8 Top Health Benefits Of Kaffir Lime (Makrut)

Kaffir Lime Medicinal Uses

Kaffir lime is actually a lime that is native to Thailand and it is popularly called Makrut in Thailand. We call it kolumichai in Tamil and it’s botanical name is Citrus Hystrix. It has wonderful health benefits and medicinal uses.

I am not sure about it’s Hindi name and names in other Indian languages. If you do know please update me in the comment section. Last week one our family friends sent some kaffir limes from their farm but they had sent it naming them citron lime (Citrus Medica).

But citron limes are more elongate and we call it narthangai in Tamil. Both should not be confused with each other, kaffir limes are small with bumpy skin and a very strong unique smell.

Kaffir Lime Tree:

Kaffir lime tree is a small thorny bush tree. The main distinctive feature of kaffir lime tree is the double leaves. Two hour shaped leaves are joined together to form a single leaf.

A unique thing about kaffir lime are the fruits, they have a really bumpy exterior. They are green in color and turn yellow when ripe. Another amazing thing about kaffir limes is the amazing fragrance.

All limes are fragrant but the kaffir lime leaves and the fruit pith have an amazing smell that I completely love. In Thailand, kaffir limes are used extensively in cooking and especially the kaffir lime leaves are used more than the limes in cooking as it imparts a wonderful flavor.

Kaffir Lime Chemical Constituents:

The main compound found in kaffir lime is citronellal and in smaller amounts limonene and citronellol are also found. Kaffir lime has amazing health benefits and is especially wonderful for treating all gum related problems. It has got antifungal, anti inflammatory and insect repelling properties.

Kaffir Lime Health Benefits:

1. Kaffir lime For Hair:

Kaffir limes are excellent in treating dandruff. To treat dandruff mix 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 1 tbsp of kaffir lime juice and 1 tbsp of water and apply on the scalp directly. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing and conditioning your hair. This is a very good home remedy for dandruff.

2. Kaffir Lime For Dental Problems:

Kaffir limes have been used in various cultures for treating various dental problems. Kaffir lime has anti bacterial properties and to treat dental problems we can make a simple mouth wash by boiling kaffir lime rind with water.

3. Kaffir Lime For Digestion:

Kaffir limes is very very good for improving digestion. For improving digestion make kaffir lime juice by mixing the juice with water, a pinch of salt and honey and drink. It is also a very good drink to serve after a heavy meal.

4. Anti Inflammatory Properties:

Kaffir lime has good anti inflammatory properties and is good to take when suffering from any kinds of inflammation. Try to have a cup of kaffir lime water when suffering from inflammation.

5. Insect Repellent:

Kaffir limes is an amazing insect repellent, the essential oil and the rind of the fruit can be used for repelling insects. Just boil the skin in water and use it as an insect repellant spray.

6. Detoxify The Body:

Kaffir lime juice when taken often like lemon juice detoxifies the body and helps flush out the toxins. Just have it mixed with warm water without any added sugar.

7. For Skin:

Kaffir lime can be used for skin care too. Since it has anti bacterial properties, it will treat and prevent skin infections. I have given a face pack using kaffir limes below.

8. As a Cleaner:

At home, I try to use natural cleaners and I like to boil the rind of kaffir lime and use the liquid as a kitchen top cleaner. The smell when we boil the rind is amazing and so uplifting.

Kaffir Lime Side Effects:

Kaffir lime if had in moderation will not cause any side effects but in excess might cause acidity.

5 Top Ways To Use Kaffir Limes For Skin, Hair & Health:

1. Kaffir Lime Juice For Digestion:

Take a cup of cold water, add in enough kaffir lime juice, a pinch of salt and honey and drink.

2. Kaffir Lime Face Pack:

kaffir lime for skin

Take gram flour in a bowl, add in enough kaffir lime juice and honey to form a paste and apply as a face pack.

3. Kaffir Lime For Hair:

kaffir lime for hair

Take equal quantities of kaffir lime juice, apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl and mix well. Apply on the scalp, leave it on for 15 minutes before having hair wash. This is a very good remedy for dandruff.

4. Kaffir Lime For Cleaning:

kaffir lime fruit health benefits

Grate the kaffir lime rind and boil it in water till the color of the water changes and strain. Use this liquid as kitchen counter cleaner by spraying and wiping with a soft cloth.

5. Kaffir Lime Mouth Wash:

kaffir lime juice for teeth

Boil kaffir rind in 1 cup of water along with 1/4 tsp of salt and use it as a mouth rinse.

kaffir lime health benefits

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