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By Jillian Levy, CHHC

September 24, 2020

As far back as the middle ages, people used various parts of the linden tree (also called “lime flower”) — such as in linden tea — for their natural ability to promote perspiration and detoxification, reduce pain, and decrease anxiety.

When consumed as an herbal medicine in the form of a tea, tonic, extract or topical solution, linden has been shown to be high in many antioxidants, volatile oils and other healing compounds. Among these are flavonoids, tiliroside, quercetin and kaempferol, which are associated with benefits such as reducing inflammation and swelling.

What Is Linden?

Linden tea is an herbal tea or “infusion “made from the leaves, flowers and bark of the Tilia genus of trees (also called linden trees).

The linden tree family — which includes species Tilia cordata, Tilia vulgaris, Tilia platyphyllos and Tilia tomentosa — is native to Europe and originated in locations such as Bulgaria, Romania, former Yugoslavia and Turkey. Today it’s grown in locations like France and England.

What does the name “linden” mean? Historically, it has been a popular boy’s name in countries such as England, although it’s become a more unisex name lately. It is associated with the linden tree that is said to be “sturdy and can live for centuries.”

Linden trees have dark gray bark, green heart-shaped leaves and yellow-green flowers. Different parts of the trees are dried and preserved to make teas, tinctures and other tonics that are rich in beneficial chemicals.

The tree species mentioned above are most widely grown because their parts contain some of the highest levels of tannins and mucilage compounds that make for the strongest extracts.

What is linden used for? Also sometimes called lime flower or basswood, it’s most often consumed for its natural sedative and anti-anxiety effects, but it can also help support heart health, digestion, the respiratory and immune systems, and more.

Consuming it as an anti-inflammatory tea is the most common way that this herbal remedy is utilized, but it’s also available in extract and tincture forms.

Linden Tea Benefits

Here is more about what research tells us about linden/linden tea benefits:

1. Provides Antioxidants and Other Beneficial Compounds

Studies have identified many health-promoting chemical constituents within linden trees, including:

• Flavonoids, such as kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and glycosides.
• Volatile oils, including alkanes, phenolic alcohols and esters, and terpenes, including citral, citronellal, citronellol, eugenol, limonene, nerol and α-pinene.
• Other constituents, such as saponins, tannins and tocopherol.
• Amino acids, including alanine, cysteine, cystine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and serine.
• Carbohydrates in the form of mucilage polysaccharides, including arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and others.

While it’s a source of many antioxidants, research shows it’s especially high in flavonoids, tiliroside, quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds have been shown in many studies to offer protection against free radical damage and oxidative stress, which can damage cells.

Higher intake of these chemicals can also help support eye, heart and skin health and may generally reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

2. Can Help Reduce Anxiety

One traditional use of linden was “quelling hysteria” and decreasing anxiety-related symptoms, such as indigestion, heart palpitations and vomiting.

Why is linden tea good for anxiety? Recent studies suggest that linden extract may have calming effects because it mimics the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which inhibits excitability in the nervous system.

The presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids is also thought to help regulate nervous system activity.

Some people report experiencing a decrease in blood pressure and tension-related pain, such as tension headaches, when using linden. It may also help improve sleep quality by boosting relaxation and reducing discomfort.

Does linden tea have caffeine? No; it’s naturally caffeine free and considered an herbal tea.

This makes it a good choice if you’re sensitive to the effects of caffeine and tend to become jittery or nervous when consuming it.

3. Supports Detoxification and Digestive Health

Like certain other herbal teas, including dandelion tea, there’s evidence suggesting that linden can act like a natural diuretic, helping reduce fluid retention and swelling while supporting overall digestive function.

It’s also used to promote sweating in order to boost detoxification and as a mucilage to help those who are sick to release phlegm. It’s described as having demulcent and antispasmodic properties that can help decrease coughs, flu and bronchitis symptoms, and other respiratory issues.

4. May Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Certain studies suggest that antioxidants found in linden, including tiliroside and quercetin, are capable of decreasing inflammation, swelling and pain. This can potentially lead to benefits for those with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

(Another tea that can help alleviate pain is ginger tea.)

5. May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Linden is thought to be a natural vasodilator, meaning that it helps dilate blood vessels and can lower blood pressure. This is one way in which it may decrease anxiety symptoms, headaches, etc.

Risks and Side Effects

Is Linden tea safe? Overall, studies have demonstrated that it’s typically well-tolerated and safe for most adults to consume in moderate amounts.

