How do I use Linden and what are the health benefits?

I am sure you have seen Linden trees before as they grow literally everywhere! Every year in July, they blossom. I personally love the smell of the flowers and so do the bees. Linden blossoms make wonderful honey.

But besides the beautiful smell and the honey, the Linden tree is loaded with health benefits.

In fact, the bark leaves blossoms can be used for medicinal use.

Simply make an infusion (tea) and drink this to boost your health.

To make an infusion boil your water and then add the leaves, blossoms and bark. Let it sit for 10 minutes and enjoy.

If you like to add some honey you can do so, but please note that you should use small amounts of honey and avoid sugar as this can reduce or stop the medicinal effects.

The leaves and blossoms can be used raw and fresh as well as dried, The bark I recommend using dried. The drying process is easy. Collect your harvest and lay it out on trays or cutting boards covered with either kitchen towels or newspaper (do not use shinny newspaper as these are filled with lots of toxins).

Let me share 9 reasons why you should have Linden blossoms, leaves in your cupboard:

1: It is great if you have a cold or flu

Linden has diaphoretic qualities (induces sweat) which can ease with colds (especially feverish colds), influenza (different flu kinds), coughing and soothe irritation in the throat

2: It can lower fever

As mentioned above, you should drink this infusion if you have a fever as it will encourage sweat. This will help your body to rid itself of toxins throughout your body, excess fat and water.

P-coumaric acid is believed to be responsible for this action as well as the kaempferol and quercetin.

3: Linden blossom tea can lower anxiety

Linden tea can take the edge of your anxiety and help you achieve a good night of sleep. It is very gentle and not as strong as chamomile or valerian tea and generally a great evening tea.

4: They have antimicrobial properties

Linden extracts have antibacterial activities against various infectious organisms and including anti-fungal activities and have inhibitory actions against certain foodborne pathogens.

5: Contains a valuable supply of antioxidants

Linden possesses two antioxidant compounds called kaempferol and quercetin which help protect against and reverse damage caused by free radicals as well as having anti-ageing properties.

6: It can boost heart health

Linen infusion can reduce inflammation found within the circulatory system.

It is also fantastic in lowering blood pressure and protecting against blood clots - ultimately Linen infusions can be helpful in protecting against serious heart diseases like atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack.

This being said, if you suffer from an existing heart condition you should always mention to your doctor that you like to use herbal remedies such as Linden infusions too.

7: Linden tea can help with menstruation cramps

If you have painful periods then you should make some linden blossom teas as it can help to ease the pain and relax the muscles. It may also help to contour some of the other symptoms many women experience during their periods such as mood swings, anxiety, and hormonal fluctuations.

This being said, painful periods, heavy periods, mood swings and anxiety are often a sign of a hormonal imbalance. If you are looking to rebalance your hormones please contact us here.

8: Can help with stomach cramps, bloating and gas

Linden tea possesses antispasmodic abilities due to the flavonoid and P-coumaric acid content which in turn can relieve stomach cramps, bloating and gas.

9: Linden tea has strong anti-inflammatory powers

Linden tea has strong anti-inflammatory powers which will help both internal and external types of inflammation. You can soothe pain including arthritis and rheumatism by drinking Linden tea on a regular basis as this can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

As you can see, having Linden blossoms, leaves and bark in your cupboards can be very beneficial. You can make a mix of all dried ingredients and keep in in an airtight jar all year round.

If you like to save time and work on harvesting and drying your linden blossoms then you can simply order them on amazon too (I have a link for you here).

When to avoid Linden infusions:

- low blood pressure

- allergy to pollen or linden

- if you use Diuretics (water pills) as you could suffer from dehydration

- if you use Lithium as it can increase the concentration of lithium in your blood due to the diuretic effect linen tea can have.

Consult your health care provider or us if you:

- have a heart condition

- are pregnant or breastfeeding

- like to know a dosage for your child

Dosage:

The dosage depends on various factors e.g. age, your health conditions medications taken, and more. This can vary from person to person, therefore we recommend you to speak to your health care provider or contact us for advice.

Generally, 2g-4g of dry linden tea is recommended as safe which is 1-2 cups.

We hope this post was helpful and you feel empowered using natural remedies knowing their benefits and also when not to take them. We always offer consultations and seminars so please check those out as well.

If you are interested in some studies done on the Linden Tree please check out those studies:

Aguirre-Hernandez E, Martinez AL, Gonzalez-Trujano ME, Moreno J, Vibrans H, Soto-Hernandez M. Pharmacological evaluation of the anxiolytic and sedative effects of Tilia americana L. var. mexicana in mice. J Ethnopharmacol . 2007;109(1):140-145.

Bianca MI. Linden flower (Tillia Spp.) as potential vehicle of Clostridium botulinum spores in the transmission of infant botulism. Rev Argent Microbiol . 2009;41(4):232-6.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al., ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines . Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:163, 342, 343.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs . Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:240-243.

Coleta M, Campos MG, Cotrin MD, Proenca de Cunha A. Comparative evaluation of Melissa officinalis L., Tilia eruopaea L., Passiflora edulis Sims. and Hypericum perforatum L. in the elevated plus maze anxiety test. Pharmacopsychiatry . 2001;34 Suppl 1:S20-S21.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Christof J. PDR for Herbal Medicines . 4th ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson Healthcare; 2007:532-534.

Herrera-Ruiz M, Román-Ramos R, Zamilpa A, Tortoriello J, Jiménez-Ferrer JE. Flavonoids from Tilia americana with anxiolytic activity in plus-maze test. J Ethnopharmacol . 2008 Jul 23;118(2):312-7. Epub 2008 Apr 24.

Martínez AL, González-Trujano ME, Aguirre-Hernández E, Moreno J, Soto-Hernández M, López-Muñoz FJ. Antinociceptive activity of Tilia americana var. mexicana inflorescences and quercetin in the formalin test and in an arthritic pain model in rats. Neuropharmacology . 2009 Feb;56(2):564-571. Epub 2008 Nov 5.

Matsuda H, Ninomiya K, Shimoda H, Yoshikawa M. Hepatoprotective principles from the flowers of Tilia argentea (linden): structure requirements of tiliroside and mechanisms of action. Bioorg Med Chem . 2002;10(30:707-712.

Mur P, Feo Brito F, Lombardero M, et al. Allergy to linden pollen ( Tilia cordata ). Allergy . 2001;56(5):457-458.