Linden/Lime Flower

Linden or lime is not to be confused with the citrus lime which is in an entirely different plant family.

The aroma is of the most delicious honey and for a few short weeks it permeates the air.

Tilia spp.

Parts used medicinally: Flowers

It is no wonder that the flowers of this tree are most prized in herbal infusions and that their key gift is to relax us and lull us into a state of calm. In France, there is even a tradition of putting fractious children to sleep under the branches of the tree.

Tilia is a calming sedative and is commonly used to treat anxiety and nervousness. It’s diaphoretic (sweat inducing) properties means it is often a part of fever remedies and its ability to relax blood vessels and cause them to widen make it useful in helping with hypertension.

Linden or lime is not to be confused with the citrus lime which is in an entirely different plant family. These trees have long been prized both for the flowers and for the wood – also known as basswood that is pale in colour and can be very intricately carved. Many medieval churches have used basswood for decoration and as the name implies it can be used to make stringed instruments.