Linden


Linden

A genus of 20-45 species of deciduous trees, found throughout northern temperate regions. Most species are in cultivation and hybridize readily. Lindens tolerate most conditions and withstand hard pruning, which makes them good subjects for street planting and pleaching. They do, however, tend to sucker and become infested with aphids in summer, dropping sticky honeydew on to surfaces below. Tilia cordata is non-suckering and resistant to aphids, and is therefore a better subject for gardens than T. x europaea (European Linden) or T. platyphyllos (broad-leafed linden). The wood from various lindens is prized for its pale color, light weight, and suitability for carving, turning, and musical instruments. In folklore lindenflowers wre thought to cure epilepsy if the sufferer sat under the tree. Linden flowers are collected from various species and hybrids, including T. americana (Basswood), T. cordata , T. platyphyllos (Broad-leafed linden), and T. x europaea (common linden). Lindenflower honey and linden tea are important products in areas where trees are abundant.

The flowers of this large shade and avenue tree, found in the milder areas of Europe, Asia and North America, have long been used to treat upset stomach, flatulence, and mild gallbladder ailments. At least one human study has confirmed the antispasmodic action of linden, particularly in the intestines. In tea form, linden flowers are used to promote sweating and ease fevers.

Medium to large, columnar tree with dark green, shiny, heart-shaped leaves, to 8cm (3in) long, which have blue-green undersides and turn yellow in autumn. Pendulous clusters of fragrant yellow-white flowers, 2cm (¾in) across, with stalks fused to narrow, papery, pale green bracts, appear in mid-summer, followed by round green fruits, 6mm (¼in) in diameter.
The lindens, sometimes called lime trees, are of the
family Tiliaciae, which comprises more than 700 species of
trees and shrubs. The pale yellow linden flowers are used to
make a tea that has long been accepted as a remedy for feverish
colds. Linden can also ease tension and calm an anxious mind.


Common Name:
Linden
Other Names:
American Linden, Bass Tree, Basswood, Common Lime, European Lime, European Linden, Lime, Lime Tree, Linden Flowers, Linn Flowers, Small-Leafed Linden, Spoonwood, Tilia, Wycopy
Botanical Name:
Tilia cordata syn. T. parvifolia
Genus:
Tilia
Family:
Tiliaceae
Native Location:
C and E Europe, North America and Asia
Cultivation:
Moist, well-drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Remove suckers from base and trunk as they appear. Aphids, caterpillars, gall mites, and leafspot may attack leaves. Shoots may be affected by die-back and canker.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe, or in spring after stratifying for 3-5 months; by suckers in spring; by budding in late summer on to stock of T. platyphyllos or T. tomentosa (silver linden). Seed saved from garden trees may produce hybrid seedlings.
Harvest:
Flowers are picked in summer; dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures. Lindenflowers develop narcotic properties as they age and should only be collected when first opened.
Varieties:
Greenspire
Is vigorous, with a narrow conical crown and orange shoots.
Height: 15m (50ft)
Width: 7m (22ft)
Rancho
Has an open, well-branched habit when young, becoming narrowly conical.
Height: 15m (50ft)
Width: 8m (25ft)
Height:
20-40m (70-130ft)
:Width
10-30m (30-100ft)
Hardiness:
Z4-8
History:
The recorded history of the linden tree stretches back at least 2,000 years and is rich with folklore. Among the many stories, an ancient Greek myth about linden's origin is the most poignant. One day, Zeus, the father of the gods, and Hermes, the messenger of the gods, disguised themselves as humans and visited a small Greek village. There they went from house to house seeking food and shelter. All the prosperous villagers with big homes (and sumptuous larders) turned the gods away. The only people who would take them in were a poor, elderly couple who lived in a a tiny cottage. Their names were Baucis and Philemon, and they shared the little they had with the disguised gods. As a reward for their hospitality, Zeus turned their cottage into a luxurious temple (and submerged the homes of the inhospitable in a large, god-made lake!). But the old man and woman has a far simpler request: They always wanted to remain together, even in death, and asked that they be allowed to die at the same time. Zeus fulfilled that wish—and more. When they died, he transformed the wife, Baucis, into the linden tree, which from that day forward became the symbol of married love and family. The husband, Philemon, was turned into the oak tree, which symbolizes hospitality.
Plant Facts:
Linden can grow to a height of 100 feet and has blooms that have a spicy taste and sweet aroma. The bark on linden is brown to gray and becomes cracked and furrowed with age. The leaves—which were once added to tobacco—are dark green on top and gray-green underneath.
Origin:
Linden trees grow in Europe, North America and Asia in moderate and warm climate zones, in mixed deciduous forests. They are also often planted along city streets, in parks and on large estates.
Parts Used:

