Linden

Description:
The linden tree is familiar to most people, even those who spent their whole life in the city - as this tree is often planted there. Isn't there a Linden Boulevard or similar in most cities? "Unter den Linden" in Berlin immediately springs to mind, and we have a Linde Allé in Copenhagen as well. It is a strong tree that will tolerate most soils and both full sun and half-shade.

The latin name "cordata" refers to the heart-shape of the leaves. T. platyphylla has bigger leaves, the hybrid is inbetween.

For medicinal purposes, the flowers and leaves are used. An essential oil is extracted by solvent extraction from the flowers. It is deep brown in colour and is a middle perfumery note. It is sweet in smell and blends well with a number of other oils. It is relaxant, helps you fall asleep and even has some detoxifying effect on the liver and kidneys according to some sources.Its relaxing action combined with a general effect upon the circulatory system give Linden a role in the treatment of some forms of migraine. It is a costly oil, though, and I haven't tried it myself yet.

A cheaper alternative is to make an infusion of the flowers and/or leaves. You can harvest them yourself, or buy them quite cheap. The tea has a pleasant taste, it's not very strong and most people will like it (as opposed to Valerian, another sleep aid). It's popular in "Nighttime Blends" teas. As a diaphoretic, it can have some benefit in the case of colds and fever.

Combinations : In raised blood pressure it may be used with Hawthorn and European Mistletoe, with Hops in nervous tension and with Elder Flower in the common cold.