Linden tree is a tall, leafy, deciduous tree commonly seen throughout Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Throughout the years, people have used various parts of the tree — such as its flowers, inner bark, and leaves — for medicinal purposes, mostly in the forms of tinctures, teas, and other beverages. The two most common species of linden tree used to make tea are the small-leafed European (Tilia cordata), also known as winter linden, and large-leafed (Tilia platyphyllos), also known as summer.
Also called linden leaf tea or flower tea, this herbal tea offers the following benefits:
Linden reduce anxiety and depression
Linden tea has a relaxing and calming effect which can be helpful to people who suffer from anxiety and depression. One study found that linden flowers reduced animals’ anxious behaviors. Its relaxing effect can also be beneficial to people who have trouble sleeping. This herbal tea also has the ability to reduce levels of the stress hormone called cortisol, which can result in lower stress.
Relieves digestive problems
This herbal tea also has antispasmodic properties that are beneficial for relieving digestive problems. It can help reduce inflammation in the gut, manage an upset stomach. And treat digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, cramping, diarrhea, gas, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The wood of the linden tree is also used for gallbladder and liver diseases and charcoal made from wood is used for intestinal problems.
Fights inflammation
Linden tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for different inflammatory conditions in the body. These include arthritis, gout, itchy skin, joint pain, muscle aches and spasms, and lower leg wounds caused by poor blood circulation. The herbal tea’s anti-inflammatory effect may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory flavonoid glycosides found in linden leaves such as quercetin and kaempferol.
Improves cold and flu symptoms
Linden tea can be used against various strains of yeast and bacteria that cause common cold or flu. Drinking this herbal tea helps reduce common cold or flu symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, a stuffy nose, congestion, and a fever. Moreover, linden has mucilage, which is a sticky substance that has been found to help relieve irritation in the throat or mouth. It can also reduce the production of mucus.
Linden helps ward off cancer
Drinking tea may also help protect you from cancer. This is because it contains antioxidants, such as coumarin and quercetin, that can neutralize free radicals that often cause cancer. Free radicals contribute to cancer development by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular mutation, and programmed cell death. Additionally, the antioxidant in tea could potentially prevent the death of healthy cells and fight cancer cell growth.
Keeps the heart healthy
Linden and blood pressure may be associated with each other. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of tea, it can reduce inflammation in the arteries and blood vessels. This, in turn, can reduce blood pressure and benefit the heart. In addition, there is some evidence that this herbal tea can treat a rapid heartbeat, prevent blood clots. And dramatically lower your risk of heart problems like atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
How to prepare linden tea
You can find tea bags or loose leaf tea in many grocery stores, health markets, and online. But you can also make your own linden tea at home. To make tea, steep two to three teaspoons of fresh or dried flowers in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes.
