Linden trees are famed for their heavily scented flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. The steeped flowers and leaves create a sweet, floral, citrusy brew beloved by many.
What is it?
Linden tea is an herbal tea that is commonly used today to treat symptoms of the common cold. It is often used to relieve anxiety, expectorant for more productive cough, unclog a stuffy nose, soothe a sore throat, and even combat fevers. It is also used as a sleep aid, comparable to chamomile. It also may have the ability to calm anxiety, relieve high blood pressure, acting as a diaphoretic, and may be a mild sedative. It may also help to relieve inflammation.
Linden tea can be drunk either hot or cold. It is a well-known drink in much of Europe.
How to pick and prepare your own linden tea
First, identify your linden tree. It should have light-grey bark with ridges. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the flowers are showy clusters of yellow, pink, or purple. Pick the flowers that are just freshly bloomed. These will yield the most flavor and will be the cleanest. Next, aerate the flowers and leaves out of the sun. The leaves and flowers should be completely dried and crispy within two to three weeks. Store them in breathable cotton bags and place them somewhere dark. For daily use and easy access, keep them in a jar. These are traditionally stored in cotton bags in a dark pantry. Any thin cotton or breathable bag will work. Try not to crush the flowers and leaves.
Cultural significance
It was used by many European and North American cultures throughout history. The linden tree was actually considered sacred in Egypt and Ancient Greece. It shows up in Slavic, Baltic, Germanic, and Greek mythology. In German mythology, it was believed that truth lay under a linden tree. It was considered the “tree of fertility” healing. It represented justice and dance. It was protection from bad spirits and bad luck. Towns in Europe are named after this tree. In fact, it was so important that oftentimes it was the center of a town and thus the very heart of a community. Many songs and poems are written about this wondrous plant. It provides dense shade and fills the air with a sweet aroma.
Usage
Beyond teas and tinctures, it was also used for its wood. Linden tree wood produces a very soft and workable wood with little grain, desirable for carving and modeling. The wood is considered lightweight and sturdy. The aroma of the linden is also used to create perfume. Rope can be made by twisting the inner bark of the wood. You can even run a bath with linden flowers. Just let them steep for 10 minutes. If you let the wood carbonize, you can even create your own eyeshadow with it. It can also be used as a facial tonic.
Linden tea itself is usually made by brewing the leaves, flowers, or bark. However, all parts of the linden tree are edible. Linden flowers can be eaten raw. The leaves, bark, and roots are also edible and are often used to make tea.
The Linden Tree is from the genus Tilia and is from the Malvaceae family. The genus Tilia is known for producing fragrant flowers and is an important plant for beekeepers producing honey. When the flowers on this tree bloom, usually from late spring to summer, they do so abundantly. Because this plant produces so much nectar at once, it is a coveted plant for monofloral honey production.
Names
There are many varieties and names for linden. Among them are lime tree, basswoods, common lime, little-leaf linden, big-leaf linden, Silver linden, and Pendant Silver linden. Note that although this plant is commonly known as lime tree, it has no relation to the citrus lime.
How to prepare
Put 8 to 10 dried flower stalks into a teapot and add boiling water. Keep it on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Watch for the tea to turn a nice caramel color. At this point, you should be smelling the lovely aroma of a completely brewed tea.
How to improve taste
The Turkish like to add cinnamon and cloves and when the tea is done brewing, honey and/or sugar, and lemon.
What does it taste like?
Linden Tea tastes sweet, floral, and citrusy. It has been compared to chamomile.
How much caffeine does it contain?
Linden tea does not naturally contain any caffeine.
How many carbs does it contain?
One serving of 5g of Laggʻs Linden Tea contains 2.7 g of carbs.
How many calories does it contain?
One serving of 5g of Laggʻs Linden Tea contains 0 calories.
When should I not drink linden tea?
There are not enough studies done on linden tea, and therefore pregnant or nursing women are not advised to drink it. Additionally, avoid drinking linden tea alongside medicines containing lithium as the body may alter how this medicine is processed and excreted. Also, avoid drinking linden tea with diuretics to prevent dehydration.
There is also a study that claims that linden tea should not be consumed long-term and should only be consumed in moderation due to its linkage to heart disease. This is considered a very rare instance.
Where do I find linden tea?
Linden tea can be found in most major grocery stores and in online shops.
Where do I find linden trees?
Linden trees can be found in Germany. They are very commonly found in Europe. They are actually native to New England, but linden trees will grow in many climates. They prefer climates that can get below freezing.
Conclusion
There are so many benefits to drinking linden tea. It cures many ailments, is easily accessible, and even tastes great. Because of its giving nature, the plant has earned its significance in cultures anywhere the tree can grow. If you get the chance, give gratitude to your nearest linden tree and see if you can witness the wondrous properties of this tree yourself!
