Functional Benefits of Limes
Limes are high in vitamin C, providing over 20% of the recommended daily amount. They also contain iron, calcium, vitamin B6, thiamine, potassium and more. Furthermore, limes are high in antioxidants – including flavonoids, limonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, and ascorbic acid – that defend your cells against free radicals.
The vitamin C in limes may help increase the production of white blood cells, which protect your body against infection and disease, as well as shorten the duration and severity of colds. Vitamin C also helps wounds recover faster by reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. The latter is why eating limes can promote healthy skin and combat age-related skin changes.
Research shows that limes may reduce heart disease risk factors, lower high blood pressure and protect against arterial plaque build up. Limes are also high in citric acid, which may prevent kidney stones. And perhaps best of all, the flavonoids in limes have been shown to suppress the growth of cancer cells.
So in summary, limes:
- Are a good source of antioxidants, nutrients and minerals
- May boost immunity
- Can help promote healthy skin
- May reduce heart disease risk
- Can help prevent kidney stones
- Increase iron absorption
- May lower your risk of certain cancers
Magical Uses of Limes
Limes are probably best known for their cleansing and purifying properties in witchcraft. Their color ties them to green energy, which represents growth, abundance, and money. The fruit also carries the energy of healing, love, peace, protection, and relaxation.
In love spells, where orange and lemon attract a lover, lime is used to keep them faithful to you. Limes can also be used to drive someone away, or sour a relationship between two people.
Use a lime to get rid of bad luck – pierce one with old nails, spikes, pins and needles and throw it into a deep hole in the ground to rid yourself of all ills and hexes.
To clear the energy of a space, add seven drops of lime oil or juice to warm water, a quarter cup of white vinegar, a tablespoon of liquid castile soap and sea salt. Stir counterclockwise nine times, and use it to mop your floors from the back to the front. When you are through, use the rest to wipe down your front and back doors, and all of your windowsills.
As you do this, say:
No bad energy may stay,
This is my domain, and I send it away.
By vinegar, salt, and sour lime,
I remove all evil from what is mine.
Dispose of the remainder of the water outside, toward the sun.
Top Recipes Featuring Lime
White Tea “Paloma” Mocktail for Self-Love (and Glowing Skin)
