properties, benefits, what it is for + medicinal uses

linden medicinal plant

Also known as linden flower in North America, linden is a very powerful and useful medicinal flower.

The flowers, inner bark and leaves of the linden tree have been used to treat many ailments, regardless of age.

Contents

Tila.

Linden is a tree that grows in temperate climates in the northern hemisphere.

It is also found in Europe and Asia, where it grows in moist soils and valleys. The tree grows wild, being common to see it on the side of the road or in parks due to the shade it leaves.

Linden tea has been enjoyed for hundreds of years for its powerful sedative properties.

It comes from the Tilia tree genus, which typically grows in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Tilia cordata, also known as the small-leaved linden, is considered the strongest species of the genus Tilia.

Linden tea has been used in traditional medicine across cultures to relieve high blood pressure, calm anxiety, and improve digestion.

To create this herbal infusion, the flowers, leaves and bark are boiled and steeped. Separately, these components have been used for different medicinal purposes.

Characteristics of linden blossom.

Its large asymmetrical heart-shaped leaves allow for abundant foliage during the summer months. The upper part of the leaves is dark green, and the lower part is very shiny, almost white.

The wood produced by the lime tree is appreciated by artists of all kinds. Due to its good mid and high frequency resonance, the wood is used in the manufacture of guitars, both acoustic and electric.

What's the point

Uses of lime.

Linden has many uses as a medicinal plant, it is common for people to take it in the form of tea. The flowers of this delicious medicinal herb produce a large amount of sticky nectar, proving to be a treat for bees who place their hives on this tree.

For some people, the best honey in the world comes from the nectar of the linden blossom.

The flowers are also collected by perfumers, to capture their exceptional fragrance, and by herbalists, to capture the many healing properties of this flower.

Easy to add to your diet.

Adding lime blossom tea to your diet is easy. Since it can promote relaxation and sleep, it may be a good idea to drink a cup before bed. You can take it alone or with a slice of lemon and a tablespoon of honey.

You can even steep a few bags of lime blossom tea overnight in room temperature water and drink it as an iced tea in the summer.

If possible, it’s a good idea to steep the tea leaves without a filter bag. Studies have shown that it helps retain more of its antioxidants.

Properties.

It can improve relaxation.

Sitting down to enjoy a hot cup of tea can be a comforting ritual in itself.

However, linden tea goes beyond the convenience of an everyday cup of tea.

Its sweet flowers have been used in traditional medicine to promote relaxation and relieve symptoms of anxiety, and some studies seem to support these claims.

A study on mice revealed that extracts from the buds of Tilia tomentosa, a species of linden, had strong sedative properties.

It can help fight inflammation.

Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Antioxidants are compounds that help fight inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of disease. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant in Tilia flowers, while tiliroside, quercetin and kaempferol are specifically associated with linden buds.

Tiliroside is a powerful antioxidant that works by scavenging free radicals from the body. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage, which can lead to inflammation.

Kaempherol can also fight inflammation. Additionally, some studies show that it may have anti-cancer properties.

Since the amount of these antioxidants can vary by tea brand and blend, more research is needed to determine how much linden tea you should drink to reduce inflammation.

It can reduce minor pain.

Chronic pain affects millions of people around the world. Some of the antioxidants in linden tea can provide pain relief.

One study found that giving 100mg of tiliroside per kg of body weight to mice with swollen legs reduced swelling and pain by almost 27% and 31%, respectively.

Another 8-week study in 50 women with rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by joint pain and stiffness, found that supplementation with 500 mg of quercetin, an antioxidant in linden tea, significantly improved symptoms of arthritis. pain and inflammation markers.

However, keep in mind that 500mg of quercetin is a lot.

The amount of quercetin or other flavonoids in linden tea differs significantly depending on the brand and the proportions of buds, leaves, and bark in a given blend.

Therefore, it is impossible to know how much of these antioxidants can be obtained in a single cup of tea. More research is needed to determine how much of this drink is needed for pain relief.

May have diuretic effects.

The inner bark of the Tilia tree has been associated with diuretic and diaphoretic effects. A diuretic is a substance that encourages the body to excrete more fluid, while a diaphoretic is a substance used to cool fever by promoting sweating.

Linden tea has been used in traditional medicine to promote sweating and a productive cough when a minor illness such as a cold occurs.

In Germany, 1–2 cups (235–470 ml) of linden tea is approved for use at bedtime as an infusion to promote sweating in adults and children over 12 years old.

These effects may be due to the combination of its plant compounds, in particular quercetin, kaempferol and p-coumaric acid. Currently, there is not enough scientific evidence directly linking linden tea and its chemical properties to diuretic effects.

Most of the data available on this association is anecdotal, although it dates back to the Middle Ages. Therefore, this alleged health benefit deserves further investigation.

It can lower blood pressure.

Some of the herbal components of linden tea, such as tiliroside, rutoside, and chlorogenic acid, are believed to lower blood pressure.

A study in mice found that tiliroside, an antioxidant in linden tea, affected the heart’s calcium channels. Calcium is involved in the muscular contractions of the heart.

This may help explain why linden tea has been used to lower blood pressure in folk medicine.

However, this effect is not yet fully understood and requires more scientific research. Linden tea should never be used as a substitute for heart medication.

It can help you sleep.

The quality and duration of sleep greatly affect health.

Linden tea is used in folk medicine to promote sleep. Its plant compounds have strong sedative properties, which can promote relaxation leading to sleep.

A study on mice revealed that extracts of Tilia mexicana caused sedation. Researchers believe the extract depressed the central nervous system, causing drowsiness.

However, more research is needed to explore the relationship between linden tea and sleep.

Soothes the digestive tract.

Like any hot tea, linden tea provides gentle warmth and hydration. Both soothe the digestive tract, as water can help food move through the intestines. Folk medicine recommends the use of linden tea for stomach upset.

In a small study in children with antibiotic-resistant diarrhea, tiliroside showed potent antibacterial properties. Although this antioxidant was extracted from a different flower, it is also found in linden tea.

That said, there is no evidence directly linking the compounds in linden tea to the ability to soothe an irritated digestive tract.

Remember to consult your doctor before starting any herbal treatment.

Contraindications.

The European Medicines Agency considers moderate consumption, defined as 2-4 grams of the tea blend per day, to be safe. However, tea should not be drunk in excess.

A typical 8-ounce cup of linden tea contains about 1.5 grams of loose tea. Even so, there is some variability in the amount that can be ingested after the hot water infusion. It’s a good idea to limit your intake to no more than 3 cups per day, as needed.

Although generally considered safe, avoid linden tea if you are allergic to linden or its pollen.

Safety in children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The safety of linden tea in pregnant or breastfeeding women is unknown. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink this tea under these circumstances.

It has also not been tested in children, so its regular use is not recommended in this population.

Its long-term use is linked to heart disease.

Linden tea and other products derived from the Tilia tree family should not be used by people with a history of heart disease.

Frequent and prolonged use has been associated with heart disease and damage in rare cases.

For this reason, it is best to consume it in moderation. People with heart disease or other heart problems should consult their doctor before consuming this tea regularly.

May interact with certain medications.

People taking medications containing lithium should not drink linden tea, as the drink can alter the way your body excretes this element. This can affect the dose and can have serious side effects.

Since linden tea can promote fluid excretion, avoid taking it with other diuretics to prevent dehydration.

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