essential oil was used.

Important note: Due to the high acidity and photosensitivity of lime and other citrus essential oils, they should not be stored in a container that can easily be eaten through, like plastic or ordinary bottles.

They must also be protected from the sun and other strong sources of radiation. Prolonged exposure could lead to oxidation, making your essential oil unsafe for further use.


Check out a variety of essential oils you can use in these recipes.

buy essential oils

 

Summary

Lime is often overshadowed by its more famous cousins, but it isn’t any less great because of that. Lime essential oil offers benefits that other citrus might not have, or only in smaller quantities. For instance, while it’s been known to stimulate appetite in patients undergoing recovery from illnesses, it has also shown a surprising and promising capability to suppress cravings that can be useful for treating medication-induced obesity.

Used in Chinese medicine for centuries, it is believed to promote the balance of all the body’s systems by keeping energy flow from stagnating. While modern medicine hasn’t yet learned all there is to find out about essential oils, those of us who’ve already experienced its myriad of benefits can all safely sit at the side and wait the answers out—after all, they might just turn out to be mere confirmations of what we already know.

Here at Aroma Foundry, the quality of the raw materials used and the standards by which they are made are of topmost priority. The limes for our essential oil is sourced from Mexico and is guaranteed to be 100% pure and all-natural. Give it a try and be cleansed from the inside out.

 

References

  1. Loren. "8 Lime Essential Oil Benefits & Uses (Plus 14 Recipes, Tips & FAQ) -." Essential Oil Sanctuary. October 25, 2017. http://essentialoilsanctuary.com/8-lime-essential-oil-benefits-uses-plus-14-recipes-tips-faq/.
  2. "Actionable Info for Natural Health Enthusiasts." Organic Daily Post. November 08, 2017. https://organicdailypost.com/21-wonderful-uses-lime-essential-oil/.
  3. Asnaashari, S., A. Delazar, B. Habibi, R. Vasfi, L. Nahar, S. Hamedeyazdan, and S. D. Sarker. "Essential Oil from Citrus Aurantifolia Prevents Ketotifen-induced Weight-gain in Mice." Phytotherapy Research : PTR. December 2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20623616.
  4. Chamblee, Theresa S., and Benjamin C. Clark, Jr. "Analysis and Chemistry of Distilled Lime Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Swingle)." Journal of Essential Oil Research. 2012. https://www.tandfonline.com/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1080/10412905.1997.10554242.
  5. "Lime Essential Oil." Bodyfeed. https://body-feedback.com/education/how-to-use-essential-oils/how-to-use-lime-essential-oil/.
  6. "LIMONENE: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings." WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1105-limonene.aspx?activeingredientid=1105&activeingredientname=limonene.
  7. Narang, Nithithep, and Wannee Jiraungkoorskul. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5214556/.
  8. Seward, Marc. "10 Proven Lime Essential Oil Benefits." Healthy Focus. June 17, 2016. https://healthyfocus.org/lime-essential-oil-benefits/.
View all resources

 

Author Profile

Multiple ContributorsSee more Our articles>>>

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Sometimes, it takes a team to deliver comprehensive information on the all-natural solutions offered by essential oils.

See more Our articles>>>

  1. Background
  2. The History of Lime Essential Oil
  3. Uses and Benefits of Lime Essential Oil
    1. Antiseptic
    2. Antibacterial
    3. Antiviral
    4. Antipyretic
    5. Anticarcinogenic
    6. Astringent
    7. Antidepressant
    8. Antimicrobial
    9. Hemostatic
    10. Bronchodilatory
    11. Depurative
  4. Precautions
  5. Recipes
  6. Summary
  7. References