The flowers of the linden tree are the part most commonly used for medicinal purposes, and they are almost exclusively imported from Asia. Linden leaves, bark and charcoal are also used in home remedies.
Properties:
An aromatic, mucilaginous herb that is diuretic and expectorant, calms the nerves, lowers blood pressure, increases perspiration rate, relaxes spasms, and improves digestion.
Components:
The flavone glycosides in linden are partially responsible for the herb's valuable sweat-inducing effects; the essential oil of the flowers, containing terpenes, also encourages perspiration. Its high levels of mucins help relieve irritation. Linden also contains tannins, which tighten tissues and promote immunity.
Indications:
Primarily because of its ability to induce sweating, linden-flower tea is used to prevent and treat feverish colds, stubborn coughs and flulike symptoms. Plus, it may relax intestinal and menstrual cramps and aid in strengthening the immune system. Traditional medicine has long relied on linden-flower tea as a gentle tonic for heart and circulatory system. Finally, it is also suitable to give children.
Daily Ritual:
An infusion with linden flowers makes a refreshing toner for the skin. Apply sparingly to soothe and tighten the skin and to help alleviate mild skin irritations. Linden flowers can also be used in steam facials and hair rinses.
Methods of Administration:
  • Tea for Inducing Sweat:
    To ease a fever, drink the tea as hot as you can tolerate. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of fresh or dried linden flowers; steep for 10-15 min. Drink 1 cup up to 4 times daily. Sweeten with honey, if desired.
  • Calming Bath:
    A linden bath will calm the nerves, quiet anxiety and prepare you for restful sleep. Bring 3½ oz. of fresh or dried linden flowers to a boil in about 2 qt. of water. Steep for at least 10 min,; strain and add to your bathwater.
  • Poultice for Wounds:
    Pour ½ cup of water over 1 cup of dried or fresh linden flowers. Allow leaves to become saturated. Strain, but do not squeeze. Apply the saturated leaves directly on open or poorly healing wounds. Keep a cloth or towel beneath the affected area to soak up extra moisture. Leave on for 20-30 min.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for hypertension, hardening of the arteries, cardiovascular and digestive complaints associated with anxiety, urinary infections, feverish colds, influenza, respiratory mucus, migraine, and headaches. Combines well with Crataegus laevigata (See, Hawthorn) for high blood pressure, with Gingko biloba (See, Gingko) for arteriosclerosis, with Humulus lupulus (See, Hops) for nervous tension, and with Sambucus nigra, (See, Common Elder) for colds and influenza. Externally for itching skin.
To treat cough, bronchitis, fever, infectious diseases, and gallbladder and liver ailments. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of linden flower to treat cough and bronchitis.
Linden has antispasmodic, blood-pressure lowering, blood-vessel dilating, calming, cardiotonic, digestive, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, sedating, and sweat-promoting properties. It is taken internally for anxiety, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), colds, congestion, fevers, flu, headaches, high blood pressure, indigestion, insomnia, migraines, tension, and urinary tract ailments. Linden may be applied externally for burns, minor skin ailments, and wounds.
Preparation:
Linden is available as dried herb and in capsules, teas, and tinctures. To make a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herb, or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, and drink up to 2 cups a day.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of linden may range from 2 to 4 gm of the herb.
Possible Side Effects:
Linden's side effects include heart damage when the dried flower is taken orally, or the skin eruptions called urticaria (hives) when the dried flower is used topically.
Drug Interactions:
Taking Linden with these drugs may increase the risk of excessive sedation and mental depression and impairment:
Alprazolam, (Apo-Alpraz, Xanax)
Clonazepam, (Klonopin, Rivotril)
Diazepam, (Apo-Diazepam, Valium)
Flurazepam, (Apo-Flurazepam, Dalmane)
Lorazepam, (Ativan, Nu-Loraz)
Midazolam, (Apo-Midazolam, Versed)
Oxazepam, (Novoxapam, Serax)
Temazepam, (Novo-Temazepam, Restoril)
Triazolam, (Apo-Triazo, Halcion)
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 391
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD pp.324-325
The Complete Natural Guide to Healing Copyright © 1999 International Masters Publishers AB™ Group 1 Card 22
The Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke Copyright©2000 Yankee Publishing, Inc. Pp.145-146