Linden

This tree grows in the northern, temperate climates of Europe, Asia, and North America. Many medicinal species of linden exist, with Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos generally being the most available and studied. Regardless of species, the flowers are used as medicine. Though sometimes called lime flower, linden is not related to the familiar green lime fruit.

Since time immemorial, the fragrant and tasty linden flowers have been used medicinally as a calming agent and to relieve indigestion, the common cold, and griping or colicky pain in the abdomen.^{1, 2} Many of these uses have been confirmed or partially confirmed in modern research.

The major active constituents in linden are flavonoids, glycosides, and possibly a volatile oil. One study found that a complex mixture of compounds, primarily flavonoids, reduced anxiety in mice.³ Although used as a traditional herbal remedy for anxiety, these results have not been confirmed in human clinical trials. Older clinical trials have shown that linden flower tea can help people with mild gallbladder problems (but not gallstones), upset stomach or dyspepsia, and excessive gas that causes the stomach to push up and put pressure on the heart (also known as the gastrocardiac syndrome.)^{4, 5} Linden’s reputed antispasmodic action, particularly in the intestines, has been confirmed in at least one human trial.⁶

Linden flowers act as a diaphoretic when consumed as a hot tea. Diaphoretics induce a mild fever, thereby possibly helping promote the immune system’s ability to fight infections. The fever usually does not go very high because the diaphoretic also causes sweating, the body’s natural way of lowering its temperature. The German Commission E has approved linden flower for the treatment of colds and cold-related coughs.⁷

A tea of linden is prepared by adding 2–3 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of dried or fresh flowers to a pint (500 ml) of just boiled water. After steeping the flowers in a covered container for ten to fifteen minutes, sip the tea while it is still hot. During an acute problem, several cups can be taken daily for up to one week.⁸ For longer term use (three to six months), three cups (750 ml) per day can be used. A tincture or fluid extract of linden, 3/4–1 teaspoon (3–5 ml) three times daily, may alternatively be used.

Statements that overuse of linden can cause heart problems⁹ lack scientific merit. Both the German Commission E monograph and the American Herbal Products Association’s guide on herbal safety state that linden has no toxic effects.^{10, 11} In fact, linden is considered safe for use in children¹² and there are no known reasons to avoid it during pregnancy and breast-feeding.