Linden's therapeutic uses
Linden, often recognized for its pleasant, tangy taste, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, primarily for treating respiratory conditions such as the common cold and bronchitis. Beyond respiratory ailments, linden is also proposed for addressing anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and even skin health. The flowers and wood of the linden tree have been used in various forms, with the flowers commonly consumed as a tea. Some studies suggest that linden may promote sweating, potentially benefiting those suffering from colds, although substantial scientific evidence is lacking. Additionally, there are claims regarding its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective properties, but these also require further investigation. While linden is generally considered safe, comprehensive safety evaluations have not been conducted, particularly concerning its effects on children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe liver or kidney disease. Overall, while linden shows promise in several therapeutic areas, more rigorous studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety for widespread medical use.
Linden's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Common cold, bronchitis
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Anxiety, stress, dyspepsia, insomnia, liver protection, viral hepatitis, headache, high blood pressure, skin health, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Overview
Linden flowers have a pleasant, tangy taste, so the tree is sometimes called a lime flower. Besides being used in beverages and liqueurs, the linden flower has a long history of medicinal use for conditions such as colds and flu, digestive distress, anxiety, migraine headaches, and insomnia. The wood of the linden tree has been used for liver problems, kidney stones, and gout.
Therapeutic Dosages
Linden flower is usually taken at a dose of 2 to 4 grams (g) daily, often as tea. A daily dose of linden wood is prepared by boiling 15 to 40 g in water for several hours.
Therapeutic Uses
Germany’s Commission E has approved the use of linden flowers to treat cold symptoms. However, there is no meaningful evidence that it is helpful for this purpose. Linden is said to promote sweating, which has long been presumed to be helpful for people with colds; however, there is little meaningful evidence that sweating helps colds or that linden promotes sweating. Small studies and observational reports do show evidence of linden’s effectiveness in treating colds. However, increased scientific study is necessary.
Two preliminary studies that evaluated linden flower for potential sedative or antianxiety effects returned contradictory results. Weak evidence hints that linden flower might help reduce symptoms of digestive upset and protect the liver from toxins. One preliminary study found possible anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects with linden leaf. However, none of this research approaches the level of meaningful evidence. Further human study indicated linden may effectively reduce mild pain associated with arthritis. One study determined that linden played a role in soothing digestive discomfort in children.
Other proposed benefits of linden that lack profuse supporting evidence include the claims that linden flower reduces blood pressure, prevents blood clots, decreases the risk of stroke or heart attack, and can treat viral hepatitis. Further studies in animals and test tubes have indicated linden’s potential as an antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, and sedative; however, human clinical trials are necessary. Other proposed therapeutic uses of linden include relieving tension and migraine headaches and soothing itchy skin. Linden may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can prevent chronic health conditions caused by free radicals. Several parts of the linden flower have proved medically important: the flower has been indicated for coughs and colds, the wood has been proposed as a treatment for the liver and gallbladder, and the treatment of cellulitis. Finally, a charcoal made from linden has been shown to treat intestinal disorders and edema.
Safety Issues
Linden is widely believed to be a safe herb but has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. Numerous texts state that when taken in high doses, linden can be toxic to the heart, but this appears to have been a case of authors quoting one another for decades in succession; the original source of this concern is unclear. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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"Linden Information." Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/linden. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Matsuda, H., et al. "Hepatoprotective Principles from the Flowers of Tilia argentea (Linden): Structure Requirements of Tiliroside and Mechanisms of Action." Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 10, 2002, pp. 707-712.
Mikstas, Christine. "Linden Tea: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More." WebMD, 17 Mar. 2023, www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-linden-tea. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Toker, G., et al. "Flavonoids with Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities from the Leaves of Tilia argentea (Silver Linden)." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 95, 2004, pp. 393-397.
Wartenberg, Lisa, and Debra Rose Wilson. "8 Surprising Benefits of Linden Tea." Healthline, 24 July 2023, www.healthline.com/nutrition/linden-tea. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.