“Moderate intake” is considered to be between two to four grams of the tea blend per day, which is about three to four cups. Drinking more than this may potentially cause side effects such as changes in blood pressure and digestion, so it’s best to stick within this range.

You shouldn’t consume linden if you’re pregnant (not enough information is available on its safety), have heart disease or if you’re allergic to pollen.

People taking diuretics or medications containing lithium should not drink linden tea since it can potentially interact with these drugs. Those with a history of heart disease should also be precautious when beginning to use linden tea, especially if drinking it often and for long periods of time.

How to Make It

In order to make linden tea, the leaves, flowers and bark are dried, boiled and steeped in water, creating a “herbal infusion.” When purchasing a loose leaf blend from a tea shop or online, look for the species name Tilleul.

You can make your own linden tea at home by steeping dried parts (flowers, leaves, bark) in hot water for about 5 to 10 minutes or overnight in room temperature water. Use about 1.5 grams of loose tea for every 8-ounce serving you make.

Use either premade tea bags or loose leaves/flowers/bark in a tea strainer or mesh. You’re more likely to make a strong and effective tea if you buy loose leaves/flowers that have been recently dried, rather than using premade tea bags.

What does Linden smell like? It’s described as being similar to chamomile tea and having a faint aromatic and floral odor and a mild, sweet and “mucilaginous” (or bitter) taste.

Some also find that it subtly tastes like “flowers and woods.”

Teas with higher tannin levels and low mucilage content are more aromatic and flavorful overall. You can also boost the health benefits and flavor by adding other herbs and spices, such as ginger, turmeric, etc.

Other Uses

Aside from the benefits and uses described above, other ways in which various parts of the linden tree are used include:

• Making cough drops
• Producing sweet sap or flavored oils
• Helping treat epilepsy

Conclusion

• Linden tea comes from the Tilia species of trees, which have been used in Europe for many centuries to treat conditions such as anxiety, pain, coughs and high blood pressure.
• Various parts of these trees, including the flowers, bark and leaves, are used to make teas, infusions, tonics and extracts that can help combat inflammation, swelling and fluid retention.
• Beneficial compounds found within linden include antioxidants like flavonoids, quercetin, tiliroside and kaempferol; volatile oils; and amino acids.
• What is linden tea good for? Linden tea benefits can include having a calming effect, soothing the digestive tract, and acting like a natural diuretic and mucilage.

Linden tea: useful properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, linden could be found everywhere. Trees were planted near temples, considering them sacred, and also at the birth of children as a talisman for babies. Today, the drink is considered medicinal. Linden tea is known for its many beneficial properties, but do not forget about contraindications. Read about all this below.

Positive qualities

The broth has a rich composition. It includes flavonoids, tannins, vitamins A and C, glucose, essential oils. Due to this, the infusion has a general strengthening effect and is used to treat many diseases and viral infections.

Favorably influences and in a cold season. By adding a spoonful of honey, you can strengthen the immune system and get rid of the first symptoms of a cold. The decoction fights high body temperature, and also has an expectorant and diuretic effect.

Tea from lime flowers is recommended to gargle with sore throat. Since it has antibacterial properties, it also helps to restore the mucosa in the presence of micro-wounds and fights swelling.

In case of violation of the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, they also resort to this remedy. It increases the level of secreted gastric juice, improves digestion.

It is also known to have a calming effect on the nervous system. With insomnia, it is enough to drink only 100 ml to relieve tension. But do not abuse it, since in large quantities the drink, on the contrary, excites the central nervous system.

Linden tea benefits for women

• It is indicated in cases where girls have an irregular menstrual cycle, menstruation is accompanied by severe pain or profuse discharge. The infusion increases the level of hemoglobin, partially relieves pain. To prepare the broth, it is necessary to use the double brewing method: first pour boiling water over the raw materials, and then put on fire for another 20 minutes.
• During menopause, there is great discomfort, accompanied by stress and emotional outbursts. This reflects badly on the life of any lady. The tool helps to reduce the frequency of such "hot flashes", as well as improve the condition of the body, normalizing the level of hormones.
• The benefits of linden tea also lie in the fact that it helps to cope with fibroids and other gynecological ailments. Numerous studies have shown how effective the drink is in the fight against oncology of the female genital organs. This is explained by the presence in the composition of substances that prevent the flow of blood to the tumor, thereby starting the process of getting rid of it.
• Favorably acts in diseases of the urinary system: urethritis, cystitis, etc. The decoction eliminates pain and pain when going to the toilet, fights infection and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Girls who want to lose weight also resort to this remedy. It removes toxins and excess fluid from the body, activates the functioning of the liver, and also fights cellulite and restores fat metabolism.
• Linden flowers have found their application in cosmetology. They have a rejuvenating effect, give the skin a fresh and healthy look, improve the condition of the hair and prevent hair loss.

