LIME OIL & Makrut Lime Profile
By Jeanne Rose ~ April 2019
Synopsis – Lime Oil and the Plant ~ A complete description of Lime, family ties, country of origin, characteristics, body care, skin care, formulas and recipes on how to use this oil.
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Latin Binomial/Botanical ~ Citrus x aurantiifolia is the Latin binomial for regular Lime oil and it is also incorrectly listed as Citrus aurantiifolia.[the x means that it is a cross as most citrus is] “Bearss Lemons, also called Lime, is Citrus latifolia or Persian lime. It is like the Lisbon Lemon.
Makrut Lime and Kaffir Lime is C. hystrix. The leaves as well as the fruit are eaten in foods and distilled and used in perfumery.
“The lime. *The putative parent differs from the unknown parent of the Lemon; Scora & Kumamoto (1983) consider there may be three wild species in the lime’s ancestry, two of them perhaps from outside subgenus Citrus.”3
Ancestral species include:
Citrus cavaleriei — Ichang Papeda
Citrus hystrix – Kaffir Lime
Citrus japonica — Kumquat
Citrus maxima – Pomelo
Citrus medica – Citron
Citrus micrantha – a Papeda
Citrus reticulata – Mandarin Orange
The parents of the ‘Mexican Lime are C. micrantha and C. medica and then the Mexican Lime crossed with Lemon gives the ‘Tahiti’ Lime (C. x latifolia). If you want to have a fine time scrambling your brains look at the incestuous crosses, back crossing, mutations, aberrations, speciation events, hybrids, genetic mixings, varieties, groups or outgroups, rootstock changes and terroir effects of the many Citrus types to understand the various citrus fruits, we have now.
Family – Rutaceae
Naming ~ “The taxonomy of the citrus fruits is complicated by hybridity and apomixis, with many stable hybrid lines being accorded species status, so that the number of edible species recognized in the genus Citrus L. … varies from 1 to 162”.1
The current version of the Bearss lemon (lime) originated in the early 50s in Florida and is a very popular variety for lemon-growers. It is a true Lemon, and the peel is high in volatile oil. It is also popular because it produces high-quality fruit, a lot of Lemons on each tree, and because of its peel.”2 (see the Lemon blog at https://jeanne-blog.com/lemon-oil/ ) I
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Countries of Origin: There is a wide range of study of where and how the diverse group of Citrus developed or are indigenous. They are now naturalized worldwide. Guenther mentions that Lime is probably a native of the East Indian Archipelago and then brought to the Asiatic mainland and on to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Lime was brought to Europe by the Arabs. For more extensive information read volume 3, page 287 of The Essential Oils by Guenther.
General description of Lime citrus, plant, habitat & growth “The tree seldom grows more than 5 meters (16 feet) high and if not pruned becomes shrub like. Its branches spread and are irregular, with short stiff twigs, small leaves, and many small sharp thorns. The evergreen leaves are pale green, and the small white flowers bloom in spring are usually borne in clusters. The fruit is about 3 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 inches) in diameter, oval to nearly globular in shape, often with a small apical nipple, and the peel is thin and greenish yellow when the fruit is ripe. The pulp is tender, juicy, yellowish green in color, and decidedly acid. Limes exceed lemons in both acid and sugar content. There are, however, some varieties so lacking in citric acid that they are known as sweet Limes. These are grown to some extent in Egypt and certain tropical countries.”2 “Citrus fruits are notable for their fragrance, partly due to flavonoids and limonoids (which in turn are terpenes) contained in the rind, and most are juice-laden. The juice contains a high quantity of citric acid giving them their characteristic sharp flavor. “8
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If Lime is cold-pressed “The fruit is peeled and then squeezed and the essential oil is trapped ‘in a blanket like emulsion composed of albedo [containing all the bioflavonoids], with its pectin and cellulose, water, and essential oils.’ [Fragrance by Edwin Morris] This is put through a screen and then centrifuged. It is then
Lime is also steam-distilled, and this eliminates its phototoxicity.
