Linden: uses, benefits and therapeutic properties
Well-being — di ilaria Scaglianti
The linden tree has numerous therapeutic properties, including sedative and emollient ones. In ancient times, the bark and sap of this tree were also used.
Linden: uses, benefits and therapeutic properties
The linden tree has numerous therapeutic properties, including sedative and emollient ones. In ancient times, the bark and sap of this tree were also used.
The linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) is a tree of the Tiliaceae family that can reach a height of 20–25 metres. There are many botanical varieties, and it grows wild from the plains to the submontane and mountain zones, from the Alps to the Apennines, though it is also cultivated. The flower is collected at the beginning of flowering, around June–July, by detaching the peduncle. In ancient times the bark and sap of this tree were also used, whereas the use of a flower infusion is much more recent.
The flowers and bracts of the linden are used. Its active constituents are essential oil, tannins, mucilages, saponins,
flavonoids.
Properties of linden
- sedative
- hypotensive
- sudorific
- antispasmodic
- emollient
- decongestant
- soothing
- diuretic
Its sudorific action is highly effective against colds and rheumatic conditions, while its sedative action is valuable for gastralgia, nervous excitation disorders and insomnia, and its emollient action for the throat and cough. Used externally, linden has a decongestant, refreshing and emollient effect on the skin and on reddened mucous membranes, making it excellent for sunburn and solar erythema, and useful for eyelid inflammations. Baths and foot baths have a general sedative action that prepares the body for a good night's sleep.
Uses of linden
Internal use: flowers with bracts, to promote sleep and soothe coughs.
Infusion: 1–2 grams in 100 ml of water. Two to three cups a day (sweetened with linden honey).
Tincture: 20 grams in 100 ml of 30° alcohol (macerated for 5 days). By the spoonful.
External use: flowers with bracts, for irritations of the skin and the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
Infusion: 5 grams in 100 ml of water. Apply as washes, rinses, gargles, or compresses.
For sunburn, solar erythema, irritations of haemorrhoids and external intimate areas.
Oil tincture: 10 grams in 100 ml of oil (macerated for 10 days in a warm environment).
Gently rub onto the affected areas.
Cosmetic use: infusions and oil tincture are applied to reduce bags under
the eyes.