KAFFIR LIME LEAF - essential oil
Not just fantastic as a culinary leaf, the oil has many heath benefits
Kaffir lime is the common name of Citrus hystrix, a tropical fruit that is native to various parts of Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Aside from its many culinary uses, due to its uniquely tart and pleasant flavor, kaffir lime is also highly respected in herbal medicine, and due to its high content of beneficial organic compounds that can positively affect the body’s systems. The oil, leaves, fruit, and rind of kaffir limes are all utilised for different purposes.
You’ll often find kaffir limes being used in soups and sauces, such as Tom Yum soup, particularly the leaves, which are frequently utilised in Thai cooking. The leaves and rind are so powerful, however, that they can often overwhelm the flavour of the dish. This strong flavour is due to the high concentration of alkaloids, citronellol, limonene, nerol, and other organic compounds in kaffir limes. Not only do these provide the unique aroma and flavour, but also a wide range of health benefits.
The extracted oil from the leaves, as well as the leaves themselves, are commonly used for medicinal purposes.
Health benefits:
• Antibacterial
• Antidepressant, anxiety
• Antiseptic
• Insect repellant
• Oral health
• Blood detoxification: eliminates pathogens and assists liver and lymph drainage
• Skin: antioxidant, wrinkles, scars, acne
• Digestion: constipation, indigestion
• Anti-inflammatory: arthritis, gout, headache, migraine
• Immune system: antioxidant, GIT (gastrointestinal tract) issues
• Balding
Warnings: Skin can become photosensitive after topical application. Dilute if ingesting.