The most interesting health benefits of Linden may include its possible ability to improve the immune system, calm and detoxify the body, eliminate anxiety, lower inflammation, and lower blood pressure.
What is Linden?
Tilia is the name of the genus that contains varieties of trees named Linden, whose flowers, leaves, and extracts have been used for medicinal and decorative purposes for many years. The tilia genus members are often also called lime or basswood, and different types of linden have slightly different components and effects. Tilia cordata is the strongest type of tree, in terms of its medicinal effects, and is commonly known as little-leaf linden. This wide variety can be found throughout Europe and Western Asia and is 60-80 feet in height. Linden flowers are the most commonly used part of these trees, primarily because of the potency of linden flower tea, which is known to be very powerful as a treatment for a wide variety of conditions. The flowers are yellow and once dried, they can be brewed as a delicious and potent tea, which is growing in popularity around the world as more research is being done. The health benefits of linden and linden tea are largely due to the high concentration of phytonutrients, flavonoids, and other diaphoretic substances. This unique mix of organic compounds has resulted in one of the most trusted and reliable herbal tea varieties on the market. [1] [2]
Linden tea has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Health Benefits of Linden
Let’s take a slightly closer look at the many health benefits of linden.
May Help Relieve Anxiety
One of the most frequent uses for linden tea is a potential anxiety aid, as its possibly soothing properties have been known to reduce mental stress and anxiety. If you suffer from mood swings or unexplained chronic stress, a cup of linden tea can be a very wise addition to your health regimen. It has a minor effect on your hormone levels, as it may induce a state of relaxation for both, the body and the mind. [3]
May Help Prevent Chronic Diseases
As with so many herbal remedies, the potential antioxidant content of linden is one of its best qualities. Antioxidant compounds like quercetin and kaempferol both act as free radical scavengers, eliminating harmful by-products of cellular respiration from your system and improving your overall health by preventing chronic diseases. These are particularly effective for protecting the skin against signs of aging and exposure to the sun as you age. [4]
May Detoxify the Body
P-coumaric acid is another very beneficial organic compound that can be found in linden, which can also be found in linden tea. It is a known diaphoretic, meaning that it may induce sweating, which is a very effective way of releasing toxins from the body, along with excess salts, fat, water, and foreign substances. This quality may also make linden valuable for people suffering from fevers, as inducing sweating can help lower a fever faster and prevent permanent damage to organ systems. [5]
May Reduce Cold and Flu
In addition to stimulating sweating to break a fever, linden may also address other symptoms of cold and flu, such as inflamed or swollen membranes throughout the mouth and respiratory tracts. This can help to reduce coughing and irritation, which is why linden is often relied on, to soothe sore throats and calm coughing. Linden tea can also help eliminate congestion, making itself a true triple-threat to colds by being a major immune system booster. [6]
May Remove Inflammation
For those who suffer from tension, headaches, and other inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and gout, linden tea can help eliminate those painful symptoms. Just as it can reduce inflammation in the respiratory tracts, it may also help lower blood pressure as well as remove inflammation in the blood vessels, thereby preventing the small capillary back-ups that so commonly lead to headaches, as well as the swollen tissue of arthritis sufferers. [7]
May Help Improve Digestion
If you’re suffering from an upset stomach, bloating, constipation, or cramping, sip on a cup of linden tea and settle your stomach in no time. The blend of compounds and chemicals found in linden can reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and stimulate the proper digestion and excretion of food. Word of Caution: There are some people who are allergic to these flowers, so speak to your doctor before adding linden tea to your list of favorite beverages. Also, there is a maximum dosage, so avoid drinking more than 3 cups per day. Furthermore, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it usually isn’t a good idea to drink linden tea, or if you have heart disease, as this flower can negatively interact with certain medicines. [8]
