Linden (Lime Blossom) — FarmPal

A gentle, delicious nervine and diaphoretic ideal for children and the elderly. The fragrant flowers make a calming tea that also supports cardiovascular health and reduces fever.

Scientific Name
Tilia europaea / Tilia americana
Growing Zones
Zones 3-8

Medicinal Properties

Nervine relaxant
Diaphoretic (fever management)
Hypotensive (mild)
Antispasmodic
Demulcent
Vasodilator

Parts Used

Flowers (with bracts)
Inner bark

Traditional Uses

  • •Anxiety and restlessness
  • •Fever and cold/flu
  • •Insomnia (gentle, safe for children)
  • •Hypertension (mild)
  • •Digestive upset from nervousness
  • •Headaches from tension

Preparations

Tea

Steep 1-2 tablespoons dried flowers in 8 oz hot water for 10-15 minutes. Cover.

Dosage: 1-3 cups daily for relaxation; hot cups for fever and colds

Honey Infusion

Fill jar with dried linden flowers, cover with raw honey. Infuse 4-6 weeks.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons in tea or warm water for sore throat and anxiety

Bath

Add 2 cups strong linden tea to warm bath.

Dosage: Soak 20 minutes for restlessness and tension (great for children before bed)

Harvesting Guide

Timing: Harvest flowers when just opened and fragrant (very brief window only a few days).

Method: Pick flower clusters with attached bract (the pale green leaf-like structure).

Drying: Dry quickly on screens in dark, airy location. Must retain fragrance.

⚠️ Cautions

  • •One of the safest herbs suitable for all ages
  • •No known drug interactions at normal doses
  • •May enhance sedative medications slightly
  • •Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Storage
Dried flowers 1 year (loses potency and fragrance quickly). Use within season for best results.