Linden: medicinal properties and contraindications

Linden is considered a very valuable plant product, which can easily be found in Russian regions, because this deciduous tree grows in areas with temperate and subtropical climates. The linden tree is characterized by many healing qualities, which allows its use in medicine. For therapeutic purposes, almost all parts of this culture are used: bark, buds, leaves, flowers with inflorescences.

Chemical Composition

Useful and harmful characteristics of linden are explained by the presence of a number of chemical substances that have been found in all parts of such a tree. It should also be noted that the linden tree is one of the main mellifers in the territory of Europe. Its unique aroma attracts bees.

The flowers of the plant contain vitamin C, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, amino acids, essential oils and polysaccharides. The mineral composition is represented by Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn.

Linden leaves are valued for the presence of protein and ascorbic acid. Fatty oils accumulate in the fruits after ripening. The medicinal properties of linden depend on the way it is consumed and the parts of the plant that are used for treatment. Therapeutic results are achieved with the constant intake of drinks based on parts of the tree, as well as external application of medicinal raw materials.

What it looks like and where it grows

The linden tree has a spherical spreading crown. Large varieties can have trunks more than 30 m tall and branching begins at a distance of 2 m from the ground. The leaves are finely serrated and rounded, with a heart-shaped base. The flowers are pale yellow in color, with a pleasant honey odor. The seeds are small, pea-sized.

The tree grows in the forest-steppe and forest areas of Europe and the Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova, etc., and is found in forest belts, parks and streets of settlements. It likes fertile soils and thrives in midsummer. The blooming period can last for several weeks. All this time the plant exudes a pleasant fragrance. The tree starts to flower in its twentieth year of life, provided that it grows in natural conditions, otherwise it will flower only after 30 years.

The fruits of the tree are round nuts of small size, which have leathery pericarp. At first the fruit has a light hue, and over time begins to darken. They fall at once in whole clusters. Interestingly, each such bunch has a special leaf, which during the fall twirls and thus allows the seeds to fly away as far as possible and develop a new plant.

Species

1. The small-leaved variety is about 30 m in height. The branches of such a tree form a large crown, resembling marquees. Leaves of such a tree are small, pointed at the tips. And their upper side is dark and sweet, but on the back side it is rough and darker. In June the plant is covered with downy inflorescences with 6-8 flowers, and in August small nuts with seeds inside develop from them.
2. The large-leaved tree is similar to the small-leaved tree, but differs in that it withstands frosts much worse. This variety usually grows in the Caucasus and southern parts of Europe. Such trees are long-lived. They can reach a height of 40 m. The leaves of this linden are large, with small denticles on the edges. The crown is shaped like a pyramid. Inflorescences may have as few as 2-4 flowers each. Flowering lasts from mid-June for two weeks.
3. The common linden is a hybrid that is the result of crossing the first two varieties. The inflorescences are the same as those of the small-leaved linden. The leaves are dark green in color, with a glossy surface. During flowering, they are covered with a sweet substance that attracts bees.
4. Manchurian linden grows in the Far East. This variety prefers moist soils and shaded areas. The maximum height of such a linden tree can be 20 m. The leaves are quite large and the inflorescences have 10-12 flowers.
5. The Caucasian linden prefers warm and humid climatic conditions, fertile soils, so it is usually observed in the forests of the Crimea and the Caucasus. Such a variety lives up to 4 centuries, the trunk can have a diameter of 1.5-2 m. The leaves of such a linden are large, rich green color.
6. The European linden grows in deciduous and mixed forests in the western part of Europe. The lifespan of the European species is 100-130 years. Lime trees can reach a height of 40 m. The crown is thick and broad and the bark is deeply cracked.

Harvesting and storage

The best period for harvesting raw materials is from mid-May to mid-June, depending on the variety and location. Flowering lasts a few days. The plant should be harvested only when the flowers are fully open. Gathering should be done in dry, clear weather, in the morning when the dew is gone. It should be done before noon, otherwise the sun will dry out the raw material and it will lose its essential oils.

Harvested raw materials should be placed in a thin layer on a paper towel or newspaper. The main conditions in this case is to have a dry, ventilated room, protected from sunlight.