Benefits and harms of linden tea during pregnancy

Pregnant women are more likely to get colds. But experts do not recommend taking medications, as their side effects can adversely affect the general condition of not only the expectant mother, but also the baby.

Linden flower drink belongs to the category of the most effective and at the same time safe remedies against viral infections. It has an antipyretic and antiseptic effect, improves immunity. Its bactericidal properties help fight inflammation of the throat.

The decoction is used for edema, because due to the diuretic action it removes excess fluid. It will become an indispensable assistant for stress and neurosis, calming the nervous system, and also restore the activity of the digestive tract, enrich the blood with oxygen.

The content of iron in the composition prevents the occurrence of anemia, and regular use will protect against dizziness.

But you should not take it in large quantities without prior approval from your doctor. You should carefully monitor the reaction of the body and, if the condition worsens, refrain from using it.

Benefits of linden tea for men

Often a decoction is used to treat prostatitis and hemorrhoids. After a week of admission, pain relief is noted.

The infusion helps with sleep disorders, restores the central nervous system after stressful situations and cleanses the organs of harmful toxins.

For children

• The main advantage is that six-month-old babies are allowed to drink tea leaves. The only condition is that you must first consult with a pediatrician about the dosage and daily allowance, and also make sure that there are no allergic reactions.
• The drink is known as an antipyretic. It effectively fights fever and eliminates the need to resort to medications.
• Beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract helps to cope with heaviness in the abdomen, colic and bloating.
• This is also important for little fidgets. It calms the nervous system and helps the child fall asleep faster.

Benefits of linden tea for weight loss

It is an effective weight loss remedy recommended by many nutritionists. According to reviews, if you drink a drink for a month, you can get rid of about 5 kg.

At the same time, this method will affect health only in a positive way. After all, the infusion improves blood circulation, normalizes blood pressure and relieves anxiety and stress.

The drink has a diuretic effect, due to which excess fluid is excreted from the body. To do this, you need to take approximately 300 mg of flowers per 5 liters of water. We insist 15 minutes, filter and add to the finished bath. Do this before going to bed for 20 minutes.

6 sessions are enough, once in seven days, to normalize the water-alkaline balance.

From stretch marks on the skin, you can do compresses. Small scars disappear after 4 weeks.

Bark, leaves and buds are also used. The carotene, essential oils, polysaccharides and other substances contained in them contribute to the diaphoretic effect, thereby removing toxins.

Elevated

A decoction on linden inflorescences contributes to profuse sweating. After drinking a cup and wrapping yourself in a blanket, you can defeat the ailments of a cold. Folk remedy is perfect for pregnant women. After all, they are not recommended to use drugs that can harm not only the condition of the mother, but also the unborn baby. At the same time, it strengthens the immune system.

Children can be given infusion as early as the age of six months. Moreover, it helps to normalize the work of the stomach and intestines, fights colic and bloating.

Benefits of linden tea for the body in extreme heat

Its advantage is that it is perfectly combined with other medicinal herbs, and often even masks their bitterness and unpleasant taste. For a similar symptom, mix:

• linden flowers;
• thyme;
• chamomile.

The ingredients are taken in equal proportions, poured into a cup and poured with hot water. It should be brewed for about 5 minutes, and taken warm as much as necessary to improve well-being.

An integrated approach will have an antiseptic and diaphoretic effect, as well as reduce inflammation.

Tincture can be made exclusively from this variety. To do this, brew a teaspoon of flowers in a cup of boiling water and use as often as possible.

Prostatitis

Regular consumption of the drink is recommended to the representatives of the stronger sex, who wish to maintain male power and get rid of this disease. A recipe is known where not inflorescences are taken, but tree branches. They are burned and crushed. The resulting ash is added in 2 tsp. in boiling water and drunk in the morning. The tool is used as a prophylactic and is used for 7 days every month.

Benefits and harms of linden blossom tea

Despite such useful properties of the infusion as sedative, cleansing, antipyretic, etc., it also has some contraindications. As with other medicinal herbs, there is also one rule for it: "In small quantities - medicine, in large quantities - poison." In other words, you should not replace the usual black or green varieties with them and use them daily for a long time.

In such cases, it can have the opposite effect: cause problems with the central nervous system, pain in the heart, and even tachycardia.

When using a decoction as a medicine, it is necessary to take a monthly course, and then be sure to take a break.

