Linden Tea: Benefits & Side Effects

Linden tea is derived from the leaves of linden tree also known as a lime tree. It is an herbal remedy and has been trusted and used since centuries for number of basic health conditions.

The numerous health benefits of linden tea are due to the antioxidants and active ingredients such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, coumarin, quercetin, vitamins, and minerals ⁽¹⁾.

To make this herbal infusion the flowers, leaves, and the bark is boiled and steeped.

Those struggling with anxiety, fever, cholesterol, intense menstrual cramps, weak immune system, joint pain, and oxidative stress should drink linden tea.

When this tea is brewed some essential oils are released which can have a positive effect on stress and anxiety levels.

The relaxing qualities of linden tea are capable of lowering the stress hormones in the body which further reduces strain on the heart and metabolism and soothe the oxidative stress due to inflammation.

The mood-boosting properties can be helpful for those struggling from depression ⁽²⁾.

A study found that the extracts from the bud of tilia tomentosa, a kind of linden tree have strong sedative properties ⁽³⁾. It promotes relaxation by acting like Gaba-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The compounds found in the linden tree help fight inflammation and lowers the risk of disease. Flavonoids are the antioxidants found in the flowers of linden and tiliroside, quercetin, and kaempferol are associated with linden buds ^{(4, 5)}.

Free radicals cause oxidative damage which can lead to inflammation. Tiliroside acts by scavenging free radicals in the body.

Kaempherol helps fight inflammation and also have cancer-fighting properties.

The anti-inflammatory effect also provides comfort from the muscle ache, joint disorder, respiratory tract, and inflammation in the blood.

The antioxidant in linden tea helps ease the pain. A study found the effect of tiliroside reduced the swelling and pain in the swollen paws of mice ⁽⁶⁾.

Another study done on 50 women with rheumatoid arthritis found 500 mg of quercetin, an antioxidant in linden tea improves the pain symptoms and inflammation markers ^{(7, 8, 9)}.

Linden tea has immune-boosting properties which can break the fever and promote faster recovery.

The anti-inflammatory compound in linden flower soothes tissues of the respiratory tract and makes it easier to expel mucus and phlegm, thus eliminating the common symptoms of cold and flu.

The inner bark of the tilia tree is associated with diuretic effects and diaphoretic effect.

A diuretic is a substance which encourages the body to excrete fluids for the body. Diaphoretic substance cools fever by encouraging sweating ^{(10, 11)}.

Some components in linden tea are thought to lower the blood pressure. A study found tiliroside present in linden tea affects the calcium channels in the heart. The role of calcium in the heart is to regulate muscular contractions ⁽¹²⁾.

The antioxidants are also capable of preventing blood clotting lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. All of this helps lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or coronary heart disease.

Linden tea has been used traditionally to promote sleep. The compound present in the plant has strong sedative properties which encourages relaxation and leads to sleep.

It is believed that the extract depresses the central nervous system causing drowsiness ⁽¹³⁾.

Linden tea lowers the level of inflammation in the stomach and settles upset stomach. This leads to normal bowel movements and smooth functioning of the digestive tract.

Linden tea delivers gentle heat and hydration both of which soothe the digestive tract.

Linden tea can prove to be dangerous with certain condition.

Linden tea is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy due to the presence of volatile compounds and antioxidants. The effects can have painful menstruation and increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Similarly, in breastfeeding mother, the tea could pass certain potent chemicals to the infants.

In rare cases allergy might result after taking linden tea. If allergic to plants in tilia genus, using linden tea is not recommended.

Long term use of linden tea has been linked with heart disease and damage in rare cases. Drinking it in moderation is advised, and if any heart issue is noticed, a doctor should be consulted. Also, those suffering from any heart condition should talk to their healthcare provider before consuming linden tea.