Linden: medicinal properties and contraindications

Linden is considered a very valuable plant product that can easily be found in Russian regions, because this deciduous tree grows in areas with a temperate and subtropical climate. Linden is characterized by many healing qualities, which allows its use in medicine. For therapeutic purposes, practically 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 chemicals that were found in all parts of such a tree. It should also be noted that linden is one of the main honey plants in 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 appreciated by the presence of protein and ascorbic acid. Fatty oils accumulate in fruits after ripening. The healing properties of linden depend on the method of use and on the parts of the plant that are used for treatment. The therapeutic result is achieved with the constant intake of drinks based on parts of the tree, as well as the external use of medicinal raw materials.

How it looks and where it grows

The linden tree has a spherical spreading crown. Large varieties of plants can have a trunk height of more than 30 m, and they begin to branch from a distance of 2 m from the ground. The leaves are fine-toothed and rounded, with a heart-shaped base. The flowers have a pale yellow color, with a pleasant honey smell. The seeds are small, the size of a pea.

The tree grows in the forest-steppe and forest areas of Europe and the Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova, etc., occurs in forest belts, in parks and on the streets of settlements. Linden loves fertile soils, blooms since mid-summer. The flowering period can be several weeks. All this time the plant exudes a pleasant aroma. The tree begins to bloom in the twentieth year of life, provided that it grows in natural conditions, otherwise - only after 30 years.

The fruits of the tree are small round nuts that have leathery pericarp. At first, the fruit has a light shade, and eventually begins to darken. They fall immediately in whole clusters. It is interesting that each such bunch has a special leaf that whirls during the fall and thereby allows the seeds to fly away as far as possible and develop a new plant.

Kinds

1. The small-leaved variety has a height of about 30 m. The branches of such a tree form a large crown resembling tents. The leaves of such a tree are small, pointed at the tops. Moreover, their upper side is dark and sweet, and on the reverse side it is rough and darker. In June, the plant is covered with fluffy inflorescences with 6-8 flowers, and already in August small nuts with seeds inside develop from them.
2. Large-leaved tree is similar to small-leaved, but differs in that it can withstand frosts much worse. Such a variety usually grows in the Caucasus and southern parts of Europe. Such trees are centenarians. In height, they can reach 40 m. The leaves of this linden are large, with small denticles on the edges. Crohn's shape resembles a pyramid.Inflorescences can have only 2–4 flowers. Flowering continues from mid-June for two weeks.
3. Common linden is a hybrid, which appeared as a result of crossing the first two varieties. Inflorescences are the same as in small-leaved linden. Leaves of dark green 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 can be 20 m. The leaves are quite large, inflorescences have 10-12 flowers.
5. Caucasian linden prefers warm and humid climatic conditions, fertile soils, therefore it is usually observed in the forests of the Crimea and the Caucasus. Such a variety lives up to 4 centuries, the trunk diameter can have 1.5–2 m. The leaves of such a linden are large, saturated green.
6. European linden grows in deciduous and mixed forests in western Europe. The life expectancy of the European species is 100-130 years. The linden may be 40 m high. The crown of the plant is dense and wide, the bark of the old linden has deep cracks.

Collection and storage

The best period for harvesting raw materials is from mid-May to mid-June, depending on the variety and place of growth. Flowering continues for several days. Collect the plant only when the flowers are fully open. The collection should be carried out in dry, clear weather, in the first half of the day, when the dew descends. This must be done before noon, otherwise the sun will dry the raw material and it will lose its essential oils.

The collected medicinal raw materials should be laid out on a paper towel or newspaper in a thin layer. The main conditions in this case is the presence of a dry, ventilated room, protected from sunlight.

Dried raw materials are stored in dishes with a lid or in paper bags.

Useful properties of linden

Linden flowers help to resist pathogenic bacteria, lower body temperature and remove sputum from the lungs. Diseases such as rheumatism and cramps can also be cured with a healing broth. In addition, lime color provides relief of the flow of bile into the duodenum. Linden is a part of medicines intended for the production of gastric juice.

