The ancient herbal tea
Linden, scientifically known as Tiliae platyphyllos, besides being a splendid fragrant tree that grows in Europe, in America and in temperate areas, is also a medicinal plant. The virtues of this tree of the Tilliaceae family have been known since ancient times: the linden was used in the Middle Ages as an emollient and expectorant and as an effective cough remedy. In general, linden is known today as a good sedative and it is diaphoretic, which means that it makes you sweat, therefore useful for lowering and regulating body temperature; the linden tea is also indicated in case of cooling and in case of insomnia.
The linden and the nerves
Excellent spasmolytic, like mallow and chamomile, the linden has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, the linden, like other relaxing herbal teas, lends itself to be a fundamental ingredient in cases of anxiety and stress . Linden also has good diuretic and detoxifying properties. These last benefits seem to be attributed more to the leaves than to the flowers. While the bark of the linden appears to be an effective remedy for those who have problems with gall bladder, liver, bowel and bile. It is also indicated for those suffering from hypertension, being a vasodilator. They are the flowers that are generally used for herbal teas.
How to prepare the herbal tea
The preparation of herbal tea with lime is quite simple and quick. Just pour a cup of boiling water and a teaspoon of linden flowers. Infuse about ten minutes and strain. It can also be consumed up to three times a day, with the addition of a teaspoon of honey. The preparation of a linden-based infusion can be an alternative solution also for the summer, when the heat is torrid. A fresh glass of lime infusion with a couple of lemon drops is a highly thirst-quenching drink. The flowers can be used both fresh and dried. Be careful if you go to collect them for stocking: in summer the pollens of this plant can cause allergies, particularly hay fever. In addition to herbal tea, the linden can also be consumed as a decoction or in capsules.
Trivia : linden flowers are excellent when added to scrambled eggs after cooking, try it!