Dried raw material is stored in a bowl with a lid or in bags of paper.

Useful properties of linden

Linden flowers help resist pathogenic bacteria, reduce body temperature and expel phlegm from the lungs. Diseases such as rheumatism and cramps can also be treated with the healing decoction. In addition, linden provides relief of bile flow into the duodenum. Lipa is included in medicines designed to prolong the production of gastric juice.

Lime leaves can be used to make compresses to relieve headaches. Also from this plant is prepared a useful drink, saturated with many vitamins and minerals. The leaves of the tree are used in the treatment of furunculosis and other inflammatory processes on the skin. The plant powder treats superficial wounds, the juice from the leaves is characterized by analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The buds of the tree also belong to the medicinal means. If they are crushed, you get a mixture for healing burns.

The bark has choleretic qualities. In addition, linden twigs and bark are used to produce linden charcoal, which can absorb compounds that are dangerous to the body. Thus, this remedy is actively used for diarrhea and other disorders of the digestive system.

Decoction of linden flower has an anti-inflammatory effect thanks to polysaccharides and flavonoids, which inhibit inflammatory processes at the cell level. In addition, the drink has a regenerative property, as due to the high concentration of tannins and a number of vitamins, the process of repairing damaged cells is activated. The product has a antipyretic effect. This is due to the fact that lime contains a lot of ascorbic acid, which helps to accelerate the formation of sweat. The sedative effect of linden is provided by the presence of essential oils, which have a relaxing effect on the body. The linden flower is characterized by its antiseptic properties.

For women

The usefulness of linden for the female body consists in the presence of polysaccharides and flavonoids in the composition of plant raw materials. These substances contribute to the elimination of problems with the female urogenital system. The therapeutic effect in this case comes on the 6th-7th day after the start of treatment. Vitamins, macro- and microelements, as well as essential oils have a positive effect on the hormonal background. Thus, linden is recommended for use by women during menopause.

The antispasmodic properties of the plant help to relax the muscles and reduce the pain that often occurs during menstruation. In addition, linden-based drinks help manage PMS symptoms, such as anxiety or frequent mood swings.

Linden contains antioxidant substances that help protect the body from various diseases.

Lipa has also found widespread use in the field of cosmetology. For example, if you put a cotton pad soaked in linden tea on your eyelid and hold it for a couple of minutes, you can get rid of swollen eyelids. The antioxidants in the flowers give the skin an even tone, allowing women to look younger and inhibit the natural aging process.

For Men

In folk medicine, there are many recipes with the addition of linden. Such raw materials help to normalize the health of the genital system of the representatives of the stronger sex in the detection of prostatitis and hemorrhoids. To prepare a healing potion, branches of a linden tree will be required. You need to burn them, collect the coals and from them prepare a decoction, which you drink instead of tea throughout the day. The first results can be seen after a week of regular intake.

When pregnant

The time of waiting for the baby is a special period in a woman's life. Decoction of linden inflorescences has practically no contraindications for use by pregnant women. The benefit of such a drink is that the obtained composition has a diuretic effect. Consequently, the decoction will help protect a woman from high blood pressure, which is often found during pregnancy. It is not recommended to consume such a remedy at night.

When breastfeeding

The healing properties of linden for women during lactation are the ability to increase the amount of breast milk. In addition, in the composition of the plant are found useful components that saturate the milk, improving its quality. Also tea or decoction based on linden soothes the nervous system of the young mother and normalizes the hormonal background.

For children

The healing properties of the linden are used in the treatment of various pathologies in children. Linden decoction very rarely causes an allergic reaction, so you can give such a remedy to the child already a few months after birth. Decoction is useful in treating colds, for lowering fever, liquefying sputum and restoring digestion for constipation.

For weight loss

Nowadays, methods of reducing body weight that are based on weight loss occurring over a long period of time are becoming popular. Diuretic formulations are considered one method of slow weight loss.

The advantage of using such a remedy is that the lost pounds do not return. Lipa refers to such means, which act sparingly. When taking the infusion, salts are not washed out of the body, so a diet using such a herbal component has recently been gaining popularity.