Do not exclude the possibility of allergic reactions. Linden is considered a honey plant, so those who have intolerance to honey or pollen need to be careful. Allergy sufferers are advised to consult a specialist.

However, people who love the refined taste of the drink can brew 4 inflorescences per glass without harm to health. With a daily rate of 300 ml, it will really show its favorable qualities.

Collection and harvesting

Raw materials are collected during the flowering of the tree, starting in June - July. It is better to do this in the morning and in dry weather. It is considered ideal when the bulk of the flowers have already blossomed, but there are also unopened buds.

Remember that you should not harvest flowers from trees growing near roads, in the city or in yards. There they are impregnated with exhaust gases and other harmful substances and will not bring benefits to the body.

Preparing them is pretty easy. Remove damaged inflorescences from the mass, and leave the rest to dry in the fresh air, avoiding direct sunlight. The grass should be spread out in a thin layer and covered with gauze or other air-permeable cloth. Several times a day, the pile must be mixed so that the process goes evenly.
The temperature of the place should not be higher than 45 C, otherwise the favorable properties will be lost.

When the workpiece is ready, lay it out in paper or rag bags. You can store it up to 2 years.

Beneficial way to brew linden

The dosage depends on the purpose for which the drink is prepared. If this is a medicinal infusion, then 200 milliliters will need 1 tbsp. raw materials. For ordinary tea, 5-6 flowers per 300 ml are enough.

To make a decoction, you need to add color to cold water and bring to a boil over low heat, and then hold for another 6 minutes. After that, it should be infused and after 20 minutes it can already be used.

Easy recipe

Add tea leaves to the teapot, pour boiling water over it and cover with a lid. Everything will be ready in 5 minutes. You can also strain and sweeten with honey.

When brewing only for taste, you can leave the infusion for several hours. In this case, it will acquire a refined shade and a rich smell. But the disadvantage is that it will lose its usefulness.

Combination with other ingredients

Flowers are perfectly combined with almost all components, which opens up scope for experimentation. Black and green tea with linden is useful in cases where you use it daily. So you can not be afraid of the likelihood of harm to the body and enjoy the delicate taste.

In medicinal collections of herbs, inflorescences can be found in combination with chamomile, St. John's wort, coltsfoot or sage. Also, the drink is mixed with elderberry, raspberry, mint or oregano.

To relieve a sore throat, you need to rinse it with color and soda. In cosmetology, a method is known for preparing ice cubes from tincture with mineral water. And in moisturizers, the plant is used with vegetable oils.

Storage

In order for linden tea to retain its benefits and not cause harm, the raw materials should be kept in a dark, inaccessible place for sunlight. Place it in paper or canvas bags.

A glass jar is suitable for this purpose. The only requirement is that it should not be tightly closed with a lid. Herbs need to "breathe" in order to retain all their useful qualities. Therefore, wrap the neck with a cloth and secure with a string or elastic band. If you do not want to look for suitable containers, just order special storage containers on the Russian Tea Company website. You can also choose high-quality tea there.

Please note that there were no spices and seasonings, as well as other ingredients with a strong smell near the stock. Tea leaves will easily absorb extraneous notes, which will have a bad effect on its aroma, as well as taste characteristics.

How to choose

It is necessary to collect only fully opened flowers. The main criterion is that they must be healthy, not eaten by insects and not have other damage, for example, traces of fungal attack. Pay attention only to the inflorescences. Defects of leaves or branches are not taken into account if there is no task to use them for medicinal purposes.

Stay away from trees growing near trails or in polluted areas. Here, the plants are saturated with harmful substances, dust and gases, so they will not bring benefits to the body.

In pharmacies, the product has already been tested, so it is of good quality. You can purchase any variety - both in loose form and filter bags.

Contraindications

The decoction is considered practically harmless, but a few subtleties still exist. So, you can not replace them with black and green teas and drink every day. Despite the fact that this is a tasty remedy, it belongs more to the medicinal category. Therefore, abuse can adversely affect health.

Excessive passion for brewing is accompanied by the likelihood of problems with the central nervous system, vision, as well as malfunctions of the heart and kidneys. In this regard, between monthly courses it is imperative to take a break of at least 10 days.

Allergy sufferers should be careful. The honey plant can harm those who have an individual intolerance to honey or pollen. In the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system or in violation of the electrolyte balance, you should not often resort to infusion.

People with kidney stones should also refrain from using it, since linden decoction has a diuretic effect. It can cause movement or cause blockage of the urinary tract.

