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Historical and
traditional use:
Combava possesses a very distinctive and unique characteristic differed
from other Citrus notes in general. Traditionally, Kaffir Lime
leaves are utilized for various medical and culinary uses in
the South East Asian Countries as in Indonesia, Thailand ,
Malaysia,South Molucca , and islands of the West Indian Ocean
as Comoro Islands, Madagascar and
Reunion.The leaves have been used for centuries to
preserve foods and to
make them more appetizing.Kaffir Lime has become a very
popular unique flavor in Asian countries. Called so as their
luscious fragrance and striking flavor cannot be easily
substituted by other kinds of citrus leaves. The leaves have
also been used as traditional medicine, since they contain
active medicinal ingredients.
According to Mokkhasmit, et al. (1971) the dried leaf has antihistamine, antispasmodic, and hypotensive activity. Burkill (1935) says that
the Malays and Burmese use the
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fruit as natural shampoo for washing the hair and
other parts of the body.
The juice of the fruit is mainly used for seasoning and
as flavoring in food or sauces, and to prepare drinks . The
juice is also believed as being able to promote gum health and
further recommended for use in brushing teeth and gums.
Wasuwat (1967) reported that in Thailand, the fresh fruit
juice has been used as an expectorant . According to Crevost
and Pételot (1929) as cited in Burkill (1935), the fruit is
considered stimulant and stomachic . In the Medical Book of
Malayan Medicine (Gard. Bull. S.S. 6, 1930 pp. 329-374)
the whole fruit is used for preparing four internal
medicaments. In one of these four prescriptions the disease is
pain in the stomach. In Thailand the dried fruit peel has
been given to mother after child birth and used as an
emmenagogue . According to Thongtalch & Samblaadharaksa
(1948)the fresh fruit peel was used as a hair conditioner in
Thailand.
PRINCIPAL INGREDIENTS:
Main constituents present in Combava oil are:
aldehydes: (-)-(S)-citronellal up
to 80%, citral, geranial and neral,
esters: citronellyl acetate,
geranyl acetate,
alcohols: citronellol
(10%), terpinen-4-ol
and nerol, monoterpenes: a
–pinen, b-pinene and limonene.
Note:From a stereochemical point of view, it is remarkable that kaffir lime
leaves contain only
(-)-(S)-citronellal, whereas the enantiomeric form (+)-(R)
citronellal is found in both lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and
(to a lesser degree) lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), (note,
however, that citronellal is only a trace component in the latter's
essential oil). In addition, recent research shows
that anti-tumor promoting effects of the active constituent of fresh
Kaffir lime leaf , glyceroglycolipid
1,2-di-O- -linolenoyl-3-O- -galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol,
could be a promising source
of effective anti-tumor promoters or cancer prevention.
PRINCIPAL AROMACHOLOGICAL
ACTIONS:
After the Wagner and Spinkmeyer confirmed sedative
effects of aldehyde citronellal, amone other constituents of the Klosterfrau
Melissengeist(Spirit of Melissa), an old German natural preparation based
on the aromatic plant distillates, it has become obvious that the deep
relaxing effect of the Combava oil is derived mainly from the high citronellal content. Some other constituents may participates to the
sedative properties as well
like an aldehides:neral, citral and geranial.
Sedative effect of the oil may be achieved very fast in a few minutes, by
the combination of the inhallation and massage. This procedure is usefull
to overcome a nervous tension, stress
and stress related disorders.This is possible by restoring the
authonomic nervous system balance shifting the equilibrium from
sympathetic towards the parasimpathetic nervous system activity.It has
been observed that Combava oil can be applied for treatment of insomnia. If properly used Combava oil can increase a total sleep
time , diminish the number of awakenings and shorten a time spent in stage
of wakefulness. Combava oil possesses antibacterial and antiviral
properties and can be use to combat respiratory bacterial and viral
infections as well as for local herpes treatment. Very important
antiinflammatory properties are usefull for local treatment of arthritis,
gout and rheumatism. As a
excellent natural phlebotonic and astringent Combava oil may be usefull
for treatment of varicose veins.
COSMETICAL APPLICATION:
Combava oil acts as a natural detergent, antiseptic
and keratoplastic and is favourable for preparing a natural facial
cleansers for cleansing of a greasy skin. As a rubefacient it enhances a
cappilary blood flow and helps to prevent a cellulit formation. Efficient
removal of a brown skin
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