Lime West Indies

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantifolia

Botany and Origins: There are two main types of limes. One contains the Key, West Indian and Mexican cultivars whose fruit is small, round, moderately seedy with thin peel, smooth and a greenish flesh. The other contains Persian types whose fruit is larger, seedless and mainly sold as fresh limes or lime juice. Lime is a small spreading evergreen tree usually to 4-6m, canopy diameter to 7m, with many irregular spaced often drooping branches which usually have many short, stiff, very sharp spines, although some cultivars are spineless. Lime is believed to have originated from northern India and adjacent areas of Burma. It was suggested that it reached the west coast of Central and South America via the Pacific islands, carried by the Polynesians. This accounts for the great abundance of wild limes in the jungles and little known areas of tropical Central and northern South America. Limes were brought from India to Persia, Palestine, Egypt and Europe by the Arabs at about the same time as the sour orange and the lemon.

Key limes are cultivated in Mexico, Peru and West Indies, while the Persian limes are grown mainly in Florida and Brazil. There are two types of lime oil, one is cold expressed and the other is steam distilled.

Method of Extraction: Lemon West Indies is obtained via a proprietary multiple citrus processing techniques from the peel.

Cultivation: Conventional

Historical and Traditional Uses: Limes were introduced into Europe by the Moors and subsequently brought to America by the Spanish and Portuguese explorers around the 16th century. Distilled lime oil is extensively used in flavouring food and beverages, especially soft drinks. Cold pressed lime oil is used in high grade men's toiletries and perfumery.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: The photo-toxicity of bergaptene is well documented. Expressed lime oil contains more of this compound than other citrus oils and has been reported to be photo-toxic to humans.

Indications:

• Antimicrobial Properties: It has antimicrobial properties and is recommended for treating throat infections and influenza.
• Digestive System: As with most citrus oils, lime oil is considered a digestive tonic and it is recommended for digestive problems.
• Lymphatic System: Lime oil is a lymphatic stimulant and may be used for the treatment of fluid retention and cellulite.
• Nervous System: Lime oil is refreshing and uplifting. It is ideal for fatigue and a tired mind, especially where there is apathy, anxiety and depression.
• Skin Care: Lime oil acts as an astringent, counteracting overproduction of sebum, and is especially useful for oily skin. Its antibacterial property is useful for the treatment of acne.

Safety: Lime oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. However, it is photo-toxic. Avoid exposure to sun after using it topically.

Country of Origin: Mexico

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)