The three taxa of linden commonly used medicinally are among six native to Europe (with the remaining c. 40 species in the genus Tilia being native to temperate Asia and North America). Tilia × europaea, a hybrid taxon originating from crosses between T. cordata and T. platyphyllos, is widespread in Europe. All three are attractive, often large trees with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant clusters of whitish flowers. They are frequently cultivated as ornamentals, and the lightweight wood is used to manufacture a variety of products. Linden honey has a reputation for excellent flavor and was traditionally used medicinally. Linden tea, made from the flowers, is used to relieve coughs, to induce sweating in colds and fever, and for nervous disturbances; it has also been traditionally used for gastric irritation.

There has been very little scientific study of linden. Two rodent studies have demonstrated a tranquilizing effect (one of these used inhalation of the essential oil, as is done in aromatherapy); a study soon to be published found similar activity in the the American species T. americana. No human clinical trials have been conducted, but considerable human experience indicates that mucilaginous herbs frequently are useful for relieving coughs. No side effects of linden tea are known, although there are a few case reports of rashes resulting from contact with Tilia species. A few non-scientific sources have claimed that long-term consumption of linden could cause heart problems; it is not clear what the source of this belief is, as no scientific literature substantiates it.

Selected References

Browicz, K. 1968. Tilia. Pp. 247-248 in: T. G. Tutin et al., eds. Flora Europaea, vol. 2. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.

Coleta, M., M. G. Campos, M. D. Cotrim, and A. Proenca da Cunha. 2001. Comparative evaluation of Melissa officinalis L., Tilia europaea L., Passiflora edulis Sims. and Hypericum perforatum L. in the elevated plus maze anxiety test. Pharmacopsychiatry 34 Suppl. 1:S20-21.

Pigott, C. D. 1997. Two proposals to maintain the names Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos (Tiliaceae) in their current use. Taxon 46:351-353.

Pigott, C. D., and P. D. Sell. 1995. Nomenclature of the European species of Tilia: I. Tilia europaea L. Kew Bull. 50:135-139.

Wicksell, U., and K. I. Christensen. 1999. Hybridization among Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos (Tiliaceae) in Denmark. Nordic J. Bot. 19:673-684.