Lime
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Botanical Name |
Citrus aurantifolia |
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Family |
Rutaceae |
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Other Names |
C. latifolia, C.medica var acida, Mexican lime, West Indian lime, sour lime |
|
Description |
Evergreen tree. Light wood. Stiff sharp spines, smooth ovate leaves, and small white flowers. Fruit –pale green |
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Aroma |
Light, sweet |
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Native to |
Asia |
|
Cultivated in |
Italy, West Indies, USA, Mexico |
|
Parts Used |
Fruit, juice |
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Actions |
Analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, antiviral, aperitif, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, haemostatic, insecticidal, nervine, refrigerant, restorative, sedative, tonic |
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Extraction |
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Constituents |
Camphene, cymene, cineol, linalyl acetate Volatile oil –limonene (up to 75%), alpha pinene, beta pinene, sabinene, terpinolene, citral, alpha terpineol, linalool, alpha bergamotene, beta bisabolene Coumarins –limettin, with bergamottin, bergapten, dimethoxycoumarins, 8-geranoxy-psoralen, isoimperatorin, isopimpinellin Flavonoids –hesperiden, vitamin C |
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Combines with |
Angelica, bergamot, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang |
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Note |
Top |
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Skin |
Acne, anaemia, boils, chilblains, corns, cuts, herpes, insect bites, varicose veins, warts |
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Circulatory, muscle joint |
Arthritis, cellulites, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, poor circulation, rheumatism |
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Respiratory |
Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh |
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Digestive |
Dyspepsia, nausea |
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Immune |
Colds, flu, fever |
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Nervous |
Anxiety, nervous tension |
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Other Uses |
Soaps, cosmetics, detergents, perfumes |
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Other Notes |
Wood never eaten by worms It was introduced to America by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 16th century English ships use to carry limes so the sailors did not suffer scurvy –hence the nickname “limey” referring to English people |
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Caution |
Peel oil –phototoxic |