Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Commonly called lime trees in the British Isles, they are not closely related to the lime fruit. Other names given to the plant onclude basswood and linden. The genus occurs in Europe and Eastern America, but the greatest species diversity can be located in Asia. It most most commonly used as an ornamental tree.

In the big family of the trees, the T. Cordata is the version often used for medicinal purposes. The flowers of the plant are often dried and made into tea. However, it is very common to use the leaves in tea making alongside the flowers, which are both steeped in boiling water, before being consumed.

The dried flowers and leaves are mildly sweet and sticky, and the fruit of the plant is somewhat sweet and mucilaginous. Limeflower tea has a pleasant taste, due to the aromatic volatile oils found in the flowers. The flowers, leaves, wood and charcoal (obtained from the wood) are used for medicinal purposes. Active ingredients present in the herb include flavonoids, which act as antioxidants, and volatile oils. The plant also contains tannins that can act as an astringent.

Linden flowers are used in herbalism for colds, cough, fever, infections, inflammation, high blood pressure, headache and particularly migraine, and as a diuretic because it increases urine production, antispasmodic and sedative. In the traditional Aystrian medicine Tilia flowers have been used internally as tea for treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, fever and flu. New evidence suggests that the flowers may be hepatoprotective. The wood is used for liver and gallbladder disorders and cellulitis, an inflammation of the skin and surrounding soft tissue. The wood burned to charcoal is ingested to treat intestinal disorders and used topically to treat eczema or infection such as cellulitis or ulcers of the lower leg.

The leaves and flowers alike are very rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. Lime flowers contain sugar, gallic acid and other organic acids as well, all of which give the plant its characteristic qualities.

Medicinal Application:

The flowers of linden tree have many varied uses. They are firstly used to control hypertension and they have a sedative action.

The flowers can calm the digestive and nervous systems alike.

Coughs and colds can also be relieved with these sweet 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, inflammed 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 help greatly in the digestion process, 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 inflammed tonsils.

Lime flower tea compression with cornstarch with cold water can help clear dark rings around the eyes.

The lime blossom of the tree is an important keeper of honey or nectar and the pale, rich flavored honey is rich in nutrients.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.