Linden is a tree of the linden family. In ancient times, linden and linden honey were highly valued, personifying a linden tree with the Slavic goddess of love Lada. Some even attribute mystical features to linden, due to which it is believed that lightning does not fall into the tree. A common linden tree lives on average 150-400 years, and some long-lived trees grow up to 1000-1200 years. According to research, trees of the linden family appeared on the planet more than 70 million years ago. Archaeologists have found some remains of linden trees in Chukotka, North Siberia. It is currently one of the most common trees in Europe, Asia and North America. In the old days, linden trees grew near temples like sacred trees. It was believed that at the birth of a child, a planted linden tree would serve as a talisman.
Characteristics and types of linden
Linden is a tall tree, up to 30 meters long and densely crowned. The trunk diameter can reach up to 2-3 meters over time. Linden leaves are wide in the form of a heart or oval. The flowers are fragrant, in the form of inflorescences. Linden fruits are nut-shaped.
The linden tree, according to researchers, has more than 40 species. Many species serve as excellent honey plants. Linden honey is one of the most aromatic and valuable varieties. The most viable species is the small-leaved (heart-shaped) linden. This species can withstand even severe frosts down to -48 ° C.
Chemical composition
Linden contains many substances beneficial to the body. The buds, inflorescences and bark contain glucose, protein, vitamin C, tannins, antioxidants, essential oils, sugar, amino acids, carotene, trace elements, macronutrients and phytoncides. Tiliacin, quercetin and kaempforol contained in linden provide antibacterial, wound healing and antipyretic properties. The flowers also contain ascorbic acid, an essential oil based on farnesol alcohol and polysaccharides.
The leaves contain protein, carotene and ascorbic acid.
Linden honey is rich in glucose, fructose, vitamins, macronutrients and trace elements, as well as maltose.
Linden blossom contains vitamin C, coumarin, bioflavonoids, carotene, micro- and macroelements, glucose.
Useful Properties
Our ancestors knew about the benefits of linden. All parts of the linden tree have useful properties. Linden color relieves cramps, pains, relieves inflammation and removes sweat and urine from the body. It is also useful to make a decoction and tinctures of flowers, gargle with a cold. Flowers effectively fight harmful bacteria in the body, reduce fever, and get rid of phlegm. For adolescents and old people, linden is beneficial for its calming properties, which help with mood swings and nervous overexcitation. The inflorescences also help to reduce the viscosity of the blood.
Linden decoctions are used for fainting and headaches, which allows you to relieve a convulsive state. Hot broths are used in the form of inhalations and gargles. In addition, linden blossom is successfully used in the treatment of joint rheumatism, seizures, kidney and gastrointestinal tract diseases, and fever. For a healing effect, take a decoction of 2-3 glasses per day. A decoction is prepared at the rate of 2 tablespoons of linden color per glass of boiling water. This allows you to increase the secretion of gastric juice, which facilitates the flow of bile into the duodenum. It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and helps fight gastritis and liver diseases. Broths help get rid of edema and weight loss.
Linden lotions effectively help with hemorrhoids, burns, gout and ulcers. Compresses are used to eliminate skin irritation. For hair, rinsing with linden decoctions is very useful, which makes it shiny and smooth.
Linden is very useful in the treatment of infertility, due to the content of phytohormones in it, which are similar in composition to female hormones. For conception, it is recommended to add linden to medicinal preparations with sage.
The benefits of linden tea
Linden tea has unique healing properties for the body. This golden drink has a sweetish taste and pleasant aroma. First of all, linden tea is useful in the cold season, when you can easily get sick with the flu and other colds. Tea has an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates the secretion of sweat, coughing up phlegm and has an antipyretic effect. Tea is also effective in removing toxins from the body. It has a beneficial effect on the urinary tract and is useful for urolithiasis, cystitis and inflammation of the bladder.
Linden tea is also beneficial in the following cases:
- To strengthen the cardiovascular system. The flavonoids in its composition strengthen blood vessels and make them more elastic, protecting against sclerotic changes.
