How to use Kaffir (Makrut) Lime Fruit and leaves for non food purposes.

There are many more uses for Kaffir Limes and leaves than just adding the leaves to Asian recipes. Here are some wonderful ways to use makrut around the home.

Relaxing Bath or Foot Soak

Add sliced kaffir, kaffir juice, some kaffir leaves and a sprinkling of rosemary leaves and/or flowers to warm water. It smells so good. The delightful floral, citrusy scent will enhance your relaxation and your skin should feels soft and rejuvenated.  Another bonus is the bathroom and hallway continue to smell lovely, even when you have finished your bath. 

 Photo Above: Bath water with kaffir fruit, leaves and rosemary. Unfortunately, the photo doesn't do justice to the bath experience. 

Potpourri

Add dried kaffir leaves or fruit to your potpourri for variation in texture, colour and aroma

Kitchen Cleaner

You can make an excellent cleaner with Makrut fruit. Soak the rinds in basic white vinegar for two weeks. Strain and bottle. Spray onto the burnt pieces on cooking dishes, leave for a few minutes and then wipe off. This anti-bacterial spray is great for cleaning grease off kitchen things.

Microwave Cleaner

Squeeze the juice of several Makrut (Kaffir) fruit into a bowl of water & microwave for about 5min. Then wipe clean. Too easy.

Essential Oil and Massage Oil

Make kaffir essential oil from the skin of the Kaffir fruit. In aromatherapy the oil is used to help lighten mood and reduce stress and anxiety. It has a lovely fresh citrusy aroma. Add a couple of drops to your massage oil for a relaxing massage. Never used concentrated essential oils on your skin.

Skin Care

Kaffir oil is considered to have cleaning and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used in cleansers, skin tonics and acne creams. To exfoliate your skin, add a couple of drops of kaffir oil with some yoghurt and oats or honey to create a natural exfoliation mixture. Do not get in your eyes.