Linden

Linden is a tree of the Linden family, which was recently included in the rank of a subfamily in the Malvaceae family. In ancient times, linden and linden honey were highly valued, personifying the linden tree with the Slavic goddess of love Lada. Some attribute mystical properties to linden, believing that lightning does not hit the tree. An ordinary linden tree lives on average 150-400 years, and some long-lived trees grow up to 1000-1200 years. According to studies, trees of the Linden family appeared on the planet more than 70 million years ago. Archaeologists have found some remains of linden trees in Chukotka and northern Siberia. It is currently one of the most common trees in Europe, Asia and North America. ^[1]. In the old days, linden trees grew near temples as sacred trees. It was believed that at the birth of a child, a planted linden tree would serve as a talisman for him.

Characteristics and types of linden

Linden is a tall tree up to 30 meters long and with a dense crown. The diameter of the trunk can reach up to 2-3 meters. Linden leaves are wide, shaped like a heart or oval. The flowers are fragrant, in the form of inflorescences. Linden fruits are nut-shaped.

Linden, according to researchers, has more than 40 species ^[2][3]. Many species serve as excellent honey plants. Linden honey is one of the most fragrant and valuable varieties. The most resilient species is the small-leaved (heart-shaped) linden. This species can withstand even severe frosts down to -48°C.

Chemical composition

Linden contains many useful substances for the human body ^[4]. Buds, inflorescences and bark contain glucose, protein, vitamin C, tannins, antioxidants, essential oils, sugar, amino acids, carotene, microelements, macronutrients and phytoncides ^[5]. The tiliacin, quercetin and kaempferol contained in the linden have antibacterial, wound healing and antipyretic properties. ^[6][7]. The flowers also contain ascorbic acid, an essential oil based on farnesol alcohol and polysaccharides.

The leaves contain protein, carotene and ascorbic acid.

Linden honey is rich in glucose, fructose, vitamins, macronutrients and microelements, as well as maltose.

Linden blossom contains vitamin C, coumarin, bioflavonoids, carotene, micro and macro elements, glucose.

Useful Properties

Our ancestors also knew about the benefits of linden. Useful properties have all parts of the linden tree ^[8][9]. Linden blossom relieves cramps, pain, inflammation and removes sweat and urine from the body. It is also useful to make decoctions and tinctures from flowers, gargle for colds. Flowers effectively fight harmful bacteria in the body, reduce fever, relieve phlegm. For teenagers and old people, linden is useful for its calming properties, which help with mood swings and nervous overexcitation. Inflorescences also help to reduce blood viscosity ^[10].

Linden decoctions are used for fainting and headaches, which allows you to remove the convulsive state. Hot decoctions are used in the form of inhalations and gargles. In addition, lime blossom is successfully used in the treatment of rheumatism of the joints, convulsions, diseases of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and fever. For a healing effect, take a decoction of 2-3 glasses per day. Prepare a decoction at the rate of 2 tablespoons of lime color per glass of boiling water. This allows you to increase the secretion of gastric juice, which facilitates the flow of bile into the duodenum. The drink has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and helps fight gastritis and liver diseases. Decoctions help get rid of edema and are used for weight loss.

Lotions from linden effectively help with hemorrhoids, burns, gout and ulcers. Compresses are used to eliminate irritation on the skin. For hair, rinsing with linden decoctions is very useful, which makes them shiny and smooth.

Linden is very useful in the treatment of infertility due to the content of phytohormones in it, which are similar in composition to female hormones. For conception, it is recommended to add linden to the treatment fees with sage.

Benefits of linden tea

Linden tea has unique healing properties for the body ^[11]. This drink of a golden hue has a sweetish taste and pleasant aroma. First of all, linden tea is useful in the cold season, when you can easily get the flu and other colds. Tea has an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates the secretion of sweat, expectoration of sputum and has an antipyretic effect. Tea also effectively removes toxins from the body. It has a beneficial effect on the urinary tract and is useful for urolithiasis, cystitis and inflammation of the bladder. ^[12].

