Linden
OTHER NAME(S): Basswood, Bois de Tilleul, European Linden, Feuille de Tilleul, Feuille Séchée de Tilleul, Fleur de Tilleul, Fleur Séchée de Tilleul, Hungarian Silver Linden, Lime Flower, Lime Tree, Linden Charcoal, Silver Lime, Silver Linden, Small-Leaved Lime, Tila, Tiliae Folium, Tiliae Flos, Tiliae Lignum, Tilleul à Feuilles en Cœur, Tilleul à Grandes Feuilles, Tilleul à Petites Feuilles, Tilleul d'Europe, Tilleul d'Hiver, Tilleul des Bois, Tilleul Mâle, Tilleul Sauvage, Tilia europaea, Tilia vulgaris, Tilia cordata, Tilia parvifolia, Tilia ulmifolia, Tilia tomentosa, Tilia argentea, Tilia platyphyllos, Tilia grandifolia, Tilia rubra, LINDEN dried sapwood, Linden Wood, Linden Charcoal, LINDEN dried leaf, LINDEN dried flower, Lime Blossom, Linden Flower, Linden Leaf, Linden Sapwood, Tilo, Tilleul
Overview
Linden is a common name for trees in the Tilia genus. These trees grow in Asia, Europe, and North America. It's traditionally used as medicine.
Linden dried leaf, flower, and wood contain chemicals that might reduce inflammation and have sedative effects.
People use linden for common cold, insomnia, headaches, itchy skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Linden is sometimes called lime tree. Don't confuse linden with lime. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Linden overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Linden leaf is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Linden leaf is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Heart disease: Regularly using linden tea has been linked with heart damage. Talk to a healthcare provider before use if you have heart disease.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with LindenLinden might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking linden might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using linden if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of linden might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Bianco MI, Lúquez C, De Jong L, Fernández RA. Linden flower (Tilia spp.) as potential vehicle of Clostridium botulinum spores in the transmission of infant botulism. Rev Argent Microbiol. 2009 Oct-Dec;41(4):232-6.
- Tang Y, Zhuge R. Geographical distribution of Tilia Linn. Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica. 1996;34(3):254-264.
- Czerwinska ME, Dudek MK, Pawlowska KA, Prus A, Ziaja M, Granica S. The influence of procyanidins isolated from small-leaved lime flowers (Tilia cordata Mill.) on human neutrophils. Fitoterapia. 2018;127:115-122.