Citrus aurantifolia
Ingredients: Pure lime oil
Aroma: Fresh citrus lime
Benefits: Uplifting, refreshing, elating
Mixes Well With: Grapefruit oil, lavender oil, lemon oil, or tea tree oil
Extraction Method: Distillation of the juice or whole crushed fruit
Physical Characteristics:
Specific Gravity: 0.855-0.863
Refractive Index: 1.474-1.477
The history and use of limes has many similarities to that of lemons. Believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, limes were introduced to the Mediterranean region and Europe by Arab traders sometime during the 10th century. Like lemons, limes were further distributed throughout European countries by returning Crusaders during the 13th century. Limes are probably best known historically as a remedy for scurvy, a deadly disease that ravaged ancient sailors on long voyages. Although unknown at the time, scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. The diet of sailors was terrible to begin with, but the lack of any source of vitamin C proved lethal for many. A Scottish physician with the British Royal Navy, James Lind, is credited with discovering the cure for scurvy, although at the time it was actually lemons Mr. Lind employed, and vitamin C wasn’t even known, so lemons, and citrus fruits in general, were thought to be the remedy. The British Navy later switched from lemons to limes since limes were more readily available, leading to the nickname “limey” as a derogatory term for British sailors, who often smelled of limes. Like lemons, limes have become a culinary staple, although not quite as popular as their lemony brethren. For aromatherapy purposes, lime oil has a sweet, citrusy aroma that’s uplifting, refreshing and elating.