Compresses can be made from linden leaves to eliminate headaches. Also from this plant a healthy drink is prepared, 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. Herbal powder treats shallow wounds, juice from the leaves is characterized by analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tree buds also belong to medicines. If you crush them, you get a mixture for healing burns.

The bark has choleretic qualities. In addition, linden coal is produced from linden branches and bark, which is able to absorb compounds that are harmful to the body. So, this tool is actively used for diarrhea and other disorders of the digestive system.

A decoction of linden blossom has an anti-inflammatory effect due to polysaccharides and flavonoids, which inhibit inflammatory processes at the cell level. In addition, a regenerative property is characteristic of this drink, since due to the high concentration of tannins and a number of vitamins, the process of repairing damaged cells is activated. The product has an antipyretic effect. This is because the linden 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. For linden blossom antiseptic properties are characteristic.

For women

The benefits of linden for the female body are the presence of polysaccharides and flavonoids in plant materials. These substances help eliminate problems with the urogenital system of women.The therapeutic effect in this case occurs 6-7 days after the start of treatment. Vitamins, macro- and microelements, as well as essential oils have a positive effect on hormones. So, 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 can help with PMS symptoms, such as anxiety or frequent mood swings.

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

Linden has also found wide application in the field of cosmetologists. So, if you apply a cotton pad soaked in linden tea in a warm eyelid and hold for a couple of minutes, you can get rid of swelling of the eyelids. The antioxidants in the composition of the flowers give the skin an even tone, allowing the woman 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 contribute to the normalization of the health of the reproductive system of the stronger sex when detecting prostatitis and hemorrhoids. To prepare a healing potion, branches of a linden tree are required. They need to be burned, the coals must be collected and a decoction prepared from them, which should be drunk instead of tea throughout the day. The first results can be seen after a week of regular intake.

During pregnancy

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

When breastfeeding

The healing properties of linden for a woman during lactation are the ability to increase the amount of breast milk. In addition, the plant found useful components that saturate milk, improving its quality. Also linden-based tea or decoction calms the nervous system of a young mother and normalizes hormonal levels.

For kids

The healing properties of linden are used in the treatment of various pathologies in children. Linden decoction very rarely causes an allergic reaction, therefore, it is possible to give such a remedy to a child already several months after birth. The broth is useful in treating colds, to reduce fever, thinning sputum and restore digestion in constipation.

When losing weight

Body weight loss methods that are based on losing weight over a long period of time are becoming popular. Diuretic compounds are considered one of the methods of slow weight loss.

The advantage of using such a tool is that lost kilos are not returned. Lipa refers specifically to such funds that act sparingly. When taking an infusion, salts are not washed out of the body, therefore, a diet with the use of such a plant component has recently gained popularity.

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

Linden in folk medicine

Dried linden inflorescences can be brewed or ground to a powdery mass, as a result, effective products are obtained that will help get rid of various diseases. To prepare a healing broth, you need 1 tablespoon. pour 200 ml of boiling water, boil for another 10 minutes, and then cool. Tree bark is also a raw material for the manufacture of external medicinal mixtures.

Regular use of a beneficial decoction helps to expand the vessels of the brain.This leads to the fact that oxygen enters all cells, as a result of which the headache disappears, and the state improves under stress and nervous disorders. For severe headaches, you can use the leaves. To do this, they must be moistened in water, applied to the temples and forehead and held for about 20 minutes.

With jade, it is also useful to drink lime decoction. Such a drink has a mild diuretic property. So, when taking the infusion during the day, all toxins are removed from the body. However, if there are stones in the kidneys, care must be taken, otherwise the drink will provoke painful sensations.

To obtain an external remedy, boil 4 tbsp. flowers in a glass of water. When the mass thickens, it can be cooled. The resulting composition needs to lubricate the wounds and places of burns. It should be noted that bleeding wounds cannot be treated with this mixture, as this can damage the epidermis.

In order to normalize the menstrual cycle and facilitate the manifestations of PMS, it is necessary to take a linden decoction of 1 cup per 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 calm the muscles under the influence of essential oils, which begin to stand out when the raw materials are immersed in hot water.

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

For inflammation in the oral cavity, you need to drink linden infusion with the addition of 5 g of drinking soda. The resulting composition should rinse your mouth several times a day.

