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COMMON
NAME(S):
Basswood,
Linden, Lime Flower
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LATIN
NAME: Tilia
cordata, Tilia europaea, Tilia vulgaris, Tilia parvifolia, Tilia ulmifolia,
Tilia tomentosa, Tilia argentea,
Tilia platyphyllos, Tilia grandifolia, Tilia rubra
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BRIEF
DESCRIPTION: There are nearly as many medicinal
uses for this grand tree as there are names and varieties of it (see names
above).
Traditionally, the magic of Tilia europa was its ability to
‘dispel evil spirits’, or to quell ‘hysteria’. In traditional speak, this often (but not always) means
that a plant was used to treat anxiety, nervousness or depression. While there is no suggestion of its
use in the treatment of depression, Tilia
species are well indicated in the treatment of anxiety, nervous tension,
restlessness and insomnia. One animal study suggests that Tilia species
contain GABA-like substances (GABA is one of the main inhibitory/relaxing
neurotransmitters in the brain), while other studies point to plant fats,
such as beta-sitosterol, as playing a role in the anti-anxiety effects
of Linden(2,3).
It is also through the relationship
between nervous tension and the circulatory system that Tilia species are used to treat complaints of the heart. It is well indicated in the treatment
of high blood pressure and palpitations that are of an emotional, or anxious
nature. Its use in the
treatment of heart complaints is beautifully reflected in the heart shaped
leaf of the tree. Continuing the
link between Tilia and the heart, many of the myths surrounding the Linden
tree describe it as a “sacred tree” for people in love. It was thought to ensure fertility
and prosperity (1). The flower
essence is also described as helping people to anchor universal love in their
hearts (1).
Tilia
species are also
thought to have antimicrobial properties (4). It is these properties that likely make Linden flowers
part of many effective cough-relieving tea blends (5). Part of its usefulness in treating
coughs, colds and mild infections would be its diaphoretic action (4). Diaphoretic herbs are those that help
to optimize fever, so that fevers can run their course naturally, and
therefore kill microbes in the body.
Lastly, due to its texture (and
easy workability) and its neutrality (in regards to resins and oils in its
wood), linden trees offer some of the best material for the construction of
medical grade infra-red saunas.
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PARTS
USED: leaf, flower
blossom
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ACTIONS: anti-anxiety, anti-hypertensive, diaphoretic
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INDICATIONS: anxiety, hypertension, cough
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BODY
SYSTEMS TREATED:
cardiovascular, nervous system, lungs
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HARVESTING
NOTES: June, July, when flowers are in full bloom.
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PREPARATIONS: The medicinal properties of Tilia species are typically extracted in teas and infusions, but
there is also a long history of the production of Linden blossom honey in Europe. This is a purely natural phenomenon,
since bees are highly attracted to the wonderfully strong fragrance of this
flower when it is in full bloom.
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TRADITIONAL
USES: “hysteria”
(anxiety, depression), cough
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SAFETY/CAUTIONS/INTERACTIONS:
may potentiate antihypertensive drugs. May cause palpitations in some people.
*note that this monograph does not include ALL potential
interaction or safety concerns.
Please consult your healthcare profession before using plant
substances.
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TRADITIONAL
REFERENCES:
1)
www.homeovision.org/en/for-homeopaths,substances-homeopatic-remedies,t,tilia-cordata,myths-legends/
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MODERN
REFERENCES:
2)
Cavadas C;
Fontes Ribeiro CA;
Santos MS;
Cunha AP;
Macedo T;
Caramona MM;
Cotrim MD.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH,
Feb 1, 1997; 11(1):
17-21
3)
Aguirre-Hernández E,
Rosas-Acevedo H, Soto-Hernández M,
Martínez AL, Moreno J, González-Trujano ME Bioactivity-guided
isolation of beta-sitosterol and some fatty acids as active compounds in the
anxiolytic and sedative effects of Tilia americana var. mexicana.Planta Med.
2007 Sep;73(11):1148-55. Epub 2007 Sep 7.
4)
Brantner, Adelheid, and Edith Grein.
Antibacterial activity of plant extracts used externally in traditional
medicine Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1994, Vol. 44:35-40.
5)
Puodziūniene G, Janulis V, Milasius A,
Budnikas V. [Development of cough-relieving
herbal teas] Medicina (Kaunas).
2005;41(6):500-5. Lithuanian.
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Links:
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