In addition to the diuretic effect, linden also has a diaphoretic effect, which ensures the removal of fluid from the body.

Lipa in folk medicine

Dried linden inflorescences can be brewed or ground to powder, resulting in effective remedies to help get rid of various ailments. To prepare a healing decoction, you need 1 tbsp. of raw materials pour 200 ml of steep boiling water, simmer for another 10 minutes and then cool. The bark of the tree is also the raw material for making external medicinal mixtures.

Regular use of the useful decoction promotes the expansion of the blood vessels of the brain. This leads to the fact that oxygen enters all cells, resulting in the disappearance of headaches, improving the condition under stress and nervous disorders. With severe headaches you can also use the leaves. To do this, soak them in water, put them on the temple and forehead and hold for about 20 minutes.

With nephritis, it is also useful to drink linden decoction. Such a drink has a mild diuretic property. Thus, when taking the infusion during the day, all the toxins are eliminated from the body. However, if there are kidney stones, you must be careful, otherwise the drink will provoke painful sensations.

To obtain an external remedy, boil 4 tbsp of flowers in a glass of water. When the mass thickens, it can be cooled. The resulting composition should be smeared on wounds and burn sites. It should be noted that bleeding wounds should not be treated with this mixture, because it can damage the epidermis.

To normalize the menstrual cycle and alleviate the manifestations of PMS, you need to take a linden decoction of 1 glass a day for a week.

To relax tense muscles, it is recommended to take a bath with the addition of inflorescences of this tree. This will soothe the muscles under the influence of essential oils, which begin to be released when the raw material is immersed in hot water.

A tea with linden and honey, drunk before bedtime, will help strengthen the nervous system. In this case, regular use is mandatory, because the effect is achieved only after systemic consumption.

When inflammation in the mouth, you need to drink linden infusion with the addition of 5 g of baking soda. The resulting composition should be rinsed in the mouth several times a day.

When diabetics.

The inflorescences of linden leaves contain polysaccharides of natural origin. These substances are characterized by beneficial properties for diabetics. At the same time, the benefits are achieved in the case of a complete replacement of the usual drinks with decoctions from linden blossoms. However, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels, because if the patient does not need to lower the markers, such a drink is not worth drinking.

In pancreatitis

With inflammation of the pancreas, it is required to improve the outflow of bile. To achieve this, it is recommended to prepare a decoction. To do this, you need 2 tbsp. of inflorescences pour 250 ml of boiling water, boil over low heat for about 15 minutes, cool and strain. The resulting composition to drink hot 1-2 glasses several times a day after a meal.

With gastritis

Lipa is effective in the treatment of gastritis, which is characterized by high levels of acidity. Linden flower is able to relieve inflammation in the stomach quite quickly, alleviating the condition of the person. To prepare the healing drink, you need to put 100 grams of flowers in an enamel bowl and pour 1 liter of water. Put the pot with the preparation on a low heat and bring to a boil. After that, cover the pot with a lid and infuse a few hours. Then strain the mass. Prepared broth to drink 30 minutes before a meal, 100 ml. The course of treatment is 10 days, after which a break should be made. If necessary, a week later you can repeat the treatment.

For the liver

The simplest recipe for making a useful drink is to make tea, which should be drunk instead of the usual leaf product. Moreover, thanks to the original taste, there is no need to add sugar. Regular consumption of such a drink will cleanse the liver of toxins, thereby reducing the burden on this organ, as well as enriching it with useful substances.

Hemorrhoids

Infusion of linden flowers can be used externally as lotions for inflammation of hemorrhoidal nodes. To obtain such a healing remedy, take 6 tbsp of dried raw materials, pour a glass of steep boiling water and insist for about 10 minutes.

From coughs.

To get rid of an excruciating wet cough, you can use a linden decoction. To obtain it, you need to mix 500 ml of boiling water and a couple of spoonfuls of inflorescences. Let the mixture infuse for 15 minutes, then drink the resulting solution during the day.

With cystitis

The useful qualities of the linden flower are also used in the treatment of urogenital problems. Thus, due to the diuretic effect, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, rapid elimination of unpleasant manifestations of cystitis is achieved.

