Botanic name: Citrus Aurantifolia. Lime is believed to be of Indian origin, from where the Arab traders took it to the East Mediterranean and Western countries in 1000 AD. Christopher Columbus is said to have taken it to the Carribean.
It grows well in the tropics. Very often sour lime or lime is mistaken for lemon. Lime is smaller, smooth, thin skinned and more sour while the lemons are larger, rough, thick skinned and less sour.
The lime contains vitamin C, calcium, phosphorous, flavonoids and limonoids such as limonin glucoside.
The contents in lime make it a good
-anti-oxidant
-anti-carcinogen
-anti-biotic
-detoxifying agent
Charaka and Sharangadhara two famous physicians of ancient India therapeutically used it for the bones and joints.
The citric acid in lime plays a major role in healing—
- Peptic ulcers
- Oral ulcers
- Scurvy
- Congestion
- Respiratory problems and avoiding them as well
- Digestion
- Constipation
- Urinary problems
- Gout
- Liver
- Kidney
- Acidity –unlike popular belief
- Cystitis
- Dental decay and loosening of the teeth
- Scorpion sting
Lime are used for preparation of drinks, jams, pickles, candies, snacks, juice, soaps, hair oil, body oil, mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorants and aromatherapy.