Linden tea is also useful in the following cases:

1. To strengthen the cardiovascular system. The flavonoids included in its composition strengthen blood vessels and make them more elastic, protecting them from sclerotic changes.
2. To eliminate pain in the body. Tea relieves headaches, spasms, joint pain, and also removes swelling in the body.
3. To activate digestion. Tea stimulates the production of bile, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive processes.
4. To relieve nervous tension and fight insomnia ^[13].

Linden color is used to prepare this fragrant healing drink: one tablespoon of flowers is poured into a glass of hot water and infused for 15-30 minutes, tightly covering the teapot. In addition, you can add honey to tea. For the convenience of customers, pharmacies and specialized stores sell ready-made fake collections in packages.

However, there are a few caveats regarding drinking linden tea. ^[14]. It should not be drunk regularly due to the fact that it increases the workload on the heart.

Linden for women

Linden has long been considered a female tree. This is due to the fact that it contains phytohormones that are beneficial for the female body. Phytohormones are similar in composition to female sex hormones. They help a woman to restore balance in the hormonal system. It is especially useful for women to use tea, decoction or infusion of linden in the following cases:

1. In violation of the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to drink a drink brewed twice: the flowers are poured with hot water, insisted, then kept on low heat for 30 minutes. This will allow you to extract the maximum amount of healing substances.
2. With discomfort during menopause. Daily consumption of tea helps to avoid hormonal imbalance, which is stabilized by phytohormones.
3. In the fight against neoplasms in the female genital organs – fibroma and myoma. Traditional healers emphasize that in order to obtain the expected effect, it is necessary to collect flowers during the first two days of the lunar month.

Linden tea is also useful for maintaining youth and beauty. With it, you can get rid of extra pounds and rejuvenate the body.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to take tea and a decoction of linden blossom. First of all, it will serve as a natural prevention during the period of colds and viral diseases for the weakened body of a pregnant woman. Tea is able to effectively prevent the appearance of edema due to its diuretic effect. Also, a lime drink has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of the expectant mother, helping to fight mood swings and insomnia.

However, when using linden, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the body, and if necessary, consult a doctor.

Collection rules

Linden begins to bloom in mid-summer, so it is necessary to collect flowers during this period of the year. Flower picking begins when the buds are half open. Pluck inflorescences and leaves that are next to them. Dry the flowers in the shade in a well-ventilated dry place. It is recommended to store flowers in bags made of natural material.

When dried, the weight of the flowers is reduced by three times. When properly stored in a dry place, linden retains its beneficial properties for two years.

Slimming with linden

Thanks to the diuretic effect of the plant, you can effectively lose weight and get rid of excess fluid in the body. It is recommended to use infusion or tea when visiting a sauna or bath. This will help to improve metabolism, remove toxins and harmful toxins and get rid of hormonal fluctuations.

Recommended recipe for weight loss with linden:

• birch sap – 450 g;
• linden leaves – 50 g;
• decoction of rhubarb – 0,5 l.

Mix all ingredients and steam for 5 minutes. Leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Take 0,5 cup before meals.

Lime honey

Linden honey is one of the most healing bee products. ^[15]. In appearance, it is transparent, light yellow or light golden in color. It is known that bees extract up to 25 ml of nectar from one linden flower.

The value of honey is its amino acids, vitamins E, K, B, carotene, trace elements and enzymes. Linden honey eliminates inflammation and improves the function of the liver, kidneys and gallbladder. It has a positive effect on the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Also, honey is effectively used in the treatment of wounds, burns, and even to improve vision. In combination with goat’s milk, it is used in the treatment of eczema, cystitis and tuberculosis. This is one of the recognized remedies in the fight against measles, mumps and convulsions in children.

Linden as a natural healer for many ailments is recommended for use as healing decoctions, teas or tinctures. Linden is especially useful for women. This female tree helps to balance the hormonal background, saturate the body with natural phytohormones and promote weight loss. Linden tea is especially useful during colds and viral diseases. Linden honey has a positive effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. They love to feast on not only to maintain health, but also to preserve beauty.

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