8 Benefits and Uses of Lime Oil

Lime oil often finds itself in the shadow of the more popular lemon essential oil, but in many ways it has just as much to offer.

Historically, the juice and flesh of the fruit has a long association with health and wellness.

The British Navy famously used it to combat scurvy in the late 18th century, which led to American sailors referring to them as ‘limeys’ – a nickname that stuck with British nationals until the mid-20th century.

The benefits of lime oil are still being revealed through aromatherapy breakthroughs and in research laboratories, and we highlight some of the ways it could prove useful.

How does lime oil work?

Lime oil contains compounds like terpineol, limonene, cineole and linalool, all of which could be used to improve bodily health.

For example, terpineol is known to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for the skin. [1]

Cineole is another compound found in lime oil, which can also provide similar anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits for certain therapeutic applications. [2]

When it comes to aromatherapy, the presence of linalool could be the reason why the compound has been found to be an effective natural treatment for anxiety, stress and depression. [3]

What are the benefits of lime oil?

The benefits of lime essential oil may allow it to:

1. Boost skin health

Like many other types of citrus fruits, limes also contain a host of natural properties that can help to boost skin health.

They have high vitamin C content, which is one of the key ingredients needed to make collagen, a protein that can refresh and strengthen your skin.

One study involving 4,000 women found that eating a higher amount of vitamin C reduced the risk of dry skin and wrinkles as they got older. [4]

This can be important because collagen production slows down as you age, so regular application of vitamin C to the skin can help to encourage the growth of new collagen.

2. Help to enhance immunity

And vitamin C lime oil benefits don’t end there, as they could also be helpful to your immune system.

Test-tube studies found that the production of white blood cells – which help to build protection against diseases and infections - could be increased by the presence of vitamin C. [5]

Human studies have also been conducted, with researchers learning that the duration and severity of colds can be shortened, depending on the dosage of vitamin C taken every day. [6]

3. Reduce the effects of viruses

Lime oil can also have significant antiviral effects, which could be used for the prevention of certain viruses and to slow them down, if they do manage to infect the body.

In 2018, researchers released the results of a study that showed how lime oil was able to reduce the activity of the influenza virus by more than 30%, which significantly reduced symptoms in most of the participants. [7]

It is believed that this could be down to the presence of a compound called linalool, which may be the root cause for the activity.

4. Provide anti-inflammatory properties

Tests have been conducted that have found that lime oil could have a role to lay in reducing bodily inflammation.

This theory is based on the results of a 2016 study that found that along with a handful of other citrus-based essential oils, it produced a significant anti-inflammatory effect. [8]

Some people have also provided anecdotal evidence, as they have seen lime oil reduce inflammation after it has been applied topically.

We would recommend only using steam distilled lime essential oil for topical application, as the cold pressed variety may contain furocoumarins, which can have phototoxic effects on the skin that can cause blistering and burning. [9]

If you are going to apply cold pressed lime oil topically, it is important to always dilute it and to avoid direct sunlight for up to eighteen hours after application.

You should also seek the advice of a medical professional before applying.

5. Reduce feelings of stress and anxiety

The benefits of lime oil and vitamin C can provide some relief in moments of high stress and anxiety, which is said to reduce cortisol levels.

Cortisol is often referred to as the ‘stress hormone’ and it can be responsible for regulating anxious responses.

The lower the amount in the body the better, as this can help to produce a calmer mood.

For example, a 2018 study found that during stressful periods, average cortisol levels could rise by as much as 9 times compared to calmer periods. [10]

As is true of other citrus oils, lime essential oil is often said to produce an uplifting effect in those who inhale it, which can reawaken and reinvigorate the senses to brighten their mood.

6. Lower the risk of heart disease

It is estimated that around 18 million people a year die due to cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death globally. [11]

Research has found that limes could have a role to play in combating the risk of heart disease, partially due to their high vitamin C content, which can help to reduce blood pressure. [12]

Vitamin C may also be able to offer protection against a disease called atherosclerosis, which can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. [13]

7. Prevent kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits of salts and minerals that, if too large in size, can be difficult to pass out of the system.

If your urine is too concentrated, or if you have a buildup of too much calcium in your urine, it can lead to the formation of stones in your kidneys.

Because limes are high in citric acid, this could allow them to be used to prevent kidney stones, as some citrus fruits (including lime, orange, lemons and grapefruit) can raise citrate levels and bind stone-forming minerals in the urine, as revealed in this 2015 study. [14]

Another study from 2014, also found that eating more citrus fruits helped to reduce the risk of kidney stones. [15]

8. Improve the absorption of iron

Iron plays a key role in the creation of red blood cells and in the movement of oxygen around the body.

When the body has low levels, this can cause iron deficiency anaemia, which may lead to dry skin, paleness and shortness of breath during exercise.

Once again, the benefits of lime oil are closely linked to vitamin C, as the fruit can improve the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

A 2016 study put this theory into practice, with participants seeing iron absorption increase by up to 70% after eating a plant-based meal alongside a 250ml glass of lemonade. [16]

How do you use lime oil?

To get the most out of lime essential oil, you could use it as:

An aromatherapy treatment

The bright and invigorating smell of lime can go a long way to easing stressful thoughts, with its natural properties providing a sense of calm.

Add a few drops of the oil to an oil burner or diffuser and let the positive scent drift into your senses to help you relax and centre yourself.

You can also enjoy lime oil benefits by adding a few drops to a handkerchief or cotton ball, which allows you to use it no matter where you are.

A cleaning agent

Thanks to the antiviral and antibacterial properties of lime essential oil, this can make it particularly useful as a natural cleaner.

To use the oil to attack and remove harmful microbes in the kitchen or bathroom, add a few drops of the oil to a bottle containing water and an emulsifier.

Shake the bottle well and spritz onto surfaces after cleaning.

What is the history of lime oil?

The lime was one of the earliest citrus fruits to be traded, beginning its journey around the world about 3,000 years ago.

After lime oil benefits were enjoyed throughout the Middle East, success in the spice trade saw the fruit find its way to the Mediterranean, before the Moors introduced it to the rest of Europe.

Once Portuguese and Spanish settlers brought limes with them on their excursions to the Americas during the 16th century, the fruit started to gain a reputation for its refreshing and uplifting qualities.

Use of lime oil has continued to expand ever since, and while it is sometimes overshadowed by its fellow citrus fruit family members, there is no denying that its natural properties are cherished and relied on by countless people every day.

Lime Oil FAQs

Is lime oil phototoxic?

Steam-distilled lime essential oil does not contain phototoxic properties, making it the safer option to use for people with sensitive skin.

However, due to the presence of furocoumarin compounds, the cold-pressed variety of lime oil can be phototoxic.

If using cold-pressed lime oil topically, you should ensure it is properly diluted and that you avoid direct sunlight for up to 18 hours after application.

What does lime oil blend well with?

The bright, refreshing scent of lime essential oil always blends well with other citrus oil and it also complements rosewood, rosemary, ylang ylang, neroli and lavender.

This gives you more variety when it comes to creating new blends for aromatherapy and topical treatments.

Is lime oil good for hair?

You could include lime essential oil as an ingredient in a hair mask, as its vitamin C content may be beneficial for your scalp and hair.

Vitamin C aids the production of collagen, which provides strength and support for the skin. Ensuring you have a good amount of vitamin C in your body can also prevent dry hair and split ends.