Getting to Know Your Oils – Lime Essential Oil

Light, sweet, and refreshing. True to the scent of fresh-squeezed limes, this essential oil has an uplifting aroma that stimulates the senses. Add a burst of flavor to guacamole, beverages, or desserts. It is a favorite in our cooking recipes. Lime is a great oil to have in your arsenal for cleaning, cooking, and refreshing your surroundings. Lime essential oil is perfect for the skin and in personal care products. Find out more about lime essential oil. It’s not just for margaritas, my friends!

Lime Essential Oil

Citrus aurantifolia

Botanical Family: Rutaceae (citrus)

Common Names

• Key lime
• French lime

Historical Uses for Lime Essential Oil

Limes were used in the 19th century to prevent scurvy on long sea voyages. This was a closely guarded military secret at the time. British sailors in the Royal Navy were often called limeys (not a nice term). It was later discovered that limes did not contain enough Vitamin C to be as effective as lemons in combating the disease.

Fun Facts

• Limes have a higher concentration of sugar and acid than lemons but contain less Vitamin C.
• They are the smallest among citrus fruits but are thought to be the most versatile.
• Like lemons, limes contain the naturally occurring constituent limonene, which makes Lime Vitality a useful daily dietary supplement.
• Lime essential oil is light green in color.

Aroma and Tips for Blending

• Lime essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind.
• It has a sweet, sharp and citrusy aroma that is clean and refreshing.
• It is considered a top note when blending with other oils.
• Lime essential oil blends well with other citrus and floral oils.

Uses

• Lime essential oil can be used for topical, aromatic, and internal applications.
• Lime for internal use can be found using Young Living’s Vitality line of essential oils. Taken internally, it can support healthy digestion.

Tips for Using Lime Essential Oil

• Citrus oils like lime can cause photosensitivity. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.
• We suggest applying Lime essential oil with a carrier oil to help it stay on the skin longer for a more long-lasting effect.
• Lime essential oil can be used as a substitute for fresh lime in a recipe, or for other citrus oils such as lemon, orange or grapefruit. 
• It is best to start out slow with a toothpick swirl and adjust as needed.

Recipes with Lime Essential Oil

• Lime Vitality essential oil tastes great in recipes like this Southwest Marinade for Beef or No-Bake Avocado Lime Tarts. Both recipes are perfect for parties, cookouts, or any time you need a flavorful pick-me-up! You can also substitute lime for lemon in a delicious glass of Lavender Lemonade for a special treat!
• You might also enjoy adding lime to your daily dose of NingXia Red. Try it in our “Thai Surprise” NingXia Red Shot or a “Pep in Your Step” NingXia Red Shot Recipe. 
• Lime is a fantastic essential oil for diffusing. One of my all-time favorites is lime and Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood like in one of these Spring Diffuser Blends. It smells exactly like Key Lime pie!
• Speaking of Key Lime pie, you will not regret making these Key Lime Cupcakes. These cupcakes are perfectly soft and fluffy with just the right hint of lime.
• Might we also suggest adding lime essential oil to your water glass every morning like in this recipe for Citrus Water for Daily Hydration. It’s amazingly delicious and an easy way to increase the amount of water you drink every day!
• Last but not least, lime is a key ingredient in our Homemade Lemon-Lime Guacamole. You can’t make guacamole without lime, and lime essential oil gives it just the right amount of tang.

Other Uses for Lime

• Use lime to remove grease stains or sticker residue.
• Mix with your favorite moisturizer to maximize the benefits.
• For respiratory support, add to steaming water and inhale the benefits.
• Add to your favorite food recipe as a substitute for fresh limes.

Find all of our recipes using Lime essential oil by clicking here. 

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