Linden Tree

Other Names of Linden Tree: Basswood tree, Lime tree, White tree, Small-leafed linden

Useful Parts of the Plant: Wood, Bark, Leaves, Fruit, Flowers, Sap

This tree belongs to Tillia family of trees and often used as an ornamental tree. These trees grow to a height of about 100 to 130 feet and are quite susceptible to hybridization. The trees have dense foliage especially in the summers. The flowers of this tree are rich and often attract many different types of insects. Aphids and ants are very common on this tree. The tree has dark green leaves, with fragrant yellow-white flowers and small round fruits.

In this family of trees, the T. cordata is the version often used for medicinal purposes. Flowers are often dried and made into tea. One tablespoon of dried flowers to one cup of boiling water makes a perfect cup of tea.

The healing properties of the linden tree are many but do not have a scientific base. If you take these cures, you need to keep in the mind that the dosage is something you have to careful with. Consult an herb specialist if you can. Today you can find linden tree supplements in many stores.

Nutritional Information and Properties

The leaves and flowers of the linden tree are high in antioxidants.

Lime flowers contain sugar, gallic acids and other organic acids, all of which give the plant its characteristic qualities.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

The flowers of linden tree have many uses. They are used to control hypertension and as a sedative.
The flowers can calm the digestive system.
Coughs and colds can also be relieved with these flowers.
Migraines and cardiovascular complaints can be relieved with tea made from linden flowers.
The sap got from the tree can also reduce high blood pressure, calm the stomach, decrease water retention and help excrete bile better.
The sap and the flower are also used in ointments for itchy skin.
The bark is used as a poultice for different injuries including bruises, boils and carbuncles.
The dried flowers can be added to a bath as well which helps control hysteria, vomiting and most anxiety related disorders.
The leaves help reduce fevers.
The wood from the tree can be used for liver and gallbladder problems along with tackling cellulite.
The charcoal created from burning wood from this tree is known to help fight intestinal disorders and can be used topically for edema.
The flowers, had with chamomile and mint tea, can be very help the digestion, soothing the tract if it has been irritated.
The flower tea mixed with sodium bicarbonate can be a good wash for an irritated throat or for inflamed tonsils.
Lime flower tea compression with cornstarch with cold water can help dark rings around the eyes.

Other Uses

The lime blossom of this tree is an important keeper of honey or nectar. It has been known to produce a pale but rich flavored honey.
The wood of this tree is used for model building as it is a rich and not so dense a wood. This wood is also used for creating diffusers for aquariums as it has a fine grain that allows air bubbles to seep through.
The oil from linden flowers is also used extensively in aromatherapy. The essential oil is useful for relaxation, thinning the blood, reducing fever, decrease night sweats and get rid of phlegm.
The flowers also have an essential oil which can also clear that stuffy feeling. This oil helps deal with the skin blemishes very effectively.