A linden leaf from one of two lovely Linden trees that frame the approach to Mr. Jefferson’s Monticello.
The docent mentioned that linden blossoms were frequently used for tea -- so I looked it up. Indeed:
Today linden is used by some cultures in connection with anxiety, although no clinical trials have confirmed the herbs effectiveness for anxiety. Some trials have produced results indicating that linden flower tea can help people with mild gallbladder problems, upset stomach or dyspepsia, and excessive gas causing the stomach to press against the bottom of the heart (also known as the gastrocardiac syndrome).
When taken as a hot tea, linden flowers act as a diaphoretic. Diaphoretics induce a mild fever, thereby possibly helping to increase the immune system's ability to fight infections. The fever usually does not go very high because the diaphoretic also causes sweating, which in turn cause the body to cool off. In a few European countries, linden has received approval for the treatment of colds and cold-related coughs.
Different parts of the linden are used in connection with specific conditions and symptoms.
- Flowers: colds, cough, bronchitis, infectious diseases, and headache (particularly migraine), and as a diuretic (increases urine production), antispasmodic (reduces spasm), and sedative
- Leaves: internal use-intestinal complaints; external use-ulcers in the leg
- Wood: liver and gallbladder disorders, cellulitis (inflammation of the body's connective tissue)
Dosage and Administration
To prepare linden tea add 1 to 2 tsp flowers in 8 oz of water and steep cover for 20 minutes. Tea is to be taken 3 times daily. As a liquid extract linden is to be take 3 times daily in doses of 3 to 4 mL. Similarly, as a tincture linden should be taken 3 times daily in doses of 4 to 10 mL.
Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 to 25 kg), the appropriate dose of linden for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.
From the NutraSanus website
2 comments:
Since JH just came down with a cough, and has had bouts of cellulitis, I will be making a trip to Whole Foods to check out their supply of Linden oil. Thanks, Dr. D!
oh linden tea has such a subtle lovely lovely flavour. One of my polish friends introduced it to me (and he does take it for a cold).
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