Common linden properties

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF LINDEN FLOWERS

Internal use preparations with linden flowers

Dried linden flowers are used because of their medicinal properties.

Linden flowers are suitable for handling problems of neurosis

Infusions of linden flowers are one of the best remedies for the problems of nervous origin, as these are manifested as certain bodily or psychologically reactions without no apparent damage to the structure of nerve fibers, that is to say what we consider neurotic reactions.

The components which determine these properties are mainly alpha-pinene, limonene, nerol, eugenol and caffeic acid.

At the same time, there is the antispasmodic capacity of linden flowers to relax the muscles of the internal organs. (The above components along with quercetin, quercitrin and terpineol are what give linden flowers this property).

Common linden curative infusions and decoctions

Linden leaves and flowers

Photography of linden, with foliage and flowers.

The sedative and antispasmodic capacity of linden flowers can be utilized in the treatment of the following abnormalities:

  • Insomnia: Using lime leaves is particularly interesting when we suffer from insomnia arising from a nervous disorder (Infusion of half a teaspoon per cup of water (a glass half hour before going to bed) (In very deep sleep disorders, we can take up to 4 cups a day)
  • Stress: One of the most commonly used plant resource against “nerve problems” (Infusion of half a dessert spoon of dried flowers per cup of water. Take 3 or 4 cups a day, depending on filing status.)
  • Nerves in the stomach: When we feel distressed, with a tightness in our stomach, linden can help us calm. To the soothing properties of this plant we have to add its antispasmodic properties that help relax the muscle fibers and eliminate stomach heavy feeling and anguish. (Decoction for 20 minutes of a teaspoon per cup of water from the mixture of equal parts of lime leaves, fennel, sage and yarrow. Take a couple of glasses a day
  • Restless legs syndrome: (Infusion of a tablespoonful of dried flowers per cup of water. Take 3 or 4 glasses a day, depending on how you feel)
  • Physical problems of nervous nature: There are many occasions when a nervous imbalance has its manifestation in the physical changes that occur in our organism. Among the most characteristic situations that can have a nervous origin, we can point out the following ones:
  • Stomach cramps: The antispasmodic properties of linden flowers would be very useful to remedy stomachache. (Make an infusion with half teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water. Take a couple of cups a day)
  • Tachycardia or palpitations: When palpitations have a nervous origin, common linden is able to relax the heart muscle and restore normal heart rhythm. (Make an infusion with half teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water. Take a couple of cups a day) (Infusion of a teaspoon mixed in equal parts mixture of linden, lemon balm and valerian. Take two cups a day)
  • Stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer: The ability of muscle relaxation of this plant, along with astringent tannins and the softening properties of mucilage makes it an effective remedy in the treatment of stomach ulcers, helping the patient avoid cramps or pain caused by this disease and promoting ulcers healing. It must be used in combination with other herbs such as chamomile or orange. (Mixed infusion of equal parts of chamomile flowers, lime and orange. 1 teaspoon per cup for 30 minutes. 3 cups a day)

Linden is a suitable plant to increase sweating

Photography linden, linden flowers on the tree.Photography linden, linden flowers on the tree.

Linden flowers are highly recognized for its diaphoretic properties, that is to say, they are able to increase the body sweat. This action is due to the ability of this plant to act on the nervous system and not exactly on the sweat glands.

P-coumaric acid and quercetin are thought to be responsible for this activity. However, some researchers deny this claim and argue that increased sweating is simply due to the contribution to the body heat of linden teas because of hot water.

Either it is one reason or another, the truth is that it has been found that preparations of this plant can help increase perspiration in situations in which it is very convenient to use this resource for its therapeutic values. In cases such as:

  • Rheumatism: Through sweat the body is able to eliminate many toxins, so heavy sweating is very effective for rheumatism or gout. The elimination of toxins through sweat lightens the joints and reduces discomfort caused by these diseases. (Infusion of half a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water. Take a couple of cups a day. Maintain this treatment for a couple weeks.)
  • Diseases of the respiratory system. The same treatment may be appropriate to improve the symptoms associated with many respiratory diseases, especially in regard to the reduction of fever. Besides making us sweat, the flowers of this plant, because they contain betasitosterol and eugenol, also have antipyretic properties, that is, the are able to reduce fever. All this is very effective in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as:
  • Cold, pharyngitis, sore throat, flu or bronchitis: Its sedative, antispasmodic and demulcent properties because of its mucilages also help combat cough. (Infusion of half a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water. Take a couple of cups a day.)
  • Asthma: Its antispasmodic properties may be useful to prevent spasms caused by asthma attacks. (Infusion of half a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water, 2 glasses a day)