Yield ~ There are many factors that affect the yield of oil from cold-pressed or steam-distilled Lime, including genetic factors, the terroir of the field, whether the peels were dried or pretreated, when the Limes were harvested and more. Guenther mentions that hand-pressed or cold-expressed Lime oil has a fine, true-to-nature odor and flavor. Yield of this oil depends on the quality and condition of the fruit and for a barrel of fruit (160 lb.) averages 2.5-3 ounces of oil.
Yield has also been observed as 0.06% for cold-pressed oil and .15% for steam-distilled oil.
Citrus limetta, alternatively considered to be a cultivar of Citrus limon, C .x limon ‘Limetta’, is a species of citrus, commonly known as mousambi, sweet lime, sweet lemon, and sweet limetta, it is a member of the sweet lemons and this only adds to the confusion of the naming of the Citrus. … 5
symbol from Jeanne Rose The Aromatherapy Book
Contraindications ~ Limes when handled and Lime oil cold pressed will cause photosensitivity when used undiluted or if you are exposed to sun directly after application. They contain furanocoumarins, (natural chemicals found in some essential oils). Be wary.
Lime peel oil steam-distilled does not have the plant components that cause photosensitivity.
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Organoleptic Characteristics:
| Color: | Colorless or very pale yellow, sometimes when CP a hint of green |
| Clarity: | Clear |
| Viscosity: | Non-viscous, watery |
| Taste: | Bitter, acidic, sour |
| Intensity of Odor: | 5, dries down to 3, then a 2. A tart, pungent odor. |
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ODOR DESCRIPTION ~ The distilled lime is prepared by steam distillation of whole fruits of (Citrus x
The scent is clearly
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Citrus Notes ~ Citrus oils are used in the perfumery business to impart a fresh, sparkling note to any blend. They are usually not overpowering. They can be used in up to 25% as the base for classic type of eau de cologne. Citrus oils harmonize with many other essential oils and they are used in different concentrations in almost all scent blends and modern perfumes. >In combination with Lavender oil, citrus oils are the base for English Lavender which is an 1826 creation. High concentrations of citrus oils are in Chanel No. 5 (1921). Also, of importance are the citrus oils in pop drinks like Coca-Cola and others.
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Solubility ~ In cold-pressed oils because of the presence of waxes, it is not clearly soluble in 5 vol. of 90% alcohol. When Lime is steam-distilled, the oil is clearly soluble in 4 vol. and more of 90% alcohol.
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Chemical Components ~ These results for Lime were determined using principal component analysis.
In Lime peel oils, four chemotypes are distinguished: 1) limonene; 2) Limonene/gamma-terpinene; 3) Limonene/beta-pinene/gamma-terpinene; and 4) Limonene/gamma-terpinene/beta-pinene/oxygenated products.
The morphological distinctions between some of the citrus are slight and “much of the commercially significant striking degustatory (tasty) distinction rests on a subtlety, the presence and relative proportions of the two stereoisomers of limonene, one of which is bitter (as in lemon), the other sweet (as in mandarin), resulting in the differing tastes of the flesh and juice”.—Mabberly
Chemotypes have been identified for lime leaf oils as beta-pinene/limonene and Limonene/geranial/neral.
The peel oil of Kagzi lime (Citrus x aurantifolia Swingle) was isolated by hydrodistillation at six ripening stages and analyzed by GC. Nineteen components were identified, and some important aroma components were observed at higher concentrations than normally reported such as neral and geranial (7.8%), geraniol (7.3%) and citronellol (1.2%), particularly in green fruits. A decrease in oxygenated monoterpenes and an increase in monoterpene hydrocarbons was observed during ripening. The peel of mature green lime fruits was found rich in organoleptically important oxygenated constituents (29.7%).6 — Changes in the Peel Oil Composition of Kagzi Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) during Ripening
Historical Uses ~ In men’s fragrances and as an antispasmodic.
