Nutritional Supplement
Linden
Digestive Support
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity
Linden has a long tradition of use for indigestion. It has antispasmodic action and may help people who suffer from upset stomach or excessive gas.Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach AcidityCarminatives (also called aromatic digestive tonics or aromatic bitters) may be used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, particularly when there is excessive gas. It is believed that carminative agents work, at least in part, by relieving spasms in the intestinal tract.6
Linden has a long tradition of use for indigestion. Older clinical trials have shown that linden flower tea can help people who suffer from upset stomach or from excessive gas that causes the stomach to push up and put pressure on the heart (also known as the gastrocardiac syndrome.)7,8 The reputed antispasmodic action of linden, particularly in the intestines, has been confirmed in at least one human trial.9 Linden tea is prepared by steeping 2–3 tsp of flowers in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Several cups per day are recommended.
Immune System Support
Common Cold and Sore Throat
Linden may promote a healthy fever and the immune system’s ability to fight infections.Common Cold and Sore ThroatBoneset is another immune stimulant and diaphoretic that helps fight off minor viral infections, such as the common cold. In addition, linden and hyssop may promote a healthy fever and the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Yarrow is another diaphoretic that has been used for relief of sore throats, though it has not yet been researched for this purpose.
Children's Health
Ear Infections
An unpublished clinical trial found that linden tea was effective at speeding recovery and reducing complications such as ear infection in children with colds.Ear InfectionsAn unpublished clinical trial of children with colds found that linden tea, aspirin, and bed rest were more effective than antibiotics at speeding recovery and reducing complications such as ear infection.10 (Aspirin is no longer given to children due to the threat of Reye’s syndrome.) However, no research has yet confirmed the use of linden for preventing ear infections.
Ear Health Support
Ear Infections
An unpublished clinical trial found that linden tea was effective at speeding recovery and reducing complications such as ear infection in children with colds.Ear InfectionsAn unpublished clinical trial of children with colds found that linden tea, aspirin, and bed rest were more effective than antibiotics at speeding recovery and reducing complications such as ear infection.11 (Aspirin is no longer given to children due to the threat of Reye’s syndrome.) However, no research has yet confirmed the use of linden for preventing ear infections.
Brain Health
Anxiety
Linden is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.AnxietyOther nervines include oats (oat straw), hops, passion flower, American scullcap, wood betony, motherwort, pennyroyal, and linden.
Stress and Mood Management
Anxiety
Linden is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.AnxietyOther nervines include oats (oat straw), hops, passion flower, American scullcap, wood betony, motherwort, pennyroyal, and linden.
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Since time immemorial, the fragrant and tasty linden flowers have been used medicinally as a calming agent and to relieve indigestion, the common cold, and griping or colicky pain in the abdomen.12,13 Many of these uses have been confirmed or partially confirmed in modern research.