Also known as- Tilia spp, (Species include Europaea, Americana, and Cordata) Lime flower, European Linden, Large leaf Linden, Tilea, and Lime Tree.

Introduction

The Linden tree is found in both Europe and North America. Native Americans of the First Nation used linden flowers for treating "sick headaches" and nervous stomach. European herbalists used linden flowers to make a pleasantly sweet tea that looks very attractive in a glass jug.

Constituents

About 1% antioxidant flavonoids including hyperoside, quercitrin, myricetin galactoside, kaempferol, kaempferol glycosides including astragalin and its 6-p-coumaric acid ester tiliroside), myricetin and quercetin glycosides. Linden flowers also contain approximately 10% mucilage largely comprised of arabino-galactans; proanthocyanidins; caffeic, chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids, eugenol, and geraniol.

Parts Used

Leaf and Flowers.

Typical Preparations

Mostly used as a Tea. Can be taken in both extract and capsule form.

Summary

Modern herbalists prescribe linden flowers for all the indications listed above, plus as a treatment for sore throats and colitis. The mucilages in the flowers coat mucous membranes to soothe inflammation and irritation.

Precautions

Be sure you get linden flowers from a reputable source so that you can know they are free of toxic fungi. Don't drink linden flower teas within 2 hours of taking any vitamin and mineral supplement, since the mucilages in the tea can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from the supplement.

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