- To eliminate pain in the body. Tea relieves headaches, cramps, joint pains, and also removes swelling in the body.
- To stimulate digestion. Tea stimulates the production of bile, which is beneficial for the digestive processes.
- To relieve nervous tension and fight insomnia.
To prepare this fragrant healing drink, use the color of linden: pour one tablespoon of flowers with a glass of hot water and leave for 15-30 minutes, tightly covering the teapot. In addition, you can add honey to your tea. For convenience, in pharmacies and specialized stores, ready-made linden fees are sold in packages.
However, there are a few caveats to drinking linden tea. It should not be drunk regularly due to the fact that it increases the stress on the heart.
Linden for women
Linden has long been considered a female tree. This is due to the fact that it contains phytohormones that are useful for the female body. Phytohormones are similar in composition to female sex hormones. They help a woman to restore an imbalance in the hormonal system. Therefore, it is especially useful for women to drink tea, decoction or infusion of linden in the following cases:
- In violation of the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to drink a drink, brewed twice: the flowers are poured with hot water, insisted, then kept on low heat for 30 minutes. This will allow you to extract the maximum amount of healing substances.
- For discomfort during menopause. Drinking tea every day helps to avoid hormonal imbalances that phytohormones stabilize.
- In the fight against neoplasms in the female genital organs – fibroma and myoma. Traditional healers emphasize that in order to obtain the expected effect, it is necessary to collect flowers during the first two days of the lunar month.
Linden tea is also useful for maintaining youth and beauty. With its help, you can get rid of extra pounds and rejuvenate the body.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to take tea and linden-colored tea. First of all, it will serve as a natural prevention during colds and viral diseases for the weakened body of a pregnant woman. Tea is able to effectively prevent the appearance of edema due to its diuretic effect. Also, a lime drink has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of the expectant mother, helping to fight mood swings and insomnia.
Nevertheless, when using linden, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the body, and, if necessary, consult a doctor.
Collection rules
Linden begins to bloom in the middle of summer, so it is necessary to collect flowers during this period of the year. Collecting flowers begins when the buds open halfway. Pluck inflorescences and leaves next to them. Dry flowers in the shade in a well-ventilated dry place. It is recommended to store flowers in bags made of natural material.
When dried, the weight of the flowers is reduced by three times. When stored properly in a dry place, linden contains beneficial properties for two years.
Losing weight with linden
Thanks to the diuretic effect of the plant, you can effectively lose weight and get rid of excess fluid in the body. It is recommended to use infusion or tea when visiting a sauna or bath. This will help to establish metabolism, remove toxins and harmful toxins, and at the same time, even out hormonal fluctuations.
Recommended recipe for losing weight with linden:
- birch sap – 450 gr;
- linden leaves – 50 gr;
- rhubarb broth – 0,5 l.
Mix all ingredients and steam for 5 minutes. Leave to stand for 30 minutes. Take before meals for 0,5 cups.
Lime honey
Linden honey is one of the most healing honey products. It looks transparent, light yellow or light golden in color. It is known that bees extract up to 25 ml of nectar from one linden flower.
The value of honey is composed of amino acids, vitamins E, K, B, carotene, trace elements and enzymes. Linden honey eliminates inflammation and improves the function of the liver, kidneys and gallbladder. It has a positive effect on the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Honey is also effectively used in the treatment of wounds, burns and even to improve vision. In combination with goat milk, it is used in the treatment of eczema, cystitis and tuberculosis. It is one of the recognized remedies against measles, mumps and seizures in children.
Linden, as a natural healer for many ailments, is recommended as a healing decoction, tea or tinctures. Linden is especially useful for women. This female tree helps to align hormones, saturate the body with natural phytohormones and promote weight loss. Linden tea is especially useful during colds and viral diseases. Linden honey has a positive effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. They love to feast on them not only for health, but also for beauty.
