Botanical Overview
Latin name: Tilia cordata / Tilia platyphyllos
Family: Malvaceae
Common names: Small-leaved lime, Large-leaved lime, Linden, Lime tree
Parts used: Flower, Leaf, Bark, Wood
Energetics
Temperature: cooling
Moisture: moistening
Tastes: sweet, slightly bitter, aromatic
Directionality: descending, centered
Tonicity: relaxing
Qi/Blood/Fluid: qi
Primary Actions
- Anxiolytic
- Antispasmodic
- Diaphoretic
- Mild sedative
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Cold symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Digestive discomfort
- Headache
Syndromes
- Nervous tension
- Common cold and flu
- Mild hypertension
- Digestive spasms
TCM
Not established
Ayurveda
Not established
Unani
Not established
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains flavonoids, volatile oils, mucilage, tannins, and sterols contributing to anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion of flowers: 1.5–2.5 g taken 3–4 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol: 2–5 mL taken 2–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe when used appropriately. Use caution during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Rare allergic reactions are possible. May have additive effects with sedative medications.
Astrological Correspondences
Not established for planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Assessment report on Tiliae flos, European Medicines Agency (2011)
- Tilia cordata – Small-leaved Lime, Plants For A Future
- Tiliae Flos, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1983)
- Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Tilia species, Smith et al., PubMed (2019)
- Linden Flower Uses, WebMD