Tilia spp.
Part Used: Dried flower
Linden (Tilia spp.) is a medicinal herb with the properties like sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive, diuretic, diaphoretic, mild astringent, and anti-inflammatory. It is believed to be effective in fevers, colds and flu, coughs, nervous tension and headaches. The major active constituents in Linden are flavonoids, glycosides, and possibly volatile oils. Linden is a relaxing remedy for nervous tension. It is also used as a prophylactic against the development of arteriosclerosis and hypertension. It is used in the treatment of raised blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis and nervous tension. Its relaxing action combined with a general effect upon the circulatory system give Linden a role in the treatment of some forms of migraine. The diaphoresis combined with the relaxation explains its value in feverish colds and flu.
Linden has been found to shorten the duration of infectious viral conditions. Scientific researches in animal have shown Linden to protect against stress-induced ulcers and act as an anti-stress remedy. It specifically decreases adrenal enlargement and possesses corticosteroid-sparing effects in rats under stressful conditions. Linden is useful for hypertension and palpitations due to stress. The flowers and leaves contain a volatile oil, quercetin glycosides, kaempferol glycosides and mucilage, which are used medicinally.
References:
Holistic Online. http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h259.htm
HerbalEd. http://www.herbaled.org/THM/Singles/linden.html
Materia Medica. http://www.herbaltransitions.com/materiamedica/Tilia.htm