With diabetes

In linden inflorescences there are polysaccharides of natural origin. These substances are characterized by properties useful for diabetics. In this case, the benefit is achieved in the case of a complete replacement of the usual drinks with decoctions of linden blossom. However, it is important to monitor the level of sugar in the blood, because if the patient does not need a lowering of markers, such a drink is not worth drinking.

With 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, 2 tbsp. inflorescences pour 250 ml of boiling water, simmer for about 15 minutes, cool and strain. Drink the resulting composition in hot form, 1-2 cups several times a day after meals.

With gastritis

Linden is effective in the treatment of gastritis, characterized by an increased level of acidity. Lime blossom is able to quickly relieve inflammation in the stomach, alleviating the human condition. To prepare a healing drink, you need to place 100 g of flowers in an enameled container and pour 1 liter of water. Put the pan with the workpiece on low heat and bring to a boil. After that, cover the dishes and insist for several hours. Then strain the mass. Drink the finished broth 30 minutes before a meal, 100 ml each. The course of treatment is 10 days, after which a break should be made. If necessary, after a week, you can repeat the treatment again.

For the liver

The simplest recipe for making a healthy drink is to make tea that you need to drink instead of a regular leaf product. Moreover, due 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 enrich it with useful substances.

With hemorrhoids

An infusion of linden flowers can be used externally as lotions for inflammation of hemorrhoids. To obtain such a healing remedy, you need to take 6 tbsp. dried raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water and insist for about 10 minutes.

Against cough

You can get rid of a painful wet cough with a linden decoction. To obtain it, you need to mix 500 ml of boiling water and a couple of spoons of inflorescences. Let the mixture brew for 15 minutes, after which the resulting solution should be drunk during the day.

With cystitis

Useful qualities of linden blossom are also used in the treatment of genitourinary problems. So, due to the diuretic effect, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, rapid elimination of the unpleasant manifestations of cystitis is achieved.

With angina

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. dry, crushed raw materials and 1 cup of hot water. Insist this mixture for a quarter of an hour, and then strain. Next, add 1 tsp to the resulting solution. soda and mix. This tool is used to gargle. Repeat this procedure 3-4 times a day.

From prostatitis

Among the many medicinal properties of the linden tree, the ability to protect men's health should also be noted. This product has almost no effect on sex drive. But preparations based on this plant can become an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent for such an unpleasant disease as prostatitis. There are several options for preparing a natural medicine.

So, the first recipe: large branches of linden, whose age exceeds 20 years, singe on fire. Grind the burned areas into powder, which they must be collected in a clean and dry container with a tightly closed lid. Dissolve a teaspoon of such a tool in a glass of boiling water and use instead of coffee in the morning before meals, for 7 days.

There is another way to get rid of such an ailment. To do this, place 200 g of dried plant material in a 1 l jar, pour boiled water and add 150 g of natural honey. Mix the mass thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved, close the container with a lid and insist in a cool place. After three days, add 200 ml of alcohol or good vodka to the resulting composition and insist for another week. Filter the resulting tincture and drink 1 tbsp. 2 times a day before meals.

With menopause

Few people have a menopausal period without any symptoms. Most often, during such a period of restructuring of the woman’s body, unpleasant and painful sensations appear. At this time, women are faced with headaches and joint pains, frequent mood swings, neurosis, perspiration attacks, and hot flashes. To reduce the manifestations of menopause, experts recommend drinking linden-based drinks. In this case, 2 tbsp. linden should be poured a glass of boiling water. Cover the dishes with infusion with a towel. It is better to do this in the evening, so that the next day before breakfast you can drink a glass of healthy drink, strain it and slightly warmed up.

When using this product for 15-30 days once a day, the number of tides is significantly reduced. After this, you need to take a break. It is recommended to carry out 2-3 treatment courses per year.

In addition, linden decoction helps to normalize blood pressure during menopause, improve the functioning of the digestive tract, reduce nervous tension, and also slow down the aging process.

Linden is one of the few plants that contain phytohormones, that is, substances similar to female sex hormones. It is this that ensures the favorable effect of decoctions and infusions on the body of the fairer sex.

