Linden flower tea
Linden is a widely known deciduous tree. Its flowering period is short—usually blooming for about ten days in July, requiring quick action from both bees and flower gatherers. To collect linden flowers for drying, it’s best to do so on a dry summer day. It’s recommended to choose trees from farms or forests, not from urban areas. The collected flowers dry relatively quickly at a moderate temperature (30–40°C) and in a thin layer, but they lose about two-thirds of their original weight. The inflorescences, with their leathery bracts, dry quickly when spread out in a room with temperatures around 25–30°C. The dried flowers should be kept in an airtight container and remain usable for up to 2 years. These flowers have a sweet scent and are rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids, essential oils, and mucilage, which support the body and mind in various ways. Traditional remedies: Linden flowers are well-known in folk medicine for their ability to induce sweating and reduce fever, particularly for colds. At the onset of the flu or respiratory infections, a strong linden flower tea can help open the pores. To make the tea, take two tablespoons of finely chopped linden flowers, add one cup of boiling water, let it steep for about 15 minutes in a warm place, and drink it hot. For a sore throat or tonsillitis, you can gargle with linden flower tea.
The health-promoting properties of linden flower:
1. Soothing and stress-relieving. Linden flower has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and tension. It promotes better sleep and relaxation, making it an ideal evening drink.
2. Alleviating colds. It promotes sweating, helping to reduce fever. It soothes the respiratory system and relieves cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
3. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. Helps reduce inflammation and alleviates muscle and joint pain. It is suitable for mild headaches and migraines.
4. Supports digestion. It helps relieve digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and nausea. It soothes the stomach lining and promotes relaxation of the digestive tract.
5. Heart and circulatory support. It helps lower blood pressure and supports cardiovascular health. It acts as a mild diuretic, promoting the elimination of excess fluids.
6. Supporting the immune system. Contains antioxidants that boost immunity and help the body fight disease. Good for boosting health during the cold season.
Medical Medium Anthony William writes on his blog that linden flower tea has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, calm nerves, and alleviate stress-related symptoms such as palpitations, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and headaches. Linden flower has calming and sleep-promoting properties that can help with insomnia and ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. It also has sweating-promoting and fever-reducing qualities, making it ideal for relieving colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Additionally, it is effective for chronic bronchial issues such as asthma, emphysema, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Read more about linden flower on the Medical Medium’s blog.
Possible uses:
- Tea: As soon as you feel the onset of a cold or flu, it is recommended to drink hot linden flower tea. Linden flowers have long been known as an effective diaphoretic and fever-reducing remedy for colds. It has now been discovered that the strongly sweating and kidney-stimulating effect of linden flowers helps to quickly remove toxins produced by bacteria or flu viruses from the body, which is said to prevent severe complications (even in children).
- Topical use: as a compress or added to bathwater, it soothes the skin and relaxes the muscles, helping to relax.
How to make linden flower tea:
- Preparation: add the dried linden blossoms (1-2 teaspoons) directly into the cup or use a teapot.
- Add hot water: Pour 250 ml of boiling water over the primrose flowers
- Steep: Cover a cup or jug and steep for 5-10 minutes. A longer infusion time gives a stronger flavour and more beneficial substances.
- Strain and serve: Strain the tea through a sieve and add honey or lemon if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve warm to maximise the tea’s calming and healing effects.
When to consume linden blossom tea?
- In the evening: to relax and sleep better.
- For colds: to relieve coughs and sore throats or to reduce fever.
- After meals: to support digestion and relieve mild indigestion.
It is not recommended for people with heart conditions to drink this tea regularly, as compounds found in linden flowers promote the excretion of potassium from the body, which can reduce heart performance. Due to the variety of chemical compounds in linden flowers, it is advised to avoid drinking linden flower tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or to use it with caution.
Eeriksaare Tea Farm – a place that values closeness to nature and wisdom passed down through generations. Eeriksaare Tea Farm is rooted in a deep connection with the land and traditions. Their agricultural knowledge, inherited from their grandparents, and old meadows form the foundation of their tea business. It is from this land that they draw strength and inspiration to create teas that provide a delightful taste experience. The tea plants grow in lovingly tended soil, free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Planting and harvesting are done by hand, ensuring the highest quality and natural purity in every leaf. Teas not grown on their land are collected from the ancient forests and bogs of Viljandi County. This guarantees that each tea blend carries the power and unique flavor of the local nature. Eeriksaare Tea Farm holds their homeland and its heritage in high esteem. They preserve nature and work sustainably, ensuring that their fields and forests will remain the same for future generations.
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