As early as the Middle Ages, people used various parts of the linden tree (also called “linden blossom”) for its natural ability to promote sweating and detoxification, reduce pain, and decrease anxiety. Consumed as a medicinal plant in the form of herbal tea, tonic, extract or topical solution, linden has been shown to be rich in antioxidants, volatile oils and other healing compounds. Among these are the flavonoids tiliroside, quercetin and kaempferol, which are associated with benefits such as reducing inflammation and swelling.
What is linden?
Linden tea or “infusion” made from the leaves, flowers and bark of the tree genus Tilia (also called lime trees). The lime family, which includes the species Tilia cordata, Tilia vulgaris, Tilia platyphyllos and Tilia tomentosa, is native to Europe, including Bulgaria, Romania, the former Yugoslavia and Turkey. Today it is grown in countries like France and England.
What does the name “lime tree” mean?
Historically, it’s been a popular boy’s name in countries like England, although it’s become more of a unisex name lately. It is associated with the lime tree which is said to be “robust and can live for centuries”. Linden trees have dark gray bark, heart-shaped green leaves and yellow-green flowers. Different parts of the trees are dried and preserved to make teas, tinctures and other tonics rich in beneficial chemicals. The tree species mentioned above are the most cultivated because their parts contain the highest levels of tannins and mucilage compounds that yield the most potent extracts.
What is the lime tree used for?
It is most commonly consumed for its natural sedative and anxiolytic effects, but it can also aid heart health, digestion, the respiratory and immune systems, and more.
Drinking an anti-inflammatory tea is the most common way to use this herbal remedy, but it is also available in extract and tincture form.
Benefits of lime blossom tea
Here’s what research tells us about the benefits of linden and linden tea:
1. Provides Antioxidants and Other Beneficial Compounds
Studies have identified many health-promoting chemical constituents in linden, including:
Flavonoids, such as kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and glycosides.
Volatile oils, including alkanes, alcohols, and phenolic esters, and terpenes, including citral, citronellal, citronellol, eugenol, limonene, nerol, and α-pinene.
Other constituents, such as saponins, tannins and tocopherol.
Amino acids including alanine, cysteine, cystine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and serine.
Carbohydrates in the form of mucilage polysaccharides, including arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and others.
Although it is a source of many antioxidants, research shows that it is particularly rich in flavonoids, tiliroside, quercetin and kaempferol. Numerous studies have shown that these compounds offer protection against damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress, which can damage cells. Higher intakes of these chemicals may also contribute to healthy eyes, heart and skin and may generally reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
2. May Help Reduce Anxiety
One of the traditional uses of linden was to “calm hysteria” and decrease anxiety-related symptoms, such as indigestion, heart palpitations and vomiting.
Why is linden tea good for anxiety?
Recent studies suggest that linden extract may have calming effects because it mimics the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which inhibits nervous system excitability. The presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids would also help regulate the activity of the nervous system. Some people report seeing a decrease in blood pressure and tension-related pain, such as tension headaches, when using linden. It may also help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort.
Does linden tea contain caffeine? No, it is naturally caffeine-free and is considered an herbal tea. This makes it a good choice if you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and tend to get jittery or jittery when consuming it.
3. Promotes detoxification and digestive health
Like some other herbal teas, including dandelion tea, linden has been shown to act as a natural diuretic, helping to reduce fluid retention and swelling while supporting overall digestive function. It is also used to promote sweating to stimulate detoxification and as a mucilage to help sick people pass phlegm. It is described as having demulsifying and antispasmodic properties which can help decrease coughs, symptoms of flu and bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
4. May Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Some studies suggest that the antioxidants found in linden, including tiliroside and quercetin, are able to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. This can potentially lead to benefits for people with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
5. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Linden is considered a natural vasodilator, which means it helps dilate blood vessels and can reduce blood pressure. This is one of the ways it can decrease symptoms of anxiety, headaches, etc.
Risks and side effects
Is lime blossom tea safe? Overall, studies have shown that lime tea is generally well tolerated and safe for most adults who consume it in moderate amounts.
“Moderate drinking” is considered to be between two and four grams of the tea blend per day, or about three to four cups. Consuming more than this amount can lead to side effects such as changes in blood pressure and digestion, so it’s best to stick to this range.
You shouldn’t consume linden if you’re pregnant (there isn’t enough information about its safety), if you have heart disease, or if you’re allergic to pollen. People taking diuretics or medications containing lithium should not drink linden tea as it can potentially interact with these medications. People with a history of heart disease should also be careful when starting to use linden tea, especially if they consume it often and for long periods of time.
How to prepare lime blossom tea
To prepare linden tea, the leaves, flowers and bark are dried, boiled and steeped in water, creating an ‘infusion’. When buying loose leaf blend from a tea store or online, look for the species name Linden. You can make your own linden tea at home by steeping the dried parts (flowers, leaves, bark) in hot water for about 5-10 minutes or overnight in room temperature water. Use about 1.5 grams of loose leaf tea for each serving you brew.
Use either pre-made tea bags or loose leaves, flowers or bark in a tea strainer or mesh. You are more likely to brew a strong and effective tea if you buy loose leaves/flowers that have been recently dried, rather than using prepared tea bags.
What does lime blossom smell like?
Linden is described as being similar to chamomile tea, with a light aromatic, floral smell and a mild, sweet and “mucilaginous” (or bitter) taste.
Some also find it has a subtle “flower and wood” taste.
Teas with higher tannins and lower mucilage content are overall more aromatic and flavorful. You can also boost the health and flavor benefits by adding other herbs and spices, such as ginger, turmeric, etc.
Other uses
Apart from the benefits and uses described above, the various parts of the lime tree are also used in various ways, including for
manufacture of cough drops
Production of sweet sap or flavored oils
Aid in the treatment of epilepsy
Conclusion
Linden tea comes from the tree species Tilia, which has been used in Europe for many centuries to treat conditions such as anxiety, pain, coughs and high blood pressure.
The different parts of these trees, including the flowers, bark, and leaves, are used to make teas, infusions, tonics, and extracts that can help fight inflammation, swelling, and fluid retention. ‘water. Beneficial compounds found in linden include antioxidants like flavonoids, quercetin, tiliroside and kaempferol, volatile oils and amino acids.
What are the benefits of lime blossom tea? Linden tea can have a calming effect, soothe the digestive tract, and act as a natural diuretic and mucilage.