Boost Your Garden with Lime: Cultivating Citrus Plants at Home

Introduction

Lemon or lime is a household fruit known to all. Almost every one relishes its pickle and sauce. A distinctive property of this fruit is that while other fruits become sweet when ripe, lemon remains sour and acidic at every stage. It is a rich source of vitamin C and therefore it is a very important remedy for scurvy. Another charateristic of lime is that even though it is sour, it suppresses pitta. There are many varieties of lime like kaguji, bijori (large size), citrus, sweet etc. But for medicinal purposes, only kagaji lemon should be used

Chemical Composition

The lemon juice contains citric acid, phosphoric acid, mallic acid and sucrose. The skin of the fruit contains an undesirable oil, a crystaline glucoside, and hesperidine especially found in the white part of its peel.

Properties

Kageri lemon (lime) is bitter, sour, light, digestive, and nutritive, it eliminates ans. Lemon is anthelmintic and cures abdominal pain. It enhances appetite and is beneficial in sata, pitta, kapha disorders and pain.

Medicinal used

1. Grind Indian gooseberry in lemon juice and apply it on the hair. It cures dandruff of hair and also controls hair fall.
2. Grind 1 teaspoonful fenugreek seeds with 10-15 leaves of bael and apply this paste on the head. Wash off hair after an hour. It makes the hair curly.

Eye disorders: 1. Grind lemon juice in an iron vessel with iron rod till it curns black. Use this as eyeliner and also apply it

around the eyes. It cures eye pain. 2. Grind lemon juice with poppy seeds on an iron plate and apply the paste.

3. Take one half of the lime and rub it on the iron rust. Tie it in a yellow cloth and apply it over and around the eyes. It cures itching and redness of eyes and also

cures any other eye disorders.

Acne, boils, pimples:

1. Apply the lemon juice on face. It cures acne and

pimples.

2. Mix equal quantities of juice of lime, holy basil and kasaundi and place it under sun. When it becomes thick,

apply it on the face. It cures acne and pimples. 3. Apply lemon juice mixed with honey. It cures wrinkles

on the face.

4. Mix lemon juice in egg white and then apply this paste on face. After some time, wash the face with warm

water. It gives glow to the skin. Stomatitis: For boils on tongue and gums, rub the peel

of lime and also drink 20-30 gm lemon juice regularly. It gives fast relief.

Limes are versatile fruits that can be used in a wide variety of ways, both in culinary applications and beyond. Here are some common uses of lime:

1. Culinary Uses:

• Flavoring: Limes are widely used to enhance the flavor of food. Their juice and zest add a bright, tangy taste to dishes such as marinades, dressings, sauces, and desserts.
• Beverages: Lime juice is often added to drinks like limeade, cocktails (like margaritas, mojitos, and gin and tonics), and soft drinks. It’s also used to garnish drinks like iced tea and sparkling water.
• Cooking: Limes are used in various recipes for soups, salads, seafood dishes, and grilled meats. In many cuisines (especially Mexican, Thai, and Indian), lime is an essential ingredient for adding acidity and balancing flavors.
• Preservation: Lime juice can be used to prevent browning of fruits and vegetables (like avocados or apples) due to its acidity.

2. Health and Wellness:

• Vitamin C Source: Limes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system, promote skin health, and aid in wound healing.
• Digestion Aid: Lime juice is known for its potential to aid digestion and relieve indigestion or heartburn.
• Hydration: Adding lime to water can make it more palatable and refreshing, encouraging more water consumption.

3. Household Uses:

• Natural Cleaner: The acidity of lime juice makes it an effective natural cleaner. It can help remove stains, grease, and mineral deposits, particularly on kitchen surfaces.
• Deodorizer: Lime can act as a natural deodorizer, reducing odors in the kitchen or bathroom when used in combination with water or baking soda.
• Insect Repellent: Lime juice can be used as a natural insect repellent, especially when mixed with other essential oils or water.

4. Beauty and Skincare:

• Skin Care: Lime is sometimes used in homemade beauty treatments, such as scrubs or masks, due to its astringent and brightening properties. It can help reduce acne and oily skin but should be used with caution to avoid irritation.
• Hair Care: Lime juice is sometimes applied to hair as a natural remedy to remove excess oil or dandruff, and to add shine.

5. Cultural and Medicinal Uses:

• Traditional Medicine: In some cultures, lime is used in traditional remedies to alleviate symptoms of colds, coughs, and sore throats. Lime juice mixed with honey is a common remedy for soothing a sore throat.
• Aromatherapy: Lime essential oil is used in aromatherapy to uplift mood and alleviate stress or anxiety.