Linden

Tilia spp

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Tiliaceae, a subfamily of Malvaceae, the mallow family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• “Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees, or bushes, native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. In the British Isles they are commonly called lime trees, or lime bushes, although they are not closely related to the tree that produces the lime fruit. Other names include linden for the European species, and basswood for North American species.” ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Flower ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Nervine
• Mild sedative
• Cardiotonic
• Antispasmodic
• Peripheral vasodilator
• Hypotensive
• Diaphoretic (reduces fever)
• Diuretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent ^[1]
5. Indications:
• Nervous tension
• Anxiety
• Hypertension
• Migraine
• Cough
• Fever due to cold or flu ^[1,2]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Volatile oil, flavonoids, mucilage, phenolic acids, tannins ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary ^[2]  
8. Energetics:
• Bitter, cooling, moistening ^[1]
9. Safety:
• No contraindications known. ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• None known. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The dried Linden we were given is pale green (leaves) and brown (blossoms) and has been ground down until semi-course. The smell is very mild, I can’t put my finger on what it reminds me of – I think it is honey! It is slightly sweet but sour-smelling too.
2. Preparation Method:
• Tincture: (1:5 in 40%) 2.5 - 5 mL 3x/day
• Hot Infusion: 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp blossoms, infuse in a covered container for 10 mins and drink 3x/day. ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
• I made a tea with the linden blossoms. To me, it just tastes like normal green tea. It is very mild, and a little sour. I will try to remember to make a stronger batch than I usually do, to increase the flavor. It's pleasant but not memorable for me. This herb would be indicated for a client with upward-trending BP or white-coat hypertension.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: SP-18_MW5123-A Botanicals 3: Pregnancy.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.