This tree grows in the northern, temperate climates of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Many medicinal species of linden exist, with Tilia cordata and Tilia
platyphyllos generally being the most available and studied. Regardless of species, the
flowers are used as medicine. Though sometimes called lime flower, linden is not related to
the familiar green lime fruit.
Linden has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Since time immemorial, the fragrant and tasty linden flowers have been used medicinally as
a calming agent and to relieve indigestion,
the common cold, and griping or colicky pain
in the abdomen.12 Many of these uses have been confirmed or partially
confirmed in modern research.
Active constituents
The major active constituents in linden are
flavonoids, glycosides, and possibly a volatile oil. One study found that a complex
mixture of compounds, primarily flavonoids, reduced anxiety in mice.3 Although used
as a traditional herbal remedy for anxiety,
these results have not been confirmed in human clinical trials. Older clinical trials have
shown that linden flower tea can help people with mild gallbladder problems (but not
gallstones), upset stomach or dyspepsia, and
excessive gas that causes the stomach to push up and put pressure on the heart (also known as
the gastrocardiac syndrome.)45 Linden’s reputed antispasmodic
action, particularly in the intestines, has been confirmed in at least one human
trial.6
Linden flowers act as a diaphoretic when consumed as a hot tea. Diaphoretics induce a mild
fever, thereby possibly helping promote the immune system’s ability to fight infections. The fever usually does not go very high
because the diaphoretic also causes sweating, the body’s natural way of lowering its
temperature. The German Commission E has approved linden flower for the treatment of colds and cold-related coughs.7
How much is usually taken?
A tea of linden is prepared by adding 2–3 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of dried or
fresh flowers to a pint (500 ml) of just boiled water. After steeping the flowers in a covered
container for ten to fifteen minutes, sip the tea while it is still hot. During an acute
problem, several cups can be taken daily for up to one week.8 For longer term use
(three to six months), three cups (750 ml) per day can be used. A tincture or fluid extract of
linden, 3/4–1 teaspoon (3–5 ml) three times daily, may alternatively be used.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Statements that overuse of linden can cause heart problems9 lack scientific
merit. Both the German Commission E monograph and the American Herbal Products
Association’s guide on herbal safety state that linden has no toxic
effects.1011 In fact, linden is considered safe for use in
children12 and there are no known reasons to avoid it during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with linden.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Wren RC, Williamson EM, Evans FJ. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia
of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, UK: Saffron Walden, CW Daniel Co, 1988,
171.
2. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1985, 485–6.
3. Viola H, Wolfman C, Levi de Stein M, et al. Isolation of
pharmacologically active benzodiazepine receptor ligands from Tilia tomentosa
(Tiliaceae). J Ethnopharmacol 1994;44:47–53.
4. Fiegel VG, Hohensee F. Experimental and clinical screening of a dry,
water extract of tiliae libri. Arzneim Forsch 1963;13:222–5 [in German].
5. Sadek HM. Treatment of hypertonic dyskinesias of Oddi’s
sphincter using a wild Tilia suspension. Hospital (Rio J) 1970;77:141–7 [in
Portuguese].
6. Langer M. Clinical observations on an antispastic factor extracted
from Tiliae silvestris alburnum. Clin Ter 1963;25:438–44 [in
Italian].
7. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American
Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 163.
8. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and
Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers, 1985, 227–8.
9. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal--A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs
and Related Remedies. Philadelphia: George F. Stickley, 1982, 263.
10. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American
Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 163.
11. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal
Product Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997,
116.
12. Bove M. An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and
Infants. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1996, 234–5.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
