Infusions with relaxing properties ideal for falling asleep are prepared with the flowers and bracts of the linden tree, but its benefits go beyond that.

What is linden and what is it for?

The lime tree is a majestic tree whose heart-shaped and asymmetrical leaves have toothed margins. It grows in humid mountainous areas, dispersed within oak and beech forests or mixed with rowan and maple trees.
Three species of linden live in Western Europe:

• the one of big leaf, Tilia platyphyllospresent in the northern third of the peninsula and the mountains of the Iberian system;
• the one of small leaf, Tilia cordatawith smaller leaves and a darker color, which is limited to the Cantabrian Sea and the Pyrenees;
• and the common linden, European tiliaa hybrid between the two species, which is the one planted in parks and squares.

The flowers of the linden are yellowish, tiny and have numerous stamens, and are attached to a pale green lamellar bract. They are very aromatic.

The flowers and their bracts are harvested a few days after flowering, which usually occurs between June and July. You have to let them dry in the sun, on a day without humidity.

Linden properties

The flowers and bracts of the linden contain an essential oil with geraniol, eugenol and farnesol, mucilage, flavonoids, chlorogenic and caffeic acids (but no caffeine), as well as tannins.

This composition gives them various medicinal properties:

• The infusion of linden flowers, the well-known linden, It is one of the most used natural remedies for fight nerves. Acts as a very effective sedative to calm nervous palpitations, states of anxiety and panic and as a help to end insomnia.
• It is also recommended as a good alternative to treat high blood pressure, especially when it is linked to a nervous situation.
• Can relieve migraines and appease nervous irritability.
• Linden infusions are also useful to mediate heavy digestion, heartburn and gastritisalso caused by an excess of nerves and due to stressful situations.
• Linden has a slight antispasmodic action on the gallbladder, facilitates the expulsion of small stones and prevents constipation.
• It is also sudorific and expectorantand associated with elderberry and lemon indicated against colds and flu processes.
• It is also used as antirheumatic and detoxifying remedy for arthritis and osteoarthritisfor which the bark is used.

linden tea or linden infusion

We propose the following herbal formulaswhich combine linden with other plants to enhance their different effects:

linden against nervous palpitations

As a means to reduce palpitations, a herbal tea that combines in equal parts: linden, passionflower, marjoram, hawthorn and star anise.

How to prepare it: Boil water, infuse the herbs – one tablespoon of the mixture per cup – for 10 minutes and strain. Three cups are drunk a day, for a month straight.

Linden for nervous headaches

To end the headache in nervous migraines, a herbal tea is prepared by associating the lime tree, in equal parts, with betony and lemon balm and three glasses are taken a day, before meals or on an empty stomach.

lime to lower tension

By the combination of their sedative and vasodilator effectsthe flowers are integrated into infusions to lower blood pressure, mixed in equal parts with hawthorn, valerian and mistletoe.

How to prepare it: Take a level tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water, boil it for 2 minutes and leave it to macerate for 15 more minutes. Two doses are taken, mid-morning and mid-afternoon, sweetened with a pinch of honey.

Advisor J Mª Teixé, herbalist of “El Manantial de Salud”