Tilia Europaea

Family: Tiliaceae

Where It’s Found (Habitat):

This tree naturally grows in the Northern Temperate Zone, especially in the British Isles. It’s also planted in parks, gardens, and along roads for shade and beauty.

Description:

• It’s a tall deciduous tree (sheds its leaves in autumn) and can grow up to 130 feet tall.

• The leaves are heart-shaped, dark green on top and lighter underneath, with toothed edges.

• In spring, it produces sweet-smelling, yellowish-white flowers that hang in small clusters.

• These flowers fill the air with a pleasant scent when the tree is in bloom.

Parts Used:

• Flowers

• Wood

• Charcoal from the wood

Uses and Benefits:

Traditional Uses:

• In Europe, especially France, dried flowers are kept in homes to make a herbal tea called ‘Tilleul’ (Linden tea).

• This tea is used to help with colds, fevers, stress, and sleep problems.

• The honey made from its flowers is considered one of the best in the world and is used in medicines and drinks.

Wood Uses:

• The wood is light, soft, and easy to carve, often used for making small items, piano boards, organ parts, and artists' charcoal.

• It doesn’t get worm-eaten and is great for making packing boxes and fine furniture.

Medicinal Properties:

Active Ingredients in the Flowers:

• Volatile oil (with a fragrance)

• Farnesol

• Flavonoids (like hesperidin, quercetin, and astralagin)

• Mucilage (a soothing, gel-like substance)

In the Bark:

• Tilicin (a glucoside)

• Tiliadin (a neutral substance)

In the Leaves:

• A sweet substance similar to manna from Mount Sinai

Medicinal Uses:

• Linden tea (tisane) is used as a gentle remedy for:

  • Indigestion

  • Anxiety

  • Nervous vomiting

  • Heart palpitations

  • Muscle spasms

  • Colds and fevers

• Baths made from its flowers are believed to calm nerves and treat hysteria.

• Some doctors prefer lime wood charcoal over poplar charcoal for treating stomach issues, burns, or skin sores.

Interesting Fact:

A study in America found that children with flu recovered faster using Linden tea than with antibiotics. In Europe, it’s still a popular home remedy, especially for children with colds and for helping them relax.

Caution:
If the flowers are too old, they might cause drowsiness or mild intoxication. It’s best to use fresh or properly dried flowers.