In case of sore throat

The anti-inflammatory qualities of linden are also used in the treatment of angina. To do this, you need to prepare an infusion consisting of 1 tbsp of dry, crushed raw materials and 1 cup of hot water. This mixture insist a quarter of an hour, and then strain. Then add 1 tsp. of baking soda to the resulting solution and stir it. Such a remedy is used to gargle the throat. Repeat this procedure 3-4 times a day.

From prostatitis

Among the many therapeutic properties of the linden tree should also be noted the ability to protect male health. On libido, this product has almost no effect. But preparations based on this plant can be an effective preventive and therapeutic agent for such an unpleasant disease as prostatitis. There are several options for the preparation of natural medicine.

So, the first recipe: large branches of a linden, which is more than 20 years old, scorch on the fire. If you have a problem, you can use the following words: "I have a problem with you", "I have a problem with you". Dissolve a teaspoon of such a remedy in a glass of boiling water and use instead of coffee in the morning before a meal, for 7 days.

There is another way to get rid of such an ailment. For this, place 200 grams of dried plant material in a 1 liter jar, pour boiled water and add 150 grams of natural honey. The mass should be thoroughly mixed until the complete dissolution of honey, close the container with a lid and insist in a cool place. After three days in the resulting composition to add 200 ml of alcohol or good vodka and insist another week. The resulting tincture strain and drink 1 tbsp. 2 times a day before meals.

With menopause.

Few people go through menopause without any symptoms. Most often, unpleasant and painful sensations appear during this period of restructuring of the woman's body. At this time, women experience headaches and joint pain, frequent mood swings, neuroses, bouts of sweating, and hot flashes. To reduce the manifestations of menopause, experts recommend drinking linden-based drinks. In this case, 2 tbsp of linden flower should be pour a glass of steep boiling water. The vessel with the infusion should be covered with a towel. Do this better in the evening, so that the next day before breakfast you can drink a glass of the useful drink, strain it and warm a little.

If you use such a remedy for 15-30 days once a day, the number of flushes is noticeably reduced. After that, it is necessary to take a break. It is recommended to carry out 2-3 courses of treatment per year.

In addition, decoction of linden helps to normalize blood pressure during menopause, to adjust the digestive tract, to reduce nervous tension, as well as to slow down the aging process.

Lipa is one of the few plants that contain phytohormones, ie, substances similar to female sex hormones. It is this and provides a beneficial effect of decoctions and infusions on the body of the fairer sex.

With colds

Usually a cold is treated with decoctions and infusions from the inflorescences of the linden tree. Such a herbal raw material allows to alleviate and completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease, as it concentrates a complex of healing substances that are characterized by antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and tonic properties.

During infection with influenza viruses, the body experiences a serious strain, due to which it is not able to defend itself. As for linden, it is really useful for such conditions. For therapeutic purposes, it is recommended to drink the natural infusion several times a day.

Types of healing compositions with linden

The healing properties of the linden are based on the content in the plant of a large number of useful substances that have a beneficial effect on the human body. On the basis of the linden flower, various drinks are prepared, which have a number of positive qualities that allow them to cope with various diseases.

Infusion

A linden infusion is used for the prevention and treatment of colds. To prepare it, you need to pour a handful of flowers in 1 liter of boiled water. In such a drink you can also add other medicinal plants. In this form, the mixture should insist under a lid for half an hour. After the specified time, filter the liquid.

Tincture

To prepare a tincture with an herbaceous odor and a unique taste that has a honey flavor is quite simple. Such a remedy warms well and helps to cure colds. To obtain it you need to prepare 500 ml of vodka or moonshine, 1 tsp. fresh linden inflorescences, 2 tsp. bee honey and 50 ml of water.

In principle, you can also use dried raw materials. For this recipe, linden honey is best suited, but you can also take other floral varieties. In the extreme case, sugar will do, but it is worth noting that the result will not be as good.

The linden blossom must first be poured with an alcoholic beverage and stirred. The container hermetically sealed, insist for 7 days in a dark place. The room temperature should be maintained in the room. Once a day, the mixture should be shaken. After a week, the solution will need to be filtered through a gauze cloth folded in several layers.

