Citrus hystrix aka Thai or Makrut or *Kafir Lime Leaf Essential Oil, Steam Distilled from the leaves in Indonesia.

*In South Africa, the Arabic kafir was adopted by White colonialists as "kaffir", a racist slur for Black Africans, so the name is best not used lest it harm.

Aroma: Makrut lime peel oil has the fresh, sweet yet sharper aroma of key limes with a hint of tangerine. This energizing citrus brings inspiration, comfort, and health.

Common Uses: Its fruit and leaves are used in Southeast Asian cuisine, and its essential oil is used in #perfumery. Its rind and crushed leaves emit an intense citrus fragrance. The juice and rinds of the peel are used in traditional medicine in some Asian countries; the fruit's juice is often used in shampoo and is believed to kill head lice. The juice is used as a cleanser for clothing and hair in Thailand and occasionally in Cambodia. Lustral water mixed with slices of the fruit is used in religious ceremonies in Cambodia.

Makrut lime oil is used as raw material in many fields, including pharmaceutical, agronomic, food, sanitary, cosmetic, and perfume industries. It is also used extensively in aromatherapy and as an essential ingredient in various cosmetic and beauty products.

Characteristics: A pale yellow to yellow colour. The scent is quite strong of citrus and citronellol.

Constituents: citronellol, limonene, nerol

Safety: For external use only. Should be diluted (at 3%) prior to skin application. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. May cause skin irritation for some individuals, a skin patch test is recommended prior to use. Consult your healthcare professional before using essential oils during pregnancy.

Photo thanks to Robyn Jay from Sydney, Australia - kaffir limesUploaded by berichard, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link