Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
Location: Lime is cultivated in Italy and tropical America.
Extraction: Expression from the peel.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is clear with a hint of yellow. It has a fresh, sweet, zesty aroma.
Description: A small thorny evergreen tree growing about 3 metres high with smooth oval leaves and small white flowers. The lime resembles the lemon in appearance but is slightly smaller more rounded and green. The fruits are generally about 5cm long.
Background: The lime tree originated in the east and was introduced to Europe by the Moors and to tropical America by the Portuguese and Spaniards in the sixteenth century. Royal navy ships used to stock up with limes to prevent scurvy among sailors, thus British sailors came to be known as " limeys".
Properties: Antiseptic, astringent, restorative and tonic.
Uses
Digestive System-A digestive stimulant, encouraging appetite.
Skin-Toning and astringent for a greasy skin and scalp. Also good for wounds.
