Thai lime (Citrus hystrix), also known as arrow leaf orange, wasp orange, Thai lime, kaffir lime, Thai lemon, leper orange . It is a citrus fruit native to the tropical southeast.
Thai Lemon
The most important health benefits of kaffir lime include promoting oral health, detoxifying, promoting skin health, improving digestion, repelling worms, reducing inflammation, aiding the immune system, reducing stress, and improving hair health.
Thai lemon is the common name for tangerine, a tropical fruit native to various parts of Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. In addition to its many culinary uses, due to its unique sour and pleasant flavor, kaffir lemon is highly prized in herbal medicine as it is rich in beneficial organic compounds that can have a positive impact on body systems.
The rind (peel) is often used in Lao and Thai curry pastes to add an aromatic, astringent flavor. The fruit's rind is called puerpola and is used to flavor rums and pâtés in the Creole cuisine of Martinique, Réunion and Madagascar. In Cambodia, the whole fruit is crystallized and eaten candied.
lime leaves
The leaves are widely used in Thai and Lao cuisine (in dishes such as Tom Yum Goong) and Cambodian cuisine (in the base sauce "kroeung"). The leaves are used in Vietnamese cuisine to add flavor to chicken dishes and reduce the pungent smell when steaming snails. The leaves are used in Indonesian cuisine (particularly Balinese and Javanese cuisine) to prepare foods such as soto rooster, and along with Indonesian bay leaves for chicken and fish. They also appear in Malaysian, Burmese and South Indian cuisine
How are they used?
The oil, leaves, fruit and peel of kaffir lime all have different uses. You'll often find Thai kaffir limes used in soups and sauces, such as tom yum soup, especially the leaves that are often used in Thai lemons. However, the leaves and peel are so potent that they often mask the flavor of a dish. This strong flavor is due to the high concentration of alkaloids, citronellol, limonene, nerolidol and other organic compounds found in kaffir limes. Not only do they have a unique aroma and flavor, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits.
The oil extracted from the leaves, as well as the leaves themselves, are often used for medicinal purposes. The oil is often mixed into shampoos, soaps, salves, perfumes, and other cosmetics, while the leaves are often taken topically or orally to produce specific health effects.
Health Benefits of Thai Lemon
oral health
The most widespread use of kaffir lime is for oral health. However, it is not the fruit itself that should be eaten for this, but the peel and leaves. The leaves can be rubbed directly on the gums to promote good oral health and eliminate harmful bacteria that build up in the mouth. Oil extracted from Thai lemons can also be mixed with organic toothpastes and mouthwashes to promote more effective mouth and gum care.
detoxify blood
Kaffir lime oil is often mixed in various decoctions and used to treat blood-borne diseases or chronic blood-related disorders. The unique blend of volatile compounds is known to eliminate pathogens or foreign substances from the blood, while also helping the liver and lymphatic system filter dangerous substances and improving your overall health.
digestive problems
Many of the ingredients found in kaffir lime are also found in lemongrass and related herbs.
These organic ingredients are anti-inflammatory in nature, but they also irritate the digestive system. If you suffer from constipation or indigestion, some kaffir lime soup can relieve your symptoms and get your bowels back to normal. This can help prevent more serious gastrointestinal problems in the future, such as colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, or stomach ulcers.
repellent
In countries where kaffir lemons are traditionally grown, insect-borne diseases kill thousands of people every year. Therefore, Thai lemon is often used for its insect repellent properties. Citronellol and limonene found in kaffir lime are very unattractive to most insects and can significantly reduce bug bites when you apply a lotion or ointment containing kaffir lime juice/oil to your skin Chances are, whether they will infect you or not.
skin care
Thai kaffir lime juice and extract are blended into many cosmetics and bath products for their wonderful smell and antioxidant properties. Some of the acids found in kaffir limes can help neutralize free radicals, which are dangerous byproducts of cellular respiration that can lead to cell mutation or apoptosis, as well as cancer. Antioxidant compounds also slow down the breakdown of cells and minimize the appearance of signs of age, scarring and acne. If you want your skin to look healthy and fresh into your later years, then maybe some kaffir lime juice is just what you need!
Reduce inflammation
Thai lemon is a very effective treatment for those suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, edema, gout, or other inflammatory conditions. You can apply juice, leaves, or oil extracts topically to areas of discomfort or pain, and you can also consume fruits and juices to achieve similar effects. This anti-inflammatory effect also makes kaffir lime juice beneficial for headaches and migraines.
relieve pressure
While most people don't consider Thai lemons to be particularly useful in aromatherapy, oils extracted from these powerful fruits can be used to great effect in aromatherapy. If you suffer from anxiety or various neurological disorders, taking some time to inhale these soothing vapors can calm your mind and body.
immune system
The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Thai lemon make it a powerful tool for boosting your immune system. Not only does it prevent infection and bacterial buildup on the skin when applied topically, but when consumed, kaffir lime can also help prevent a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses and stimulate the immune system through its antioxidant effects.
hair health
One of the lesser-known uses of Thai kaffir lemon juice and leaves is in hair. You can apply decoctions and mixtures to your scalp and hair to slow down the onset of male pattern baldness and strengthen hair follicles. This also moisturizes the skin, prevents dandruff, and improves appearance and glow.