Then mix water and sweetener in a small bowl. This mixture is heated over low heat to 50 degrees, stirring occasionally. Once the honey has dissolved, remove the mixture from the stove and cool it to room temperature.

To preserve its useful qualities, honey should not be heated to a temperature above the 60 degree mark. If you use sugar, the mixture can be brought to a boil.

Pour the cooled syrup in a thin trickle into the tincture of linden. After this, mix the mixture thoroughly, and then close the container tightly. Let the tincture infuse a few days in a dark and cool place. Then you will need to drain the drink from the sediment. To make the composition more transparent, you can use absorbent cotton for filtration. The shelf life of the finished product is 5 years. The strength of such a drink has about 33 percent.

Decoction

Decoction is also used to treat colds when used internally and scratches and burns when used externally. In addition, this remedy can be used to rinse the mouth in case of inflammation of the gums.

To prepare a useful drink, you need 2 tablespoons of inflorescences pour two glasses of water. A container with the mixture put on the stove. From the moment of boiling, simmer the mass for another 5 minutes. After that, remove the liquid from the heat and insist for another half an hour.

Tea

Linden tea is characterized by a pleasant taste and ease of preparation. It calms the nervous system, helps in the fight against colds and high body temperature.

To make a natural tea, pour 250 ml of boiling water over 1 tbsp of linden blossom. Cover the cup with tea and wait 30 minutes. Then strain the liquid. If desired, you can add a little honey to the drink.

What is the usefulness of linden honey?

About 20% of linden honey is water, the other 80% is dry matter, most of which is fructose and glucose. And they are known to enter the body in their pristine form, without requiring energy input. In such a product there is a lot of maltose, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive processes. There are more than 40 different minerals concentrated in honey products, the most important among which are Ca, S, Cu, I, Al, P, Cl, Mg, Mn, Zn, Co and others.

Regular consumption of linden product can keep osmotic pressure normal, normalize metabolism, stabilize the gastrointestinal tract and support hormonal activity.

Honey based on linden is considered a natural antibiotic. This product has antibacterial properties because it contains hydrogen peroxide, a naturally occurring substance that can stop bacteria from multiplying. Pollen strengthens the body's defenses.

Linden honey is useful for sore throats and coughs, as well as other symptoms of respiratory diseases. Due to its viscous consistency, honey adheres to the surface of the throat, thus forming a protective layer that protects the organ from irritation and ensures its healing. Antimicrobial properties cause further spread of infection to stop. To make linden honey an effective therapeutic agent, you should not subject it to heat treatment, otherwise all of its useful substances will be lost.

This product helps to get rid of phlegm. In addition, it is a source of valuable vitamins and antioxidant components. Linden honey is characterized by natural tonic qualities, which makes it possible to increase energy reserves, improve mood and appetite. This is provided by the presence of sugars and other nutrients such as amino acids, pollen, etc. Lime honey is useful for hypoglycemia, when you need to restore energy levels and strength.

In folk medicine, it is believed that the linden delicacy normalizes the production of bile, stabilizes the function of the liver, contributing to its recovery and protection of the whole body from toxins.

In addition, this product has a soothing effect on the stomach. This is due to its thick consistency and low moisture content. If you take 1 tbsp of raw, unprocessed linden sweet on an empty stomach in the morning, you can get rid of discomfort in the stomach, establish digestion and relieve irritation that occurs with gastritis. It is also used to treat stomach ulcers.

Oil of a linden: properties and uses

Essential oil of linden has a pleasant fragrance of fruit, and it also has a honey flavor. This allows the use of this substance in aromatherapy and in the manufacture of perfumes. At the same time for this substance is characterized and healing properties.

The vapor of linden oil should be inhaled when you feel anxious. The fragrance of linden blossoms will lift your mood and improve your general well-being.

The essence of linden can be used as a remedy for depression and stress due to its calming effect on the CNS. Inhaling this concentrate is recommended if there are difficulties in work or study, a lot of physical stress.

The important elements that make up linden oil can stimulate the secretion of sweat and urine. This leads to the fact that harmful substances are naturally removed from the body. Often toxins lead to the development of various diseases. Therefore, their timely removal contributes to the recovery of all organs and systems.