With a cold

Usually a cold is treated with decoctions and infusions of inflorescences of linden tree. Such plant materials make it possible to alleviate and completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease, since it contains a complex of medicinal substances that are characterized by antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and tonic properties.

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

Types of medicinal formulations with linden

The healing properties of 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 linden blossom, various drinks are prepared that have a number of positive qualities that allow you to cope with various diseases.

Infusion

Linden infusion is used to prevent and treat colds. To prepare it, you need to fill in a handful of flowers with 1 liter of boiled water. Other herbs can be added to such a drink. In this form, the mixture should be infused under the lid for half an hour. After the specified time, filter the liquid.

Tincture

Preparing a tincture with a grassy smell and a unique taste that has a honey flavor is quite simple. This remedy warms well and helps to cure a cold. To obtain it, you need to prepare 500 ml of vodka or moonshine, 1 tsp. fresh linden inflorescences, 2 tsp honey and 50 ml of water.

In principle, dried raw materials can also be used. For this recipe, linden honey is best suited, but other floral varieties can also be taken. In extreme cases, sugar will work, but it is worth noting that the result will not be so good.

The linden blossom must first be filled with an alcoholic drink and mixed. Seal the container, insist for 7 days in a dark place. The room must be maintained at room temperature. Shake the mixture once a day. After a week, the solution will need to be filtered through gauze tissue, folded in several layers.

Next, in a small bowl, mix water and sweetener. Heat this mixture over low heat to 50 degrees, stirring occasionally. After dissolving honey, remove the workpiece from the stove and cool to room temperature.

To maintain useful qualities, honey should not be heated to a temperature exceeding the mark of 60 degrees. If sugar is used, the mixture can be brought to a boil.

Pour chilled syrup into a tincture of linden in a thin stream. After this, mix the mixture thoroughly, and then tightly close the container. Let the tincture infuse for several days in a dark and cool room. Next, you need to drain the drink from the sediment. To make the composition more transparent, you can use cotton wool to filter. The shelf life of the finished product is 5 years. The strength of such a drink has about 33 percent.

Decoction

The decoction is also used to treat colds for internal use and scratches and burns for external use. In addition, this tool can rinse the mouth with gum disease.

To prepare a healthy drink, you need 2 tbsp. inflorescences pour two glasses of water. Place the container with the mixture on the stove. After boiling, boil the mass for another 5 minutes. After that, remove the liquid from the heat and insist for another half hour.

Tea

Linden tea has a pleasant taste and ease of preparation. It calms the nervous system, helps in the fight against colds and fever.

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

What is useful linden honey

20 linden honey consists of water, the remaining 80% is dry matter, the bulk of which is fructose and glucose. And they, as you know, enter the body in its original form, without requiring energy costs. This product has a lot of maltose, which has a beneficial effect on digestion. More than 40 different minerals are concentrated in honey products, the most important of which are Ca, S, Cu, I, Al, P, Cl, Mg, Mn, Zn, Co and others.

Regular consumption of lime product allows you to maintain normal osmotic pressure, normalize metabolism, stabilize the gastrointestinal tract and support hormonal activity.

Lime blossom honey is considered a natural antibiotic. This product has antibacterial properties, as it contains hydrogen peroxide - a substance of natural origin, which can stop the growth of bacteria.Pollen strengthens the body's defenses.

Linden honey is useful for sore throats and coughs, as well as other symptoms of respiratory illness. Due to the 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. Antibacterial properties lead to the fact that the further spread of infection stops. In order for linden honey to become an effective therapeutic agent, it should not be subjected to heat treatment, otherwise all its beneficial substances will be lost.

This product helps get rid of sputum. 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 due to the presence of sugars and other nutrients, such as amino acids, pollen, etc. in the treat. Linden honey is useful for hypoglycemia, when it is necessary to restore the energy level and strength.

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

In addition, this product has a calming effect on the stomach. This is due to the thick texture and low humidity. If you take 1 tbsp. raw, not processed linden sweets on an empty stomach in the morning, you can get rid of stomach discomfort, establish digestion and relieve irritation that occurs with gastritis. In addition, it is used to treat stomach ulcers.

