History & Folklore
Although the origin of the Lime fruit is not certain, botanists believe that this citrus fruit began its life in the jungles of Myanmar (previously Burma) and India. It is well known in folklore for its ability to cleanse, purify and renew the spirit and the mind. It is also said to be effective in cleansing the aura.
In fact in Sri Lanka, some of the native rituals use limes for cleansing. Lime cutting, as it is known is a healing ritual practice, and is usually performed if a disease is not manageable only by medicine. Lime is considered sacred and gifted by divine beings to humans to be used in healing rituals.
Modern Use of Lime
Today Limes are cultivated throughout many warm climate countries and grow natively in South America, thanks to successful naturalisation. When it is expressed or squeezed, the peel of the fruit releases a strong, green citrus essential oil which helps cleanse the body and energise the mind. It’s often used in massage treatments as a natural detox agent and in diffusers to instantly refresh and revive the spirit. Because of its ability to help energize and uplift the spirit with its sweet and citrusy scent Lime oil is often used as an ingredient in personal care products, diffusers, and skin care applications as it can help clear blemishes and rejuvenate dull skin.
Benefits of Lime Essential Oil
- Has Antiseptic, Antiviral, and Bactericidal properties which makes it ideal for helping to cleanse the skin.
- Can help to invigorate the body while slowing down fatigue and exhaustion.
- Can help boost the mood, calm the mind, clear it up, and bring joy to your day.
- May help with balancing oily skin.
- A very effective ingredient for making your own chemical-free cleaning products.
I often use lime essential oil in hot water for moping my floors and wiping down the kitchen counters. As with all essential oils, it is important to blend it with a carrier before being used on the skin and can cause irritation if used undiluted.
The beautiful citrus scent blends well with many essential oils such as:
- Bergamot
- Citronella
- Clary Sage
- Lavandin
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Sweet Orange
- Petitgrain
- Grapefruit
- Rose Absolute
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Ylang Ylang
Here is one of my personal favourite blends for mopping my floors leaving them clean and fresh without the use of nasty chemicals
Fill up your mop bucket halfway with hot water and to the oils in and give it a gentle mix with your mop before using to cleanse your floor.
