Summary
Limes are smaller and more tart than lemons and are packed with vitamin C. The vitamin C in limes promote oral health if used as a mouthwash. They can also be a great energy source. Limes can also be used to treat the common cold and a dry cough. Lime juice, as well as zest from the rind, can be used to flavor dishes instead of using salt. There are about 14 different types of limes and they generally contain the same medicinal benefits. Lime can be found in liquid extract form.
Description
Medicinal Parts
The medicinal component is the bergamot oil extracted from the plant.
Flower and Fruit
The fragrant flowers are small and pure white. The fruit is about half the size of a lemon, with a smoother, thinner peel, a greenish-yellow color, and sweet taste.
Leaves, Stem, and Root
The evergreen tree is small, bent, thorny, and normally only grows to a height of 2.5 m. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate and acuminate.
Habitat
Lime is indigenous to Southern Asia and is cultivated in the West Indies, semi-tropic areas of the U.S., and Central America.
Production
Limes and lemons are the fruit of Citrus aurantifolia.
Other Names
Adam's Apple, Italian Limetta, Limette,
Actions & Pharmacology
Compounds
Volatile oil (in the fruit rind): containing, among others, citral, (+)-limonene, pinenes, alkanes, alkanols, alkanals, beta-bisabolene; also, in pressed oils, furocoumarins
Citric acid
Flavonoids: including hesperidine
Effects
Lime acts as an antiscorbutic and refrigerant as well as a vitamin C supplement.
Indications & Usage
Lime is used as a source of vitamin C to treat scurvy and in cases of general low resistance.
Precautions & Adverse Reactions
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. There is a low potential for sensitization through skin contact with the juice of the fruit or with the volatile oil.
Dosage
Mode of Administration
Lime is used internally as a liquid extract of the fresh fruit.
