COMMON NAME: Lime, Bitter Lime, Mexican Lime, Pressed Lime, Sour Lime

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Citrus aurantifolia, C. medica var. acide, C. latifolia

FAMILY NAME: Rutaceae (Rue)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Tropical Asia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Mexico, Italy

HISTORY INFORMATION: Introduced to Europe by the Moors and brought to the Americas by explorers around the 16th century. Lime is a good source of vitamin C. It was used by sailors and explorers to stay healthy and especially to prevent scurvy (which is why sailors were called limeys).

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are many cultivars of citrus and limes are no exception. The lime cited here is the Bitter Lime and it is often confused with the Sweet Lime (C. limetta) or Italian Lime which produces an oil called "limette". Combava is an essential oil produced from the leech lime (C. hystrix). Persian Lime (C. latifola var. persian) is much like the bitter lime in species. Citrus peel is cold pressed while the juice or whole fruit is distilled to produce citric acid. The oil can also be "folded", meaning terpenes have been removed to increase aroma (often used in limon-lime drinks). The expressed oil has coumarins, making it phototoxic, while the distilled does not. Some therapists consider the rectified or distilled oil to be better, as the coumarins that produce phototoxicity are removed. There is also some confusion between lime oil and an oil called lime blossoms (Tilia europea), which is actually made from linden tree blooms and is not a citrus at all.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen tree growing up to 15 feet high, with stiff sharp spines and smooth ovate leaves bearing small fragrant flowers which produce small green fruits.

PARTS PROCESSED: Peel or whole crushed fruit.

PROCESSING METHODS: Cold pressed

COLOR RANGE: Light yellow to green or clear to yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Terpene. Coumarins, limonene, pinene, camphor, sabinene, citral, cymene

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antirheumatic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic (fresh), antiviral, bactericidal, febrifuge, restorative, tonic. Used to cool, purify, reduce cellulite, strengthen the nerves and body, reduce stress, uplift mood, refresh, revive, improve mental clarity, to aid in alcoholism and addictions, also used for colds, sore throat, flu and viral infections.

MENTAL USES: I am one with myself and my higher self.

EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling alone, separate from spiritual self TO sense of well-being, connected with inner self.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are ready to be inspired or inspiring, and you desire to have more spiritual energy or a better connection to your higher self in your life. Lime imbues the energy field with inspiration. You are better able to connect with higher self. It can expel negative energy so only use within a sacred space where guides and angels are present.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pressed oil phototoxic, nontoxic, skin irritant.