Linden

Botanical Name:  Tilia species (spp.)
Common Names: Lime tree

Overview

Linden, an herb derived from various species of Tilia, or lime tree, 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 platypus) were traditionally used to soothe nerves and treat health problems associated with anxiety. These flowers were added to baths to quell hysteria, and 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 is helpful in people with fevers. Lime trees are also valued for their wood and charcoal, and for the flavorful honey made from their flowers.

Plant Description

The Tilia species grow in temperate climates in the north. They are deciduous trees (leaves shed seasonally) 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 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 and slimy. Linden tea has a pleasing taste, due in part to the aromatic volatile oil found in the flowers.

Parts Used

Linden flowers, leaves, wood, and charcoal (obtained from the wood) are the parts used for medicinal purposes. Active ingredients in the linden flowers include flavonoids (which act as antioxidants), volatile oil, and mucilage components (which are soothing and reduce inflammation). The plant also contains tannins that can act as an astringent.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Tilia has been studied in only a few test tube and animal trials. However, a qualified healthcare practitioner may recommend this herb for the treatment of certain conditions. Note that, different parts of Tilia species are used in treating specific conditions and symptoms.

• Tilia cordata/platypus flowers: colds, cough, fever, infections, high blood pressure, and headache (particularly migraine), and as a diuretic (increases urine production), antispasmodic (reduces smooth muscle spasm along the digestive tract), and sedative
• Tilia cordata/platypus leaves: to promote sweating (helpful for fevers)
• Tilia cordata/platypus wood: liver and gallbladder disorders, cellulitis (inflammation of the skin and surrounding soft tissue)
• Tilia cordata/platypus charcoal: ingested to treat intestinal disorders and used topically to treat swelling (edema) or infection (such as cellulitis or ulcers) of the lower leg

Available Forms

• Dried flower preparations, including teas
• Fluid extract
• Tincture

How to Take It

Pediatric
Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 to 25 kg), the appropriate dose of linden for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.
Adult
The following are recommended adult doses:

• Tea (infusion): 1 to 2 tsp flowers in 8 oz of water. Steep covered for 20 minutes. Drink three cups of hot tea per day.
• Fluid extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol), 3 to 4 mL per day taken in three doses
• Tincture (1:5 in 30% ethanol) 4 to 10 mL per day taken in three doses

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, preferably under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
Linden is considered safe at the recommended dosage. There have been rare reports of hives or other allergic skin reactions (called contact dermatitis) from touching the lime tree.

Possible Interactions

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between linden and conventional medications.