Benefits & Side Effects of Linden Tea

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

The benefits of drinking linden tea include boosting the immune system, preventing chronic disease, relaxing the body and mind, soothing inflammation, detoxifying the body and improving digestive efficiency, protecting heart health and relieving painful periods. This tea also has a few mild side effects such as skin irritation or minor allergic reactions for those who are sensitive to the plant. However, side effects are quite rare and this tea is considered safe for nearly everyone, with the exception of pregnant women and certain people with existing heart conditions.

What is Linden Tea?

Linden tea is derived from the leaves of the linden tree, also commonly known as the lime tree, scientifically known as Tilia cordata. This herbal remedy has been popular and trusted for centuries, and remains a go-to treatment for a number of basic health conditions. This tea is often called linden flower tea, as the flowers are used to prepare it, not the leaves. This is how the majority of herbal teas are prepared. The many health benefits of linden tea can be attributed to the impressive range of antioxidants and active ingredients, including phytochemicals, flavonoids, quercetin, and coumarin, along with limited amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals. [1]

Linden Tea Health Benefits

You should drink linden tea if you are struggling with anxiety, chronic stress, depression, high toxicity levels, fever, high cholesterol, intense menstrual cramps, a weak immune system, oxidative stress, muscle aches or joint disorders. Let us look at the most important health benefits of linden tea.

Anxiety and Depression

Some of the essential oils that are released when this tea is brewed can have positive effects on stress and anxiety levels. These natural relaxing qualities can lower the number of stress hormones in the body, which can reduce strain on the heart and metabolism, and soothe oxidative stress as a result of inflammation. This mood-boosting property can also aid those with depression. [2]

Linden tea in a teapot and cup with the linden plant in the background

Linden tea is valued for its potent sedative properties for hundreds of years. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Inflammatory Conditions

The compounds found in linden tea have strong anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body, ranging from muscle aches and joint disorders to inflammation in the blood vessels and respiratory tracts. This full-body impact of this herbal tea means that your immune system has time to rest and repair, while also relieving pain and discomfort in multiple organ systems. [3]

Menstruation

Linden tea has anti-spasmodic and soothing qualities, making it particularly valuable for women who suffer from painful periods. Dysmenorrhea is extremely common, but a relaxing cup of linden tea can counter those symptoms, while also improving mood swings and hormonal fluctuation. [4]

Immune System

Aside from the immune-boosting properties of linden tea’s antioxidants, the diaphoretic nature of this tea can also break fevers and promote faster recovery. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory compounds in linden flowers are known to soothe tissues of the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel mucus and phlegm, and eliminating some of the most common symptoms of colds and cases of flu, such as sore throats and congestion. [5]

Digestion

The anti-spasmodic quality of linden tea will help to settle upset stomachs and lower levels of inflammation in the gut. This will lead to more normal bowel movements and function of the smooth muscle in your digestive tracts, while also soothing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, flatulence, ulcers, and diarrhea. [6]

Heart Health

Linden tea can impact heart health in a number of ways beginning with lowering inflammation in the blood vessels and arteries. Following this, the antioxidants are able to lower blood pressure and prevent blood clotting, significantly lowering the risk of atherosclerosis or blood clots. Together, this can reduce your chances of suffering a heart attack, stroke or coronary heart disease. However, due to the cardiotoxic nature of certain compounds in linden tea, if you have a history of heart disease, you should avoid drinking this herbal remedy. [7]

Side Effects of Linden Tea

There are very few side effects of linden tea but for people with certain conditions, the use of this tea can be dangerous.

  • Pregnancy – There has been a very limited amount of research done on the effects of linden tea during pregnancy, but due to the high levels of volatile compounds and antioxidants, it is not recommended for use. The effects it can have on painful menstruation may also increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Similarly, for breastfeeding mothers, drinking this tea could pass along certain potent chemicals that your infant doesn’t need.
  • Allergies – In rare cases, contact dermatitis can occur when brewing linden tea and mild allergic reactions in the stomach or mouth may occur. If you are allergic to other plants in the Tilia genus, using this tea is not recommended.
  • Heart Conditions – Some of the active ingredients in linden tea may have cardiotoxic properties, so if you are already suffering from or have a history of heart disease, you should avoid this tea. [8]

How to Make Linden Tea?

If you want to brew linden tea at home, all you need is dried linden flowers, hot water and a bit of sweetener for flavor, although the tea already has a natural sweetness to it. Fresh linden flowers can also be used but dried flowers are more widely available, particularly from an herbalist or natural health practitioner.

Linden tea in a teapot and cup with the linden plant in the background

Soothing Linden Tea Recipe

Linden tea is popular in folk medicine as a calming brew that can soothe anxiety and help with digestive problems. It has a sweet, pleasant taste, which is surprisingly strong. 
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Course: Tea
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Linden Tea
Appliance: Tea Strainer, Pot
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Steeping time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Author: Paromita Datta

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp dried, powdered linden flowers or
  • 2 tsp fresh linden flowers
  • 1 cup water filtered
  • 1 tsp organic honey optional

Instructions

  • Bring the water to a boil in a small pot.
  • Add the linden flower powder to the water.
  • Allow the powder to boil for 1 minute and then remove the pot from heat.
  • Let the mixture steep for 12-15 minutes.
  • Strain this mixture, add any sweetener, and enjoy!
    Glass cup and saucer with linden tea

 

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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