Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Nourishing Herbal Infusions (part 8)

Linden (Tilia cordata)

Linden is a cooling and mucilaginous herb – I love to brew it up on hot, dusty days when I am feeling parched.
It’s used extensively in Europe, especially in France, for soothing sore throats and coughs. Its diaphoretic properties make it a beneficial herb for colds and flu. Sharol Tilgner reports its use has been shown to shorten the duration of infectious viral conditions.

It is a superb relaxing nervine for nervous tension, stress, and panic conditions.
Linden is used to nourish the heart and is specifically beneficial for high blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis and nervous tension.

In France it is commonly used in lotions for itchy skin conditions.

Parts used
Flowers and leaves
Properties
Cool/moist, relaxing nervine, anti-spasmodic, relaxing diaphoretic, hypotensive, demulcent, diuretic, mild astringent

Nutrients
Flavonoids, glycosides

Keep it simple
Linden’s demulcent properties make it a valuable ally for colds, flus, and parched conditions. It’s a gentle nervine that calms the heart.

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