Linden: what it is used for and how to prepare the tea

Linden, also called linden, is a plant popularly used to treat various health problems, such as anxiety, headache, diarrhea and indigestion.

Although linden is a plant native to Europe, it can now be found all over the world, and the most commonly used species are Tilia cordata, which is the most common, Tilia platyphyllus and Tilia x vulgaris.

This medicinal plant is relatively easy to find, both in supermarkets and health food stores, in the form of packages with dried flowers and leaves, which may be only one species or a mixture of the three. 

What it is used for

According to some studies, lime blossom may have certain proven benefits, which is why it may be indicated for the following purposes:

1. Reducing anxiety

In some research, linden tea was shown to have inhibitory action on benzodiazepine receptors, which means that it manages to decrease the action of the central nervous system, calming the nerves and helping to relieve anxiety crises.

This mechanism is similar to that of pharmacy benzodiazepine drugs, which act by inhibiting the same receptors, and are prescribed for the treatment of pathological anxiety. 

2. Relieve fever

One of the best known effects of linden tea is its ability to increase perspiration and help regulate fever in cases of colds and flus. 

According to some studies, this effect, known as diaphoretic effect, occurs due to the presence of substances such as quercetin, kaempferol and coumarinic acid, which stimulate the production of sweat. 

3. Lowering blood pressure

Although the mechanism of action of linden on blood pressure is not yet known, some studies have observed a direct effect between the consumption of linden tea and the reduction of blood pressure, especially systolic pressure. 

This property could be related to the presence of tyliroside, chlorogenic acid and rutoside. Also, the plant possibly exerts a diuretic action, which also allows to easily regulate blood pressure. 

4. Eliminate fluid retention

Similar to the diaphoretic effect of linden on sweat production, this plant could also increase urine production, generating a strong diuretic action. When this occurs, excess fluids are eliminated from the body, treating and preventing fluid retention. 

5. Help calm the stomach

Linden’s ability to calm the stomach has been known since ancient times and, although there is no specific mechanism that justifies this action, it is possible that it is related to its soothing and slightly anti-inflammatory properties. 

6. Lower blood glucose

According to studies conducted with lime blossom, this plant may be able to regulate blood glucose levels, helping in the treatment of diabetes. Most of this effect has been linked to the inhibition of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which is found in the intestine and aids in the absorption of glucose from food into the blood. 

In addition, linden may also inhibit another enzyme, alpha-amylase, which is found in the digestive tract and is also responsible for digesting carbohydrates and transforming them into simpler sugars that can be absorbed. 

7. Prevent obesity and overweight

Apart from the enzymes that regulate glucose absorption, linden may also inhibit the action of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that is responsible for fat absorption. In this way, linden consumption may help decrease the absorption of dietary lipids, which end up being eliminated in the feces, thus contributing to weight control. 

8. Eliminate fungal infections

Although it is a lesser known property of the plant, according to a study conducted with 41 plants, linden presents antifungal action against several types of fungi, and can be used as an adjunct for the treatment of some fungal infections. 

9. Prevent cancer

Apart from having antioxidant action, which protects cells against various types of damage, lime blossom also showed selective action on some tumor cells, causing their death without affecting healthy cells. This effect could be related to its high scopoletin content. 

How to use linden

The most popular way to use linden is to prepare a tea with its dried flowers and leaves; however, the plant can also be eIt can be used in cooking to provide flavor to certain dishes. 

How to prepare linden tea

Add 1.5 g of dried linden flowers and leaves to 150 ml of boiling water, cover and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it cool and drink 2 to 4 times a day. 

For children 4 to 12 years of age, it is recommended to decrease the amount of lime blossom to 1 gram per 150 ml of boiling water. 

Possible side effects

Linden is a fairly safe plant, which is why the occurrence of side effects is very unusual. However, certain people may show increased sensitivity to linden flowers, and may develop allergic symptoms such as itchy skin, sneezing and acute rhinitis. 

Contraindications of linden

There are no studies that establish the possible contraindications of this plant; however, there are suspicions that it may have a toxic effect on the heart muscle, especially when consumed in excess. For this reason, lime blossom is not normally advised in patients with cardiac problems. 

Due to lack of research, and for safety reasons, lime blossom should also not be used in children under 4 years of age or in pregnant or lactating women.