Citrus was originally relieved of its fragrant rind oil by lacerating the peels by hand. The Description from the Department of Agriculture is: “The ecuelle-a-piquer is used in perfumery, “for lacerating the oil vessels in the rinds of orange, lemon, etc.; the oil collects in the hollow handle, whence it is poured off.” Department of Agriculture, 1899
The ecuelle-a-piquer, a perfumery tool, or extracting tool used to extract oils from citrus or orange rind is a large funnel made of copper having its inner layers tinned. The inner layer has numerous pointed metal needles just long enough to penetrate the epidermis of the ring. The lower stem is a receiver for the oil and used as a handle…. Now the fresh lemon or lime is placed in the bowl and rotated repeatedly, the oil glands punctured (scarified) and the oil drops into the handle.” — Source: Department of Agriculture Yearbook of the United States Department of Agriculture 1898 (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1899)
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Interesting Facts: Use Lime oil much in the same way as Lemon oil, although it is tarter than Lemon oil, and with a ‘brighter’ scent; it blends well with Lemon oil. There is one old herb book that I have that says, “inhale the scent of Lime oil to stimulate the muscles of the eye.” How this works, I do not know.
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PROPERTIES
Lime oil is used as an astringent and antiseptic and in perfumery smells light and bright. Lime oil is somewhat a decongestant, a sedative inhalant that treats bilious headaches.
The juice is high in limonene, and ascorbic acid and is high in beta- carotene for cancer prevention and the juice is drunk with water for diarrhea and cramps
Physical Uses & How used ~
Application – Lime oil has great
Ingestion –The juice is taken to relieve spasms of the gut and internal parasites, provide vitamin C via ingestion of the juice; while the oil is taken in dilution via herbal capsules as an antispasmodic, vermifuge, stomachic, and digestive.
Inhalation – Lime oil is sometimes used in a diffusor with other respiratory oils for respiratory infections.
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EMOTIONAL USES (AP OR IN) ~ The essential oil is diluted with calming oils and used by inhalation to calm the nervous system and for insomnia and nightmares.
DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION ~ Diffused as a disinfectant in sick rooms and to protect against contagious ailments. Lime oil works best when it is in a blend with other oils that also are both gentle and disinfect. Try Rosemary/Lime or Lime/Lemon or Black Pepper/Lime. All interesting with unique scents.
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BLENDING ~ Lime oil, both cold-pressed and steam-distilled, blends with other citrus as well as oils with a citrus scent such as Clary Sage and Citronella but also to brighten up floral absolutes and tame spicy oils such as Ginger and Black Pepper. It can add a bright touch of citrus to an overly sweet floral perfume.
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HYDROSOL ~ I have used Lime Hydrosol and found it very pleasant in scent and useful as an astringent on oily skin. The hydrosol can be added to non-alcoholic drinks to add a pleasant acidic citrus taste. Add only a teaspoonful until you know how much taste you wish in your tea or drink.
If you place the Lime hydrosol into a spray bottle, you can spray the inside of a cocktail glass to add a bit of flavor and tartness to your drink — try with Margarita, Daiquiri, Mojito, Cosmopolitan or Gimlet.
Harvest to Hydrosol, a book by Ann Harman. She has published several Lime hydrosol GC/MS; one in her book and others at her Circle H website. These are an excellent source of information about the chemistry of the hydrosols. One Lime Hydrosol GC/MS with 0.0259% oil in the hydrosol shows a large quantity of a-terpineol, terpinene-4-ol and other monoterpenols as well as geranial and neral (aldehydes) and more. Every distillation will yield a slightly different chart depending on the species or variety being distilled.
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Herbal Uses of Lime ~ Kaffir Lime –Thai food has a unique fragrance of this small, knobbly, rough-skinned citrus. Both the rind of the fruit and the equally perfumed leaves sliced into thin threads or lightly bruised and left whole when added to curries is a defining aromatic touch. The leaves, if you’ve bought more than you can use in a recipe, freeze well for future use. Or if you like, drop a couple of leaves into a gin and tonic, a mojito, or a pitcher of lemonade for an exotic twist.
“Distilled lime oil is the chief flavoring ingredient of carbonated nonalcoholic beverages such as Ginger ale, cola drinks and ice cream and baked goods and candy”7.—Guenther vol. III
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THE KEEPING QUALITIES OF CITRUS OILS
“Lemon and Orange oils and
Key Use: Oil of Food & Beverage
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Perfumery Formula ~ MOJITO BY BRET
Top Note is 25 drops total of a combination of Linden, Bergamot, white grapefruit
Bridge of 1 drop of Lime preferably (Keffir Lime) or Lime CP. A little goes a long way
Heart Note is 25 drops of Patchouli and “sugar”. The ‘Sugar” is something that we make in class and is an equal combination of Pink Grapefruit, and yellow Lemon, with a bit of Neroli, Patchouli and Tangerine made to suit the individual perfumer.
