Also known as lime blossom or linden flowers it is relative to the floral parts of the various species of the Tilia family. The most used are Tilia platyphylos (broad-leaved lime) and Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime). The trees are native to northern temperate climates such as Britain, Europe, Asia and North America. It should not be confused with the green lime fruit tree (Citrus aurantifolia).
Medicinal Properties of Lime Flowers
They contain a variety of compounds including flavanoids, glycosides of quercitin, mucilage, phenolic acids, tannins, volatile oil and trace amounts of benzodiazepine-like compounds.
The flavanol glycosides and phenolic acids have been shown to demonstrate diaphoretic action (promotes perspiration).
The mucilage has an emollient action which accounts for the effect in soothing irritable coughs.
Sedative and anti-spasmodic properties have also been linked to a compound called farnesol, found in the volatile oil.
They are also hypotensive and mildly astringent.
Lime Flowers Herbal Remedies
Historically Lime Flowers has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Anxiety
Catarrh
Colds
Colic
Crohn’s disease
Headache and migraine
High blood pressure
Indigestion
Irritable coughs
Skin ailments (used topically)
Other Lime Flowers Information
Dried lime flowers of this common parkland tree are used as an everyday tea in parts of France and also available in the Uk in most health food stores and some pharmacies and supermarkets as herbal tea bags that can be taken up to three times per day (2gm-4gm of flowers are normally used to make a suitable infusion). The Lime Flower tea is used to relieve tension, treat raised blood pressure and have a relaxing effect on the circulation. Tinctures and liquid extracts are also available, for children tinctures can be used at a dose of one drop per stone of weight.
Many naturopaths and herbalists also use lime blossom as a treatment for migraine and fevers brought on by colds and flu.
Side Effects of Lime Flowers
At the time of writing there are no other well-known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.
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