Linden oil: properties and applications

Linden essential oil has a pleasant fruit aroma, and it also has a honey flavor. This allows you to use this substance in aromatherapy and in the manufacture of perfumes. Along with this, healing properties are also characteristic of this substance.

Vapors of linden oil should be inhaled when anxiety is felt. The aroma of linden flowers will cheer you up and improve your overall well-being.

Due to its calming effect on the central nervous system, linden esters can be used as a remedy for depression and stress. Inhaling this concentrate is recommended if there are difficulties in work or study, great physical exertion.

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

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

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, acne and a number of other diseases are treated, the cause of which lies in inflammatory processes. This substance is effective for eczema, psoriasis and various irritations of the dermis.

The active ingredients of the linden blossom 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 collagen synthesis. This leads to the fact that the skin is tightened and wrinkles are smoothed. In addition, the skin becomes moisturized and acquire a healthy appearance.

The elimination of toxins from the body, the stimulation of the sweating process is provided thanks to linden oil. This allows you to quickly deal with colds and flu. Inhalation with the use of such a tool will help to remove phlegm from the respiratory organs, reduce sore throat and relieve inflammation in the respiratory system.

Some substances that make up the extract based on linden are able to penetrate the body by inhalation of vapors or by direct application to the skin. Such substances have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, help get rid of bloating and intestinal cramps, and also protect against the development of constipation.

The use of linden in cosmetology

The industry often uses juice obtained from linden inflorescences. Often, based on such a squeeze, shampoos for hair and various face creams are made. In cosmetology, the beneficial properties of all parts of the linden tree are widely used. At home, you can also use hand-made products. Such compositions will differ in their natural composition, since in their manufacture all kinds of preservatives and perfumes will not be used.

The most common facial treatment is to make ice cubes from a decoction of linden blossom. This method will tone the dermis. Such cubes are also useful in that linden has antioxidant qualities. To prepare a cleansing and tonic cosmetic product, 1 tsp should be added to the linden broth. natural honey. This tool can be used with any type of skin.

To obtain a composition intended to combat skin rashes, it is necessary to mix 1 tbsp. linden and raspberry leaves, pour them with 1 liter of water. Bring the mass to a boil, and then let it brew for several hours. Wipe the face with the resulting mass a couple of times a day.

A decoction of linden raw materials has a light clarifying effect, if you use it after washing your hair as a rinse. In addition, such a tool will help strengthen the structure of the hair and restore healthy shine. To obtain such a composition, 8 tbsp. flowers of linden tree pour 2 cups of water. Put the mixture on the stove for 10 minutes. After this, cool and strain the liquid. The resulting broth is used to rinse hair after washing with ordinary shampoo. To achieve a positive result, it is recommended to carry out such procedures twice a week.

Ladies with blond hair can be slightly tinted with curls using a linden-based concentrate. To make it, you need 5 tbsp. pour 250 ml of boiling water and cook over low heat until a third of the mass has evaporated. For the best effect, you can add leaves and bark to the infusion. Filter the resulting solution and succumb. Apply the concentrate to the strands using a brush, paying particular attention to the roots and tips. This product should be effective for an hour, after which it must be washed off without the use of detergents.

To solve the problem with increased oily skin, it is recommended to take baths with the addition of linden broth. Moreover, this method will eliminate some inflammation and have a calming effect on the nervous system.

The benefits of linden broom for a bath

In terms of utility, a linden broom is even better than oak and coniferous. Essential oils give it unique properties, which soothe NS. To steam such a broom, it must first be lowered into a container of cold water for a couple of minutes, and then transferred to a bowl of hot water. The temperature of the liquid should not exceed 80 degrees. The linden broom should be completely drowned in water. Here he needs to be held for about 20 minutes.

Contraindications

Linden tea can put a strain on the heart, therefore, in case of heart failure, such a drink is not recommended. Also, the product is not suitable for the complete replacement of ordinary tea, since its use in large quantities can harm the body. Overuse of such a product can lead to disorders in the immune system, as well as cause sharp mood swings.

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

Photo linden