Tilo: properties, contraindications and the best linden infusions

With the flowers and bracts of the linden tree, infusions with relaxing properties are prepared, ideal for falling asleep, but its benefits go further.

What is linden and what is it for?

The linden tree is a majestic tree whose heart-shaped and asymmetrical leaves have jagged margins. It grows in humid montaneous areas, scattered within oak and beech groves or mixed with rowan and maple.
In Western Europe there are three species of linden:

the one of big leaf, Tilia platyphyllospresent in the northern third of the peninsula and the mountains of the Iberian system; small leaf, Tilia cordatawith smaller leaves and a darker color, which is limited to the Cantabrian Sea and the Pyrenees; and the common linden, tilia europeana hybrid between the two species, which is the one that is planted in parks and squares.

The flowers of the linden are yellowish, tiny, with numerous stamens, and are attached to a pale green lamellar bract. They are very aromatic.

The flowers and their bracts are harvested a few days after flowering, which usually occurs between June and July. You have to let them dry in the sun, on a day without humidity.

linden properties

The flowers and bracts of the linden tree contain an essential oil with geraniol, eugenol and farnesol, mucilage, flavonoids, chlorogenic and caffeic acids (but no caffeine), as well as tannins.

This composition gives them various medicinal properties:

The infusion of linden blossoms, the well-known lime blossom, It is one of the most widely used natural remedies for combat nerves. act like a very effective sedative to calm nervous palpitations, states of anxiety and panic and as Help to end insomniaIt is also recommended as a good alternative to treat high blood pressure especially when it is linked to a nervous situation.Can relieve migraines and appease nervous irritability.Linden infusions are also useful to mediate in heavy digestions, heartburn and gastritisalso caused by an excess of nerves and due to stressful situations.Linden has a slight antispasmodic action on the gallbladder, facilitates the expulsion of small stones and prevents constipation.It is also sudorific and expectorantand associated with elderberry and lemon is indicated against colds and flu processes.It is also used as antirheumatic and detoxifying remedy for arthritis and osteoarthritisfor which the bark is used.

linden tea or linden infusion

We propose the following herbal formulaswhich combine linden with other plants to enhance its different effects:

linden against nervous palpitations

As a means to reduce palpitations, a herbal tea that combines equal parts is recommended: linden, passion flower, marjoram, hawthorn and star anise.

How to prepare it: Boil water, infuse the herbs –a tablespoon of the mixture per cup– for 10 minutes and strain. Three cups are taken a day, for a month in a row.

Tila for nervous headaches

To end the headache in nervous migraines, prepare a herbal tea associating lime, in equal parts, with betony and lemon balm and three glasses are taken a day, before meals or on an empty stomach.

tila to lower the tension

By the combination of their sedative and vasodilator effectsthe flowers are integrated into infusions to lower blood pressure, mixed in equal parts with hawthorn, valerian and mistletoe.

How to prepare it: One level tablespoon of the mixture is taken per glass of water, boiled for 2 minutes and left to macerate for 15 more. Two doses are taken, mid-morning and mid-afternoon, sweetened with a pinch of honey.

Advisor J Mª Teixé, herbalist of “El Manantial de Salud”