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What’s this
The lime tree is a large tree that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. Lime trees (Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos) are species that grow spontaneously in southern Europe, cultivated for the purpose ornamental along the avenues, in gardens and parks. Up to thirty meters high, the lime trees help to shade streets and squares thanks to their heart-shaped leaves that make up the large crown of these trees. THE fruits of the lime tree are nuts and develop from fertilized flowers. The flowers are small and whitish, grouped in selvedge inflorescences: the flowering of the linden tree it usually coincides with the beginning of summer and it is thanks to its flowers that in the month of June our cities are intensely perfumed.
The flowers of the lime tree, in addition to emanate a very pleasant fragrance, represent the drug of this plant and are used in phytotherapy for their properties and health benefits. The bark of the lime tree is also used, known as lime sapwood.
Properties and benefits
THE linden flowers they contain numerous polyphenols, including flavonoids, tannins and proanthocyanolides, as well as a small amount of essential oil and mucilage. These substances give the linden inflorescences sedative, antispasmodic and diaphoretic properties, that is, capable of promoting sweating. Linden is therefore used to relieve the symptoms of colds, in particular for lower fever is calm cough. Linden flowers are also used in the case of anxiety, mild insomnia and in the pains caused by states of agitation such as gastrointestinal spasms, muscle tension and headache. The linden flowers are also attributed vasodilating and hypotensive properties useful for reducing pressure and preventing cardiovascular disorders. With the same indications, the linden bud extract, obtained from the buds of the plant. The lime blossom preparations are then used topically as emollients to treat minor skin irritations.
L’lime sapwood – or second bark – contains phenolic acids, tannins, on the other hand, has a little known composition and is used as an antispasmodic, cholagogue, choleretic and diuretic. It is used to counter digestive disorders which cause abdominal bloating, meteorism, flatulence, to stimulate the production and secretion of bile and to promote diuresis. Linden bark is also used in hepatobiliary disorders and to treat hepatic, renal and intestinal colitis.
How to use it
The dried linden flowers they are used in the form of an infusion: linden tea is prepared with a teaspoon of dried flowers left to infuse in 150 milliliters of boiling water for ten minutes. Three or four cups a day are consumed between meals. The flavor of the lime blossom is pleasant and sweet and, in the preparation of herbal teas, they can be used alone or in synergy with other herbs. For example, to increase sweating and reduce fever, linden flowers can be associated with those of elderberry, another plant with a diaphoretic action, while in case of headache or digestive problems it can be taken together with chamomile, lemon balm. and sweet orange. In case of anxiety, agitation, nervousness and mild insomnia it can instead be administered in synergy with passionflower. The infusion of lime is also used externally for compresses and poultices emollient and soothing, to calm itching and redness associated with dermatosis.
There tincture and the bud extract, as we have seen, are recommended for the same ailments at the dosage of 30 drops to be diluted in a little water and to be taken up to three times a day. The sapwood is used for decoction, therefore placing about five grams of bark in cold water in cold water and then bringing it to a boil; after letting it boil with the lid on for 5-10 minutes, it is filtered and consumed.
The linden leaves they are not used in herbal medicine and phytotherapy but are consumed for their high content in proteins and chlorophyll. After having dried and finely pulverized, they are added to the flours to prepare bread dough, focaccia, fresh pasta, biscuits, cakes and other products.
Contraindications and side effects
The lime tree has no details side effects, when taken at the recommended doses and in the absence of hypersensitivity to one or more of its compounds. Its use is obviously not recommended in case of allergies and also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. On the other hand, there are no contraindications regarding the consumption of linden flowers for the children.
Given the sedative and hypno-inducing action of lime, the preparations containing this plant could increase the effect of anxiolytics, hypnotics and alcoholic beverages, therefore it would be advisable to avoid the simultaneous intake of these products. Since the linden flowers in infusion can significantly reduce theiron absorption, it is good to consume them between meals, especially in people who are anemic or who have a deficiency of this mineral.
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