What is Lime Essential Oil?
Lime essential oil is a bright, zesty citrus oil cold pressed from the peel of Persian limes, and it's a favorite for uplifting diffuser blends and natural cleaning. There are many varieties of lime, all of which are hybrids of different citrus fruits. These different species of lime have fairly similar tastes and smells, although there are some slight differences. At Pyurvana, we use Citrus latifolia, also known as Persian lime, Tahiti lime, or seedless lime. This is a cross between key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and lemon (Citrus limon). It is the most widely cultivated variety of lime.
Like most varieties of citrus hybrids, the exact origin of limes is unknown. Most experts believe limes were first cultivated in Indonesia and Southeast Asia and were transported to North Africa and the Mediterranean around 1000 AD. British sailors in the 1800s carried so many limes on long voyages that they earned the nickname “limeys.”
To extract our lime essential oil, we use cold pressing. This is because processes that use heat often severely impact the scent of citrus oils, so cold pressing is the best method to ensure a strong aroma. During this process, we mechanically compress Citrus latifolia rinds. We then separate the oil from water and any other parts of the lime, then purify it.
Complementary Scents
Citrus oils pair well with one another, so you can blend our lime oil with lemon, grapefruit, orange, and bergamot for a refreshing, bright aroma. It also makes a great contrast for herbal scents including clary sage, tea tree, and rosemary. Floral oils such as rose or ylang ylang also smell wonderful with lime.
Primary Benefits
If you are interested in natural house cleaning, lime and other citrus oils are great to have on hand. In particular, these oils make wonderful degreasers. Mixing lime essential oil with baking soda and scrubbing with this mixture makes it easy to remove tough grease stains and char from your countertops, stove, or dishes. Its crisp scent also makes it an excellent deodorizer, whether you use it in a spray or diffuse it.
Lime is also great for cleansing your hair. Add a few drops of lime essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner to enjoy its benefits. You can also mix it with a carrier oil and use it to massage your scalp. Tea tree oil pairs nicely with lime in a fresh, clean-smelling scalp blend.
Diffusing lime oil is a great way to lift your mood. Its vibrant scent is an excellent pick-me-up. The aroma can also help improve your mental clarity and focus. Whether you diffuse it alone or in a blend with other uplifting scents, it is a great choice for your home or office.
How to Use Lime Oil
To diffuse this oil, add a few drops to your diffuser, being sure to follow any specific instructions for that unit. Make sure not to add too much as this can result in an overwhelming aroma. You should also limit diffusion time to a few hours at once to avoid overexposure or damaging your diffuser.
You must always dilute our 100% pure essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them topically. You can use coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or any other carrier of your choice. We recommend three drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil, although you may wish to start with a lower concentration at first.
Lime Oil FAQs
What is lime essential oil used for?
Lime oil is mostly used in aromatherapy for its bright, cheerful scent and in homemade cleaners, where it works as a natural degreaser. Some people also add a drop to shampoo for a fresh citrus scent.
What does lime essential oil smell like?
Lime smells tart and zesty, a little sharper and greener than lemon. It brightens up both citrus and herbal blends.
Does lime oil make your skin sensitive to the sun?
Yes. Cold-pressed lime oil can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid applying it to skin that will be in the sun within 12 hours. Diffusing it does not carry this concern.
What essential oils blend well with lime?
Lime pairs well with other citrus oils like grapefruit, orange, and bergamot. It also brightens herbal oils such as rosemary and clary sage.
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