Linden Flower
Latin Name: Tilia spp.
(commonly Tilia cordata – small-leaved linden, and Tilia platyphyllos – large-leaved linden)
Herb Class/Action:
Linden is classified as a nervine, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, hypotensive, and demulcent.
Parts of Plant Used:
The flowers, along with their attached bracts, are used medicinally. The leaves and inner bark also have traditional uses, but the focus here is on the flowering parts.
Flavors:
Linden flowers have a mild, sweet, slightly honey-like flavor with floral and grassy notes.
Energetics:
Linden is energetically cooling and slightly moistening.
Medicinal Properties:
Calming Nervine: Linden is a gentle sedative that eases anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and nervous tension. It is particularly helpful for emotional overwhelm, especially in children and the elderly.
Cardiovascular and Hypotensive Support: Linden helps relax the blood vessels and supports healthy blood pressure. It is useful for stress-related hypertension and tension in the cardiovascular system.
Diaphoretic and Fever Support: Traditionally used during fevers and colds, linden promotes gentle sweating and helps reduce heat without being overly stimulating or drying.
Digestive and Antispasmodic Aid: Linden relaxes smooth muscle and may help relieve digestive tension, gas, and bloating—especially when tied to nervousness or emotional upset.
Mucosal and Respiratory Support: Its mild demulcent quality soothes irritated tissues in the throat and upper respiratory tract, making it a helpful herb for dry coughs, colds, and flu.
In the Garden:
Linden trees are majestic deciduous trees native to Europe and parts of North America. They thrive in temperate climates with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. They produce fragrant, pale yellow to white flowers in midsummer that attract bees and pollinators. The flowers are typically harvested with their leafy bracts, dried, and stored in airtight containers. Linden trees also provide excellent shade and beauty in large garden spaces.
Culinary Uses:
Linden flowers are most commonly used in herbal teas for their delicate flavor and calming effect. The flowers may also be infused into syrups, honey, or desserts. Linden’s mild, sweet taste blends well with chamomile, lemon balm, and rose in relaxing or heart-centered formulas.
Precautions:
Linden is very safe and well-tolerated by most people, including children and elders. Rare allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to flowering plants. Large or prolonged use in individuals with heart disease should be supervised by a healthcare provider, though linden is not known to have harmful effects in normal doses. Always use flowers from clean, unsprayed sources, especially if foraged from urban trees.