Analgesic properties of common linden

Common linden is a very effective anti-inflammatory remedy with almost 20 principles that provide this property. Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in addition to eugenol along with hesperidin and flavonoid quercetin are responsible for the analgesic properties, that’s to say, able to decrease pain. Therefore an effective remedy against many painful events such as:

  • Migraine or headache: Especially when this pain affects one side of the head and when it has an emotional origin. (Infusion of a teaspoon of the mixture of dried linden flowers, with thyme and lemon balm)
  • Abdominal pain: This treatment may be effective in the treatment of colic.
  • Neck pain: This treatment may be effective in the treatment of neck pain or torticollis.
  • Fibromyalgia: It is very useful to eliminate the headaches that have an emotional origin (Infusion of a teaspoon of flowering tops per cup of water. Take 3 cups a day)

Common linden is suitable to defend the body against infection

Linden has antiviral and antibacterial properties capable of inhibiting the growth of viruses and bacteria, so it is very useful to take it during periods in which the body is forced to fight infections. In this sense we can consider this plant as a good natural antibiotic. It can be used infectious diseases such as gonorrhea.

Common linden, a remedy for urinary tract stones and inflammation of the kidneys

The caffeic and chlorogenic acid, flavonoids quercetin and quercitrin and its high fiber content provide this tree flowers diuretic properties that can be exploited in the treatment of certain anomalies of the excretory system. Its use is appropriate for:

Linden flowers are digestive and carminative

Flores de tila cosechadasPhoto of collected linden tree flowers

Linden flowers are an effective remedy for indigestion and heartburn. Applied as a tea, they can help us digest food better and reduce gastric reflux into the esophagus. (Infusion of half a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water. Take a couple of cups a day after meals)

EXTERNAL USE PREPARATIONS WITH LINDEN FLOWERS

In external use, linden flowers have the following main properties:

  • Sedative: Used externally, linden flowers can bring soothing properties. Therefore, a couple of cups of linden flowers infusion in the hot water of the bath can help relax your body and overcome stress, nervousness or anxiety. (Dilute a couple of infusions made ​​with a tablespoon of linden flowers per cup of water in the water bath) (More information about relaxing baths)
  • Abnormalities of the skin: The astringent properties of common linden, its richness in mucilage and its antibacterial and vulnerary properties make it suitable for the treatment of skin abnormalities. It may be used externally in conditions such as:
  • Itching: The liquid from the infusion of one teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water can be used to reduce the itchy rashes, urticaria, pimples, scratches, etc.. (Drench the affected area with a gauze soaked with this infusion fluid)
  • Insect bites, cuts, etc.. (Drench affected area with gauze impregnated with the above liquid)
  • Mouthwash: Its antiseptic properties can serve to inhibit the growth of germs and bacteria in the mouth. Used as a mouthwash, it is very useful in preventing caries or or curing inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). (Rinses with the liquid from the infusion of one teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water)
  • Gargling: The above preparation, used as a gargling, can help reduce inflammation of the throat and reduce the pain caused by diseases such as angina, pharyngitis, sore throat, etc. (gargling with liquid from the infusion of one teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water)
  • Sunburn: linden flowers are used as a convenient base for the external treatment of sunburn remedy. They help reduce burning, diminish inflammation and promote recovery of the skin affected by sunlight (Apply the liquid from the infusion of one teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water over the affected area)
  • Hair invigorating: A somewhat loaded infusion with flowers of this plant can be added to water that we must rinse hair after application of a natural shampoo. This will make our hair stronger, reduce the tendency to fall, and get a higher gloss.
  • Skin Care: The essential oil of lime is used in cosmetics for skin care. (See skin creams, for example). Dried flowers can be used for making masks (See Mask for wrinkles)

More information about common linden

This article was endorsed by Elisenda Carballido - Dietitian nutritionist. Postgraduate in Phytotherapy and master in Nutrition and Metabolism.
Editorial
Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

6 February, 2022

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