Linden
BotanicalTilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllosAlso calledLime flower, Lime blossom, Tilleul
Honey-scented blossoms from the linden tree, brewed into a soft, soothing tea for the end of the day or a chilly evening.
In early summer the linden trees on many European streets fill the air with a sweet, honeyed smell, and the bees go wild for them. In France, a cup of tilleul after dinner is an old family habit. It is a European herb, not a classical Ayurvedic one, but it fits easily into an Ayurvedic tea cabinet.
The dried blossoms come with their pale, papery bracts still attached. The tea is mild, floral and a little slippery on the tongue, thanks to the plant's natural mucilage. That soft, moist quality is what Ayurveda pays attention to. It feels kind on a dry throat and a frazzled nervous system alike.
Ayurvedic Properties
Not described in classical Ayurveda; modern Ayurvedic writers describe it as sweet, mildly astringent and slightly cooling. Published Ayurvedic sources on linden are few, so please read this as provisional.
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Slightly cooling
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Sweet
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Neutral for agni
Little direct effect on digestion.
- GunaQualities
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: decreases
- Pitta: decreases
- Kapha: neutral
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Linden's soft, moist sweetness calms dry, anxious vata and its gentle coolness suits pitta. It is light enough not to burden kapha when taken warm.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support a calm, relaxed evening and restful sleep.
- Traditionally used to support a soothed throat and comfortable breathing in cold season.
- Traditionally used to support gentle sweating and comfort when you feel chilled and run down.
- Traditionally used to support ease during stressful days.
How People Use It
- TeaSteep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried linden flowers in a cup of just-boiled water, covered, for 10 minutes. It is mild, so it can steep a little longer than most flowers.
- HoneyStir a little honey into a warm cup once it has cooled enough to sip. The flavors are natural partners.
- TopicalA strong, cooled tea can be poured into a warm bath at the end of a long day. Patch test first.
Cold-Season Linden and Ginger Cup
A warm, cozy cup for a gray evening when you feel a chill coming on.
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried linden flowers
- 2 thin slices fresh ginger
- 1 small strip of lemon peel
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Simmer the ginger and lemon peel in the water for 3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, add the linden, cover and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain, let it cool slightly and stir in the honey.
- Wrap up in a blanket and sip it slowly.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- Safety research on linden is limited. It has a long history as a household tea, but there are few formal studies.
- Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Please check with your midwife or doctor first.
- Avoid linden if you are allergic to linden pollen or flowers.
- If you have a heart condition or take any regular medication, ask your doctor before using it often.
- Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using it regularly.
In Our Shop
Organic Linden Flower, from $6.50. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.
Shop Linden →From the Journal
Sources and Further Reading
This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.