Linden (Tilia cordata/Tilia platyphyllos), an herb derived from various species of Tilia, or lime trees, has been used in European folk medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions. Today, the relaxing action of linden makes it a popular remedy for treating headaches, indigestion, nervous tension, and diarrhea. Lime trees are also valued for their wood and charcoal, and for the flavorful honey made from their flowers. Plant DescriptionThe Tilia species, also known as basswood, grow in temperate climates in the north. They are deciduous trees (leaves shed seasonally) that can grown to a height of 90 feet and may live up to 1,000 years. Herbal linden flower formulas typically call for either the Tilia cordata, the small-leafed European linden also known as the winter linden, or Tilia platyphyllos, the large-leafed, early-blooming summer linden. Both species are frequently planted as ornamental trees along city streets. Depending on the species, their fragrance ranges from potent and sweet to quite rich. The dried flowers are mildly sweet and sticky, and the fruit is somewhat sweet, slimy, and dry. Linden tea has a pleasing taste, due in part to the aromatic volatile oil found in the flowers. Parts UsedThe following parts of the Tilia are used in linden herbal preparations.
Medicinal Uses/IndicationsDifferent parts of the Tilia are used in treating specific conditions and symptoms.
Available Forms
How to Take ItThe following are recommended doses.
PrecautionsExcessive use of linden flower tea may cause cardiac complications, so this plant should be avoided by persons who have heart problems. Possible InteractionsNo harmful drug interactions have been reported. Supporting ResearchBenigni R, Capra C, Cattorini P. Piante Medicinali - Chimica. Farmacologia e Terapia. Vol. 1,1962; Vol 2.1964; 2:1606-1614. B ezanger-Beauquesne L, Pinkas M, Torck M, Trotin F. Plantes M edicinales des R egions Temp er ees. Paris: Maloine S.A.; 1980. Bradley P, ed. British Herbal Compendium. Vol. I. Dorset (Great Britain): British Herbal Medicine Association; 1992: 142-144. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 163, 343. Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 25th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1974. Glasl H, Becker U. Flavonol-O-Glykoside: Photometrische Gehaltsbestimmung. Disch Apoth Ztg. 1984; 124:2147-2152. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Vol. II. New York: Dover; 1971: 485-486. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Christof J. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998: 1185-1187. Hildebrandt G, Engelbrecht P, Hildebrandt-Evers G. Physiologische Grundlagen fur eine tageszeitliche Ordnung der Schwitzprozeduren. A Klin Med. 1954; 152:446-468. Kanschar H, Lander C. Welche Aussagerkraft besitzt die Quellungszahl (QZ) als Wertbestimmungs-methode bei Tilliae flos DABS? Pharm Ztg. 1984; 129:370-373. N/A Schmersahl KJ. Uber die Wirkstoffe der diaphoretischen Drogen des DAB 6. Naturwissenschaften. 1964; 51:361. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler V. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. Berlin: Springer; 1998. Thomson WA. Medicines from the Earth: A Guide to Healing Plants. Alfred Van Der Marck ed. Maidenhead, England: McGraw-Hill Book company (UK); 1978:105. Tyler V. The Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed. New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press; 1993: 203-204. More Articles: Gum with bark to take bite out of bad breath |
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