Kaffir Lime

Kaffir lime has a bumpy fruit with a rough skin open it and it resembles a sweet lime, except that it's not so sweet bitter in taste, it is often pickled in particular indian cultures the kaffir lime leaf is a typical double leaf joined such that the lower part of the leaf is oval and the upper part resembles a heart shape the leaf when fresh is shiny in appearance and is replete with essential oils.

Apart from culinary uses for which most people know this plant, it has other uses which make it a regular in most thai homes and backyards in popular thai culture, this plant is known to cleanse the mind and the body and ward off evil spirit, which explains every house having one!.

The fruit is not as extensively used as are the leaves however, the juice of the fruit is good for healthy gums it has bleaching properties and when mixed with detergent can fight the toughest stains the rind of the fruit is used in many digestive tonics and blood purifiers.

The juice and rind of the kaffir lime is also used in traditional indonesian medicine. As such, in indonesia the kaffir lime is referred to as aasjeruk obata, which translates to amedicine citrusa. The juice of the kaffir lime is also used in southeast asian folk medicine, where it is touted as promoting gum health. As such, this culture recommends using the lime juice to brush the teeth and gums.

The fruit has essential oils which are incorporated into various ointments as well. The rind itself serves as an ingredient in many medicinal tonics which are believed to be beneficial for the blood. Just like galangal and lemon grass, the rind of the lime is also said to be beneficial for digestion.

The essential oils in the leaves, thought to have therapeutic benefits, are extracted and used for bath products (toss in a few lightly crushed leaves for a naturally scented bath) and shampoos, with the added benefit that the lime aroma is believed to have a positive mental uplifting effect.

The extract of the plant helps increase the circulation of the blood and like all members of the citrus family acts anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Itas thought to be a mosquito repellent, like other plants such as citronella and turmeric.