Lime

Latin botanical name: Citrus Aurantifolia
Part used: Fruit peel
Origin: Mexico
Extraction method: Cold-pressed
Use: for external use only (never ingest), suitable for fragrance burners/diffusers, dilute in a fragrance-neutral carrier oil for use in a (foot)bath and on the skin (undiluted essential oil can irritate sensitive skin). 

This lime essential oil is obtained from Citrus aurantifolia, also known as Mexican or West Indian lime, as well as sour lime. The oil is extracted from the peel of the unripe fruit by cold pressing, or from the peel and/or the whole ripe fruit by steam distillation. Lime oil has a sharp citrus scent that instantly lifts the mood when you smell it, and is pale yellow to light olive green in color. 

Lime oil, when used in an oil burner, stimulates a tired mind and helps reduce anxiety, apathy, and depression. It is useful for reducing fever associated with colds, sore throats, and the flu. It boosts immunity and relieves coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. It is said to help with arthritis, rheumatism, and poor circulation, but also with obesity and cellulite.

This oil is good for the skin; it reduces greasiness and acne, and helps with herpes, insect bites, and cuts. However, the oil obtained by cold expression (as opposed to steam distillation) can cause photosensitivity and irritate the skin. 

Limes originally come from Asia, but are now grown in most warm countries such as Italy, the West Indies, and America. The lime is green when raw and ripens to yellow, and usually measures about five centimeters in diameter. It was introduced to Europe by the Moors and from there migrated to America. The lime is said to have a lower vitamin C content than lemons. People often carried limes on long sea voyages to prevent sailors from getting scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency.