Linden

Tilia americana
or
Tilia europea
or
Tilia cordata

American Basswood American Linden Basswood Bast Tree Common Lime Limeblossom Lime Flowers Lime Tree Linden Linden Flower Spoonwood Wycopy Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take How it works in the body Applications Absorbing powder

A number of different species of the genus Tilia yield flowers that are used in folk medicine, but most of the commercial product is derived from T. cordata Mill. and T. platyphyllos Scop. Also known as basswood or lime trees, these are large deciduous trees of the family Tiliaceae, which often grow over 100 feet in height. The former species is commonly referred to as the small-leaved European linden, the latter as the large-leaved linden. After collection in late spring, the yellowish or white fragrant flowers are rapidly dried in the shade. They must also be carefully preserved since even a small amount of moisture reduces their aromatic properties and their activity.

Linden flower tea has been used since the late Middle Ages as a diaphoretic, that is, a medication which promotes perspiration. Linden flower is also recommended as both a nervine (tranquilizer) and a stimulant, two quite contradictory uses. In addition, linden flower is considered valuable in the treatment of headaches, indigestion, hysteria, and diarrhea. Linden flowers were once thought to be so effective in the treatment of epilepsy that a patient could be cured simply be sitting under the tree.

A number of flavonoid compounds, particularly derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol, are found in linden flowers and, together with p-coumaric acid, are apparently responsible for the medication's diaphoretic properties. A pleasant-smelling volatile oil also occurs in the flowers, along with quantities of tannin and mucilage.

Studies have shown that the relative amounts of tannin and mucilage are extremely important as far as the taste of linden flower tea is concerned. The taste becomes significant because relatively large amounts need to be drunk to induce perspiration. Flowers with a high tannin (2 percent or greater) and relatively low mucilage content produce a more tasty tea than those with a lower concentration of tannin and large amounts of mucilage. The latter tend to be quite insipid. This explains why the flowers of T. cordata and T. platyphyllos are preferred sources of the herb. They contain relatively more tannin and less mucilage than the flowers of such species as T. tomentosa Moench, the silver linden. Consequently, teas prepared from the first two species taste much better.

Authorities generally agree that linden flower tea is both a pleasant tasting beverage and a useful diaphoretic. The claims of therapeutic efficacy for other conditions should be disregarded. For the best-tasting product, select the flowers obtained from either T. cordata or T. platyphyllos. This may not be too easy if one has to rely on commercial sources, which often fail to identify the botanical source. The flowers should also be stored in airtight, light-resistant containers to preserve their maximum fragrance.

Linden flower has been reported that too-frequent use of linden flower tea may result in damage to the heart. Although this apparently occurs only occasionally and as a result of excessive intake of the beverage, those with known cardiac problems would do well to avoid using linden flower.

Linden blossom makes a wonderfully relaxing remedy that is delicious when taken in infusion. Linden relieves tension and anxiety, aids sleep, calms restless and excitable children and reduces muscle tension. Linden blossom makes a good remedy for conditions associated with tension including headaches, period pains, colic and cramp.

These relaxant effects combined with the beneficial action of the bioflavonoids on the arteries make linden blossom a useful remedy for reducing high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. Linden blossom also relaxes the arteries of the heart, making it useful in the treatment of palpitations and coronary heart disease.

Taken in hot infusion, linden blossom has a diaphoretic action, increasing blood supply to the skin and producing sweating. Linden blossom is an excellent remedy for reducing fevers, particularly in children, and for clearing catarrhal congestion. Taken with elderflowers linden blossom will speed colds, coughs, and flu on their way. A warm to cool infusion has a diuretic action, helping to clear fluid and toxins from the body through the urinary system.

PARTS USED

Flowers, young leaves, inner bark.

USES

Linden is an antispasmodic, sweat-inducing, and sedative remedy. Linden relieves tensions and sinus headaches, helping to calm the mind and allow easy. Linden is an excellent remedy for stress and panic, and is used specifically to treat nervous palpitations. The flowers bring relief to colds and flu by reducing nasal congestion and soothing fever. Linden flowers are commonly taken to lower high blood pressure, particularly when emotional factors are involved. The flowers are used over the long term to treat high systolic blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis. Because of their emollient quality, linden flowers are used in France to make a lotion for itchy skin.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to Europe, linden is found in the wild, but is also often planted in gardens and along roads. The flowers are collected in summer.

CONSTITUENTS

Linden contains flavonoids (especially quercetin and kaempferol), caffeic and other acids, mucilage (about 3%), tannins, volatile oil (0.02-0.1 %), and traces of benzodiazepine-like compounds. The flavonoids improve circulation.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

As an infusion, use 200 ml (8 fl oz) three times a day for indigestion, stress, headaches, and general tension. Use the infusion in the bath to calm and relax.
Take the tincture between 2 1/2 - 5 ml (1/2 - 1 tsp) at bedtime for sleeplessness. Take 2 ml (40 drops) three times a day for high blood pressure.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

The relaxing qualities of limeblossom make it extremely useful in the nervous system, where it has applications for conditions requiring an antispasmodic action, for example, in cases of stress and tension. Linden is helpful as a remedy for sleeplessness due to its sedative action. For headaches, especially caused by excess catarrh, this is an excellent remedy. In the cardiovascular system, linden is used to treat high blood pressure, and has a reputation for helping to lower cholesterol associated with arteriosclerosis. In the digestive system, linden is useful for indigestion associated with nervous tension. Linden has a diaphoretic action, which helps the body to sweat out toxins. This, combined with its anticatarrhal properties, makes it helpful in colds and flu.

APPLICATIONS

The most pleasant way to consume linden is in the form of an infusion: 3 flowers in 1 cup (250 ml) hot water, with or without honey. Linden is excellent when taken during the day to treat anxiety and neurasthenia, and at night to relax and induce sleep. In a concentrated decoction in the bath: 1 oz (30 g) flower heads boiled in 8 cups (2 liters) water, infused and strained. This calms the nerves and relaxes the muscles. In a compress: 1 t (5 g) in 1 cup (250 ml) water: excellent for treating eye infections, and in a face lotion to soothe dry skin and treat brown spots.
The linden sapwood is recognized as one of the best aids in draining the gallbladder and as a good diuretic: boil 1 t (5 g) bark in 1 cup (250 ml) water for a few minutes. Macerate for several hours. Take 1 cup (250 ml) before each meal for 10 to 30 consecutive days.

ABSORBING POWDER

Completely burn a small, well-dried linden log. Collect the charcoal and pound in a mortar until you obtain a fine powder.
In case of an overly acidic or nervous stomach, take before each meal or, in case of emergency, dilute 1 T (15 ml) in water. Use pure on an infected wound, an abscess or a hemorrhage.