Herb Notes: The Benefits of Linden

With its heart shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, linden (also known as lime tree) is a beautiful tree often found on city blocks. While most people value linden trees for their beauty and shade, herbalists know that linden flowers also offer many healing gifts.

Want to learn more about the many gifts of linden?

Let’s dive into three key health benefits of linden…

1. Linden for the Nervous System & Heart Support

Linden has an affinity for supporting the nervous system and the emotional and physical heart. This calming herbal ally can especially help relieve musculoskeletal tension and promote more restful sleep. As Rosalee de la Forêt writes in her Linden Plant Profile on HerbMentor, “[Linden] can be specific for anxiety that is accompanied by tension: tense shoulders, muscle cramping, tension headaches, painful menstrual cramps, etc. I also think of linden for people who have difficulty sleeping due to excessive tension.”¹

As a calming, hypotensive herb, linden has also traditionally been used to support the physical and emotional heart. Folks taking blood pressure medications or who are experiencing abnormal blood pressure levels should consult with an experienced practitioner before taking linden.

I like to drink iced linden tea during the summertime when I am particularly prone to more insomnia and tension due to more outdoor activities and travel.

2. Linden for Digestion

One of linden’s benefits is that it can help support healthy digestion. This aromatic herb is antispasmodic, meaning it can help address gas pain and discomfort. With its moistening and astringent properties, it can also support indigestion and stagnant digestion by simultaneously toning lax tissues and soothing inflamed tissues in the digestive tract.

For digestive support, I tend to drink a hot cup of linden tea with a pinch of cinnamon powder.

3. Linden for Colds and Flu

Linden can help support immune function, making it a wonderful herb during a cold or flu. Plus, linden can also relieve several symptoms associated with colds and flu. Just as this moistening herb soothes irritated tissues in the digestive tract, it can also soothe a sore, irritated throat. And linden can also help address excess congestion.

When I have a cold, I like to put a spoonful of elderberry syrup in linden tea and sip on this throughout the duration of the sickness.

A few frequently asked questions about linden… 

Is linden tea good for sleep?

Yes, as a relaxing nervine with sedative properties, linden can help calm the nervous system, which can lead to deeper sleep.

Can I mix linden and chamomile tea?

Yes! Linden and chamomile make for a wonderfully simple herbal remedy that can help promote relaxation and healthy digestion.

How do I prepare linden tea?

To prepare linden tea, you can pour 1 cup of hot water over 1 teaspoon of dried linden flowers and let this steep covered for 10 minutes before straining. You can enjoy the linden flower tea hot or over ice.

Written by Tara Ruth

Tara Ruth is an herbalist and the Communications Director at LearningHerbs. She graduated from the California School of Herbal Studies’ Community Herbalist Program and is a total herb nerd. Tara is passionate about teaching folks how to become confident home herbalists. In her free time, you can find Tara hiking in the forest and waving to all the plants along the way.