Tilia europaea Lime flower, Linden
Family: Tiliaceae
Description: “The flowerstalk bears about 3-6 yellowish-white, 5-petalled flowers on stalks half-joined to an oblong bract. The leaves are heart-shaped, greyish beneath and downy; the flowers fragrant.” (Wren, 1988)
Habitat: Europe, including Britain.
Harvest: Flowers are picked in summer.
Parts used: FLOWERS
Dosage: 1:5 2-8ml, FE 1-5ml, dried 3-10g daily;
Actions:
-ANTISPASMODIC,
-DIAPHORETIC,
-SEDATIVE,
-HYPOTENSIVE,
-EMOLLIENT,
-MILDLY ASTRINGENT (Bradley, 1992);
-ANXIOLYTIC (GT);
-PERIPHERAL VASODILATOR (Mills)
Indications:
-Upper respiratory catarrh, common colds. irritable coughs;
-Hypertension, restlessness;
-Headaches, migraine (Bradley);
-Influenza, chills -especially for children,
-Digestive problems and palpitations due to nervous tension,
-Anxiety -combined with Valerian or Melissa (GT);
External usage:
-Topically for skin ailments (Bradley);
Safety: Very safe.
Contra-indications: None known (Bradley)
Key Constituents (Bradley):
-Flavonoids, around 1%, mainly O-glycosides of quercetin and of kaempferol,
-Phenolic acids incl. chlorogenic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids,
-Mucilage, about 3% (esp. in bracts),
-Tannins, about 2%,
-Volatile oil, 0.02-0.1%,
-Benzodiazepine-like compounds in trace amounts;
Pharmacology: Early studies showed extracts given to animals produced hypotensive and vasodilative effects, increased pulse rate and decreased cardiac tone. Diaphoretic effect attributed to the flavonol glycosides and phenolic acids. The mucilage has an emollient action and may also account for soothing effect on irritable coughs. Tannins have an astringent action. Sedative and antispasmodic actions have been attributed to farnesol in the volatile oil, although only a small amount is present. (Bradley)
Clinical trials: In a trial 40 years ago, children prescibed Tilia for “influenza type symptoms” were found to suffer from fewer secondary complications such as middle ear infections than those not taking it. (GT)
Toxicology: No studies found.
History: In folklore, limeflowers were thought to cure epilepsy if the sufferer sat under the tree.
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Relaxes and heals blood vessels; helps prevent arteriosclerosis.
For high blood pressure, take an infusion or up to 10ml tincture a day. Combine with hawthorn as a cardiac tonic, or ginkgo if arterioscleriosis is significant.
Also reduces nervous tension:
For anxiety and stress, take as above. Add lemon balm and chamomile to infusion for a generally relaxing tea.” Ody, p148 & 162
“As a strong sedative, limeflowers can be used with great success in cases of persistent insomnia; a strong tea should be drunk half an hour before retiring…They are useful for the treatment of addiction to tranquillizers and can be taken in conjunction with these drugs as their dosage is being reduced.
They are especially good for those who give out more than they take in, who allow themslves to become depleted by their unselfishness and feel tired and jaded.” Brooke (Herbs, p111)
