Linden-Flower, Leaf and Seed of Bodhi Tree

Latin Name: tilia spp.
Alternative Name: lime tree, linden flowers, linn flowers, common lime, flores tiliæ, tilleul
Forms Available: leaf, flower, fruit, twig, bark

We recommend using the leaf, flower and fruit to make linden herbal tea.

Linden is an herb that comes from various species of Tilia, or lime tree. It has been used in European folk medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of health problems. Flowers from two linden species (Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos) were historically used to soothe nerves and treat health problems associated with anxiety. These flowers were steeped as a tea to relieve anxiety-related indigestion, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting. Today, linden is used in many cough and cold remedies. Active ingredients in linden help promote sweating, which may help treat people with fevers. However, there is very little scientific evidence on linden’s effectiveness. Lime trees are also valued for their wood and charcoal, and for the honey made from their flowers.

The Tilia species grow in temperate climates in the north. They are deciduous trees (losing their leaves in winter) that can grow to a height of 90 feet and may live up to 1,000 years. Herbal linden flower formulas typically call for either 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 often planted along city streets. Depending on the species, their fragrance ranges from strong and sweet to quite rich. The dried flowers are mildly sweet and sticky, and the fruit is somewhat sweet and slimy. Linden tea has a pleasing taste, due in part to the aromatic volatile oil found in the flowers.

Linden Tea Benefits have been known since olden days. Native Americans used linden flowers for treating ‘sick headaches’ and nervous stomach. They were also well aware of the diuretic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic and sedative properties of the flowers and herbs of the linden tree. The active constituents of the linden leaves and flowers are mucilages, tannins, volatile oils, and antioxidant flavonoids.

The following are the health benefits attributed to linden tea:

Linden tea may help stop headaches.
Linden tea may help combat indigestion and diarrhea.
Linden tea may help relieve tension and anxiety, calm restlessness and sedate the nerves.
Linden tea may have some beneficial effects for those suffering from high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, palpitations and heart diseases.
Linden tea may help induce perspiration and sweating.
Linden tea may help alleviate fevers, colds and cough.
Linden tea may help relieve sore throat and colitis.
Linden tea may help induce urination to clear toxins from the body.