Linden tea, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we have considered, has been known to many since childhood. Almost everyone likes this delicious drink, but when using it, you need to follow the measure.

medicinal properties, contraindications, application, reviews of doctors

Linden is a large tree with a broad-leaved spreading crown. The aroma emanating from flowering makes you stop, enjoy it.

Linden blossoms contain many beneficial chemicals. First of all, it is thiliacin glycoside, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, essential oils, tannins, vitamin A.

Linden tea has a pleasant taste, light honey aroma, because it is a melliferous plant. Linden flowers have been used for a long time in medicine and not only as an independent medicine, but also as an additional one that enhances the effect of other components.

Healing properties of linden flowers

All the healing effects of linden blossom can be explained by its chemical composition. For example, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that slows down aging and supports the immune system.

Flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory effect, help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, that is, they resist diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Polysaccharides take part in the work of immunity, resist infectious diseases. Additionally, tannins enhance the anti-inflammatory effect.

The delicate, sweet scent of linden flowers is provided by essential oils, in addition, they have a pronounced calming effect.

Linden blossom contraindications

Despite the wide list of positive properties, lime blossom has contraindications and possible side effects. More often they are associated with violations of the recommendations for admission - you can not constantly drink linden tea. Otherwise, the consequences, sometimes quite serious, will not be long in coming: chest pain, tachycardia, etc. Only a doctor who will also control this process can prescribe a course of treatment.

The possibility of allergic reactions cannot be ruled out. Since linden is a honey plant, cross-reactions can form if a person is allergic to bee products. Therefore, before you start taking lime blossom, you need to consult a doctor.

The use of linden flowers

Linden flowers have a diaphoretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. And this medicinal plant is prescribed for men, women, including during pregnancy. Linden color is used in cosmetology to curb the aging process, as well as strengthen nails and hair.

For women

Decoction

To prepare the decoction, you need to use the double brewing method: boil the lime blossom with boiling water, and then boil for about 20 minutes.

Linden tea is recommended for women with irregular menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhea, i.e. painful menstruation. The decoction is also useful for menopause, as it can reduce the frequency of hot flashes and stabilize the emotional background. Another useful property is the prevention of serious female diseases, even oncopathologies.

During pregnancy

Lime blossom decoction is recommended for the symptomatic treatment of colds, as many medicines are contraindicated during pregnancy. The decoction has antipyretic, antiseptic effects, strengthens the protective properties of the body. A decoction can be used for edema. And an additional sedative effect improves well-being.

For men

Decoction

To prepare the solution, tree branches are used, or rather ash after they have been burned. 2 teaspoons of ash are added to boiling water, and this mixture should be drunk in the morning. The tool should be used as a prophylactic - for a week every month.

For men, linden decoction is used to treat prostatitis, after a week there is a significant improvement in well-being, a decrease in pain.

Slimming

Many nutritionists recommend this remedy for weight loss. It is believed that taking linden tea for 2-3 weeks contributes to weight loss by 3-5 kg.

Slimming is carried out due to the diuretic effect - linden tea removes excess fluid from the body.

For temperature reduction

Lime blossom decoction has a pronounced diaphoretic effect. Therefore, it is often used as an antipyretic in the treatment of SARS. And an additional analgesic effect helps to get rid of headaches and sore throats.

In cosmetology

Linden flowers and honey are used in cosmetology. Even professional cosmetologists use masks and creams, which include linden honey, linden blossom decoction. For face care, compresses and decoctions are used.

Linden color is also useful for hair and nails, because it helps to strengthen them, normalize their natural shine. After such procedures, a delicate, pleasant aroma remains that will last for a long time.

Hot linden blossom poultices treat wrinkles on the face and neck. And steam baths are great for oily facial skin in order to eliminate the abundant production of sebum.

For the digestive system

Lime blossom is part of medicines that enhance the secretion of digestive juices, have a choleretic effect. Linden blossoms have a mild sedative effect.

For the treatment of kidney diseases

Another useful property is a diuretic, so linden tea can be prescribed for cystitis, kidney diseases, it also helps to get rid of edema, even during pregnancy. But before taking medicinal tea, you need to consult a doctor leading a pregnancy.

Doctors' comments about linden flowers

Olga Zorina, pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, editor-in-chief of MedCorr:

– Due to its antiseptic properties, linden blossom is actively used in herbal medicine, for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. For example, dentists recommend rinsing the mouth with a decoction to curb the growth of pathogenic microflora.

Additional anti-inflammatory action explains the high efficiency in the complex therapy of inflammatory gum disease, namely gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as inflammation of the tongue and all types of stomatitis.

Elena Korsun, Ph.

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