Die Früchte werden vor allem wegen ihres starken Geruchs, der als Abschreckungsmittel gegen Motten und Ungeziefer eingesetzt wird, geschätzt. So führten die Holländer während der Kolonialzeit zeitweise Kopfwaschungen mit dem zerdrückten Mark der Früchte durch, um einen Befall von Ungeziefer zu verhindern. Daneben werden die Blätter der Kaffirlimette in der asiatischen Küche als aromatisches Würzmittel verwendet.
Sie wird zwischen einem halben und zwei Metern hoch, wobei sie im Topf meist deutlich kleiner bleibt als am Naturstandort.
Ab einem Alter von drei bis vier Jahren entwickeln sich aus den Blüten der Kaffirlimette grüne oder gelbe Zitrusfrüchte. Sie werden vier bis sechs Zentimeter groß und ähneln in ihrer Form Birnen. Sie verfügen über eine markante, runzelige Schale, die zerrieben als Anti-Motten- und Ungeziefer-Mittel eingesetzt werden kann. Das Fruchtfleisch ist weniger saftig als das anderer Zitruspflanzen.
Health Benefits:
Some of the leading health benefits of kaffir lime represent its ability
to market oral health, detoxify the blood, boost skin health, improve
digestion, beat back insects, lower inflammation, aid the system, cut
back stress, and improve the health of the hair. Let’s take a slightly
closer look at the health benefits of kaffir lime.
1. Treats Digestive Issues
Kaffir lime consists of several components that are also found in
lemongrass and related herbs. These organic constituents are anti-inflammatory
in nature, but they are also stimulating for the digestive system. If
you are suffering from constipation or indigestion, some kaffir lime
decoction can clear your symptoms up and get your bowels back on a
regular track. This can help prevent more serious gastrointestinal
issues in the future, such as colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, or gastric
ulcers.
2. Reduces Stress
Although people don’t think of kaffir limes are particularly useful in
aromatherapy, the oil extracted from these powerful fruits can be used
aromatically with great effect. If you suffer from anxiety or various
nervous disorders, spending some time inhaling these soothing vapors can
calm the body and mind.
3. Improves Oral Health
Kaffir lime is quite beneficial in the protection of oral health.
However, it is not the fruit itself that should be eaten for this, but
rather the rind and the leaves. Leaves can be directly rubbed onto the
gums to promote good oral health and remove harmful bacteria that can
build up in the mouth. Oil extracted from kaffir limes can also be mixed
in with organic toothpaste and mouthwashes to promote stronger oral and
gum care.
4. Skin Care
Kaffir lime juice and extracts are mixed into many cosmetic and
bath products for its wonderful smell, as well as its antioxidants
properties. Few acids found in kaffir limes can help to neutralize free
radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular respiration that can
cause cell mutation or apoptosis, as well as cancer. Antioxidant
compounds can also slow the breakdown of cells and lessen the appearance
of age marks, scars, and pimples. If you want your skin looking healthy
and fresh well into your old age, then perhaps some kaffir lime juice is
exactly what you need!
5. Boosts Immunity
Antibacterial and antioxidant qualities of kaffir limes make
them powerful tools to boost the immune system. Not only does the
topical application prevent infections and bacteria from accumulating on
the skin, but when consumed, kaffir limes can help prevent a wide
variety of gastrointestinal illnesses and encourage the immune system
via antioxidant effects.
6. Detoxifies the Blood
Oil of kaffir limes is often mixed in various decoctions for those
suffering from blood-borne illnesses or chronic blood-related diseases.
The unique mix of volatile compounds is known to eliminate those
pathogens or foreign agents in the blood, while also helping the liver
and lymphatic system strain out dangerous substances and improve your
overall health.
7. Lowers Inflammation
Kaffir limes can be a wonderful remedy for those who are suffering from
rheumatism, arthritis, edema, gout, or some other inflammatory condition.
You can use the juice, leaves, or oil extracts topically on the area
where you are experiencing discomfort or pain, and you can also consume
the fruit and the juices to enjoy a similar effect. This anti-inflammatory
effect also makes kaffir lime juice beneficial for headaches and
migraines.
8. Hair Care
Applications of kaffir lime juice and leaves are considered quite
beneficial for proper hair care. You can apply decoctions and mixtures
to the scalp and hair to slow the start of male pattern baldness and
strengthen the follicles of the hair. This can also moisturize the skin
to prevent dandruff and improves the appearance and shine.
9. Insect Repellant
Kaffir limes are often used for their insect repellant properties. The
citronellol and limonene found in kaffir limes are very unappealing to
most insects, and when you put a lotion or a salve containing kaffir
lime juice/oil on your skin, you can considerably decrease your chances
of being bitten by bugs, whether they may infect you or not.
10. Manages Curly Hair Better
Citronella oil, one of the primary constituents in kaffir lime, is quite
effective in detangling, helping to make curly hair easier to manage. It
also adds volume by infusing an electrical charge on hair strands that
cause them to repel each other. It also removes dirt and grease from
hair too. It could be added to shampoo to achieve desired effects.
11. Lice Treatment
Kaffir lime extract made from fruit, or combined with the leaves has
been used as an all-natural head lice remedy owing to the fact that it
constantly kills both the adult parasite and nits.
Head lice are considered parasites, which are very transmissible and
spread easily from person to person. Shampoos that take advantage of
using the oil in the formulation are amongst the best natural products
you can find for treatment of this annoying infestation.