Herb Article
Linden II

By Corrie Snyder, Herbalist

Common Name
Linden

Latin Name
Tillia spp. 

Family
Tiliacea

Parts Used
The bracts and flowers are used for medicine.

This moist spring has brought us an abundance of vibrant greenery, nourishing our plant and tree allies. One such beloved tree is the Linden. This gorgeous tree abounds in downtown Boulder blessing us with shade and soon will bestow its sweet fragrance on us as its buds begin to open. The fresh leaves and buds of the Linden tree have a soft and sweet flavor but contain powerful medicine.

Medicinal Properties
Linden, also known as lime blossom, has a long tradition of use as a relaxing herbal tea throughout Europe. It has a sweet, pleasant taste and contains mucilage so it is nourishing to the mucous membranes, a perfect ally for the dry climate of Colorado. Here in Boulder we are blessed with many Linden trees proving shade right here in our downtown area.

Linden is quite gentle, it's safe for children and elderly, however it contains truly powerful medicine. Tillia has a great affinity for the heart, nurturing and protecting not only the emotional heart but also acts as a powerful ally for the physical heart. Linden can help to reduce hypertension and atherosclerosis as well as working as a preventative in heart disease. The flowers also help to calm nervous tension easing heart palpitations.

Linden is soothing to the digestive tract and helps the body heal from viral infections. It is a wonderful addition to a cold or flu tea as it relaxes the body, is a nice diaphoretic, and nourishes the mucous membranes.

One of the best emotional allies, Tillia helps to nurture and protect the heart allowing one to stay centered through trying times. It calms anxiety related to emotional stress and gives one a sense of well being. The energetic medicines of trees are quite powerful. Trees are strong, rooted, and capable of swaying with the wind but stand strong through the storms. These life lessons are infused in the medicine of the Linden tree.

Preparations & Applications
Not only does Linden make a wonderful and soothing cup of tea but bathing in Linden creates a ritual of adornment. Steep eight tablespoons of Linden in a half gallon jar for 20-30 minutes. Strain into the bath, relax and appreciate all that you are.

Tea
Pour one cup of near boiling water over one tablespoon of Linden. Cover and allow to steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Tincture
Take 30-60 drops of Linden tincture in a small amount of water three times a day. Energetic dose: Take one to five drops throughout the day as needed.

Recipe(s)

Heart tonic: medicine for the whole heart
1 part Linden
1 part Hawthorn leaf and flower
1 part Hawthorn berries
.25 part Red Roses
.5 part Hibiscus
.25 part Orange peel

Calm the heart, quite the mind
1 part Linden
.25 part Motherwort
.25 part Pink Roses
1 part Chamomile
.5 part Skullcap
1 part Spearmint

Royal Bath
1 part Linden
1 part Chamomile
1 part Lavender
.5 part Pink Roses
.5 part Red Roses
Steep 8 Tablespoons in a half gallon jar for 30 minutes. Strain into the bath, and love being you.

Resources
Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman
Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth by Sharol Tilgner
The Yoga of Herbs by David Frawley