Linden Flower
Species Name: Tilia americana L., Tilia cordata.
Also known as: American basswood, bast tree, lime tree, linden flower, wycopy.
In Europe, many legends and superstitions are centered around basswood or linden flower trees.
Linden wood was traditionally used for carving sacred works of art, and the linden tree, considered the village tree, played an important role in the life of early Europeans.
The natural progression was that special curative power was attributed to these medicinal trees.
German immigrants believed the linden was a "sacred" tree for people in love, and brought both fertility and prosperity, so it was used for those purposes.
What is linden flower: The basswood, or linden tree, can grow to a height of up to 120 feet. It bears clusters of yellow-white fragrant flowers (1/2 inch wide) with five sepals and petals and numerous stamens cohering in groups.
It grows on long stalks from narrow bracts that appear in June and August; they are followed by small round nutlets. The fruits or seeds are about the size and shape of a pea and are commonly called "monkey-nuts".
This tree is characterized by prominent winter buds and the lack of a terminal bud, and for the pyramidal shape of the tree. Linden flowers are found on the basswood trees in the eastern United States and in Canada.
It grows in moist soil, in woods and forests, from Quebec to North Dakota, and south to North Carolina, and Oklahoma.
Home remedies using Linden Flower:
Benefits of Linden Flower:
Linden flowers can be used as a diaphoretic, to induce sweating, or as the base for an emollient.
The two species from which the flower is primarily harvested are Tilia cordata, referred to as small leaved linden, and T. platypus, referred to as large-leaved linden. These species are preferred because the tannin and mucilage content in their flowers produce more flavorful teas and extracts.
Traditionally, linden flowers were used to soothe nerves and to treat conditions associated with anxiety. Flowers were added to baths to calm hysteria, and steeped as a tea to relieve anxiety-related indigestion, heart palpitation, and vomiting.
Linden's primary use since the Middle Ages, however, has been as a diaphoretic to promote perspiration.
Uses of Linden Flower:
Linden flowers are used as a home remedy for colds, flu, coughs, fever, headaches, epilepsy, indigestion, and sore throats. The inner bark contains mucilaginous materials (expectorant) and makes a soothing application for skin irritations, boils, wounds, sores, and burns. A popular continental herb tea, linden flower is also used in cosmetic preparations.
The bark and the leaves and flowers, of the linden tree can be dried in the shade, and used as an infusion or tea. Simply steep a teaspoon of flowers or leaves in a cup of water. One to two cups can be taken each day as needed.
Side Effects of Linden Flower:
Frequent consumption of linden flower tea may cause heart damage.