A number of active substances found in the composition of oil from linden, will help even out the color of the skin and to some extent brighten it. This ability of the product allows you to use it for uneven pigmentation of the skin.

The linden essential oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be used in the fight against acne and other skin diseases. So, with the help of such a remedy is treated acne and a number of other diseases, the cause of which is an inflammatory process. Effective with eczema, psoriasis and various dermal irritations.

The active components of the linden flower extract have a beneficial effect on the elasticity and hydration of the skin. This substance is able to penetrate the dermis and normalize the processes that occur in it, stimulating the synthesis of collagen. This results in skin tightening and wrinkles being smoothed. In addition, the skin becomes moisturized and gets a healthy appearance.

Removal of toxins from the body, stimulating the process of sweating is provided by the linden oil. This allows you to cope more quickly with colds and flu. Inhalation with such a product will help to remove phlegm from the respiratory organs, reduce sore throats and relieve inflammation in the respiratory organs.

Some substances in linden extract are able to penetrate into the body by inhaling the vapors or by direct application to the skin. Such substances have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, helping to get rid of bloating and intestinal cramps, as well as to protect against the development of constipation.

Lime Seed Applications in Cosmetology

The industry often uses the juice obtained from linden inflorescences. Shampoos for hair and various face creams are often made from this squeeze. In cosmetology, the useful properties of all parts of the linden tree are widely used. At home, you can also apply remedies prepared with your own hands. Such compositions will be distinguished by their natural composition, because in their manufacture all sorts of preservatives and fragrances will not be used.

The most common method of facial care is the preparation of ice cubes from decoction of linden flower. This method will tone the dermis. Useful such cubes and the fact that the linden has antioxidant qualities. To prepare a cleansing and toning cosmetic, should be added to the linden decoction 1 tsp of natural honey. This remedy can be used with any type of skin.

To obtain a composition designed to combat skin rashes, you need to mix 1 tbsp. each of linden and raspberry leaves and pour 1 liter of water. Bring the mass to a boil, and then let it infuse for a few hours. Rub the face with the mass a couple of times a day.

Decoction of linden raw materials has a slight brightening effect if used after washing hair as a rinse. In addition, such a remedy will help to strengthen the structure of hair and return it to a healthy shine. To obtain such a composition, you should pour 8 tbsp. flowers of the linden tree with 2 cups of water. Put the mixture on the stove for 10 minutes. After that, cool the liquid and strain. The resulting decoction to apply to rinse hair after washing with normal shampoo. To achieve a positive result, it is recommended to carry out such procedures twice a week.

Ladies with blond hair can slightly tint the locks with the help of a concentrate based on linden. To make it, you need to pour 5 tbsp of raw materials in 250 ml of boiling water and boil over low heat until a third of the mass evaporates. For a better effect, you can add leaves and tree bark to the infusion. Filter the resulting solution and drain. Apply the concentrate to the strands with a brush, paying particular attention to the roots and ends. This product should act for one hour, after which it should be rinsed without detergents.

To solve the problem with increased greasiness of the skin, it is recommended to take a bath with the addition of decoction of linden. Moreover, this method will eliminate some inflammation and have a soothing effect on the nervous system.

The usefulness of the linden broom for the bath

A linden broom in terms of usefulness is even better than oak and coniferous. It owes its unique properties to essential oils which soothe the nervous system. To steep such a broom, it is necessary to put it first into a bowl with cold water for a couple of minutes, then put it into a bowl with hot water. The temperature of the liquid in this case should not exceed 80 degrees. A linden broom should be completely submerged in water. Here it needs to be held for about 20 minutes.

Contraindications to use

Tea from linden can create a strain on the heart, so it is not recommended to consume such a drink in case of heart failure. Also, the product is not suitable for a complete substitute for ordinary tea, as the use of it in large quantities can harm the body. Abuse of such a product can lead to disorders in the immune system, as well as become the cause of severe mood swings.

In some cases, linden can still provoke an allergic reaction. Therefore, before using remedies based on linden raw materials, you should consult with a specialist.

Photo of a linden tree