European Linden, Lime Flower, Lime Tree, Linden Charcoal, Tila,
Scientific Name:
Tilia europaea, Tilia cordata.
Family: Malvaceae or Tiliaceae.
People Use This For:
Linden flower and flower bract is used for colds, nasal congestion, throat irritation, palpitations, hypertension, headaches, insomnia, sinus headache, migraine headache, incontinence, hemorrhage, arteriosclerotic hypertension, fever, and nervous tension. It is also used to induce sweating, diuretic, antispasmodic, and as an expectorant for coughs.
Safety:
No concerns regarding safety when used orally and appropriately.43
Pregnancy and Lactation: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Effectiveness:
There is insufficient scientific information available to comment.
Mechanism of Action:
The applicable parts of linden are the dried flower and flower bract.
Linden has antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, mild astringent, and antifungal activity.44,45
In vitro, its antispasmodic activity is attributed to p-coumaric acid and the flavonoid constituents.44 Diaphoretic effects are thought to be due to kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin constituents.45
The volatile oils, including citral, citronellal, citronellol, eugenol, and limonene, exert sedative and antispasmodic effects.44,45
Adverse Reactions:
None known.
Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:
None known.
Interactions with Drugs:
Lithium
Interactions with Foods:
None known.
Interactions with Lab Tests:
None known.
Dosage/Administration:
Dr Clare’s Blends: Dose 455mgs per day. 1.5mls 1:3 Tincture.
Oral: Traditionally 1-2 cups of the tea has been used. Additionally, 2-4 mL of the tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol), and 1-2 mL of the liquid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol) is 1-2 mL has also been used.44
Specific References: LINDEN
43. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
44. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
45. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Also Known As: