Linden
If you have ever taken shade under a Linden or Lime tree (Tilia Europaea) on a hot, sunny, summer day you’ll understand how its heady, floral, honey-like aroma is one of those nature smells that has an almost magical ability to uplift one’s spirits. Also known as Basswood in the USA, Linden tree’s blossoms can be used to make an infusion which is very good for your health. It’s a popular beverage in France, where it is enjoyed by many on a daily basis. The flowers can be used fresh and made into an infusion or tincture. As Linden season is quite short the flowers can also be dried and stored for use later throughout the year. The fresh leaves of the tree are also edible when still young in early spring. Later in the season they become more papery and are not as palatable. So effective are its sedative effects, during WWII Linden blossom tea was a natural remedy recommended by the government to help ensure restful sleep amongst the population.
- Has a soothing action on the digestive system.
- Relaxes and de-stresses the artery walls, reducing blood pressure and helping with arteriosclerosis. Also said to be a heart tonic.
- As already stated, its excellent sedative properties are great for treating insomnia, feelings of anxiety or tension headaches.
- Linden tea can be used to break a fever or to stop a burning fever from becomming too hot by inducing sweating in a natural way while still eliminating toxins throught the skin and in the urine. Can be combined with Elderflower for colds and flu.
- Very effective for calming menopausal hot flushes or any condition where there is inflammation or tension.
- Linden is very safe, and can be used as an effective, natural alternative for treating hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders in children.
- The infusion can also be used externally and rubbed into the skin to soothe bites, boils, burns and to relieve tired eyes. It can be added to the bath or steam-extracted into oil for use in massage.
*PLEASE NOTE
Linden’s sedative effect is quite pronounced on the first brew but its more mucilaginous qualities, which are soothing to the digestive system, are more apparent on the second brew with the same flowers. So be sure to brew twice before discarding to get the full range of health benefits.