Bridge of 1 drop Spearmint
Base Note of 25 drops of
Fixative note is the Oakmoss which will hold and fix this scent that Bret called “Mojito”.
75 drops total + 228 drops cane spirits. This makes a 25% scent to 75% EtOH.
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MAIA’S FAVORITE CITRUS & SPICE PERFUME
TOP Neroli 8 and Bergamot 8
Bridge Lime 2-4
HEART Sandalwood 8 and Lavender 8
Bridge Cedar-wood 4
BASE Basil 8 and Clove 1-2
Total about 50 drops, let this age for 2 weeks, then adjust the formula to suit yourself, add the 95% neutral grape spirits as a diluent – about 150 drops for a 25% perfume percentage or 300 drops for a cologne percentage. Let it age again for several weeks before using.
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Safety Precautions ~ Limes
The juice is different from the oil.
SCIENCE ARTICLE ~ “Even though citrus is a common fruit and easy to use in daily consumption, it contains many beneficial substances for human health. It may be a miracle fruit. The phytochemical substances such as alkaloids, carotenoids, coumarins, essential oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids exist in citrus abundantly. All these substances have their board range of pharmacological properties, especially anticancer property. C. x aurantifolia was studied for its effect against carcinogenesis by mechanisms such as stopping cancer cell mobility in circulatory system; so, inhibiting the metastasis, blocking the angiogenesis, and inducing tumor suppressor gene and apoptosis. The present review suggests that C. x aurantifolia consumption may have a use for cancer therapy.5”
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REFERENCES
1 A classification for edible Citrus (Rutaceae) D.J. Mabberley, unknown date
2 https://www.britannica.com/plant/lime
3 A classification for edible Citrus (Rutaceae) D.J. Mabberley, 1997
4 Ohloff, Günther: SCENT AND FRAGRANCES: Springer-Verlag. 1990. Translated by Pickenhagen and Lawrence {this is the main source}
5 Pharmacogn Rev. 2016 Jul-Dec; 10(20): 118–122.doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.194043. Anticancer Activity of Key Lime, Citrus aurantifoliabyNithithep Narang
6 Changes in the Peel Oil Composition of Kagzi Lime (Citrus x
7Guenther: THE ESSENTIAL OILS, volume III, Citrus oils: Krieger. 1949.
8 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrus
Harman, Ann. Harvest to Hydrosol [https://botannicals.com/shop/books/harvest-to-hydrosol ]
Mabberley, D.J., Mabberley’s Plant Book, 2008 Third Edition with 2014 updates, Cambridge University Press
Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. /books.html
Rose, Jeanne. The Aromatherapy Book. /books.html
Williams, David G.: THE CHEMISTRY OF ESSENTIAL OILS: Micelle Press. 1996.
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SOURCES
Essential Oils and Absolutes – EdenBotanicals.com offer over 260 botanical essential oils and extracts – including many that are rare and precious. All oils are obtained from aromatic plants grown with integrity and care. Their promise to you is that everything you purchase is of the highest quality and 100% guaranteed. Everyone is welcome to purchase oils and take advantage of bulk pricing.
Hydrosols Source – While Eden Botanicals also provides hydrosols, I am most happy to use https://www.positivelyaromatic.com/store/ for their gorgeous organically-grown and carefully hand-distilled hydrosols and essential oils that are the ones mentioned in this and my other citrus articles.
I also regularly use the trusted distilling skills of April Treona Lancaster of http://lancastercreations.com/ for many specialized organically-grown and locally sourced hydrosols.
Please support the people that support the earth.
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To Date ~ We have published the following blog posts on Bergamot , Grapefruit, Lemon, and will follow Lime with Mandarin/Tangerine/Clementine, Neroli, Orange and Blood Orange, Petitgrain, and Citrus odds and ends such as Yuzu.
