Linden tree flowers & leaves: harvesting, uses & benefits

The health benefits of linden flowers and leaves have been known about for centuries but have only started gaining scientific acceptance in more recent years. Find out everything you need to know about the health benefits of the linden tree (also known as lime tree in the UK).

As linden trees (Tilia) are among the most common urban trees, the blossoming in June and July is nearly impossible to miss. The trees exude a delightful fragrance and are filled with the continuous sound of buzzing as bees collect linden pollen for their honey. Linden trees are not only beneficial to bees, but also their flowers and leaves are extremely beneficial to us humans and can be used in a variety of ways. This article explains which parts of the tree are edible, when to harvest the flowers and why linden flower tea is good for you.

Are linden flowers and leaves edible?

Yes! You can eat both the flowers and leaves of linden trees. Linden leaves, for example, are excellent in a salad and the blossoms are a very popular culinary garnish and, of course, the main ingredient in linden blossom tea. The fruit is also edible and a good source of fatty acids. Although soft at first, the fruit hardens as it ripens and when peeled can be enjoyed raw or as a salad garnish.

Tip: While there are about 50 species of linden, only the flowers and leaves of small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata) and large-leaved linden (Tilia platyphyllos) have been proven to be beneficial to health. So, if you are interested in using parts of the linden tree make sure you have the right species before you begin harvesting. There is no convincing evidence that silver linden flowers and leaves (Tilia tomentosa) have any medicinal benefits.

How to harvest and use linden flowers

Once you are sure that you have a large-leaved or small-leaved linden tree, collecting the flowers is easy. It requires a little time, but the effort will be worthwhile when you are able to enjoy your pickings.

How to harvest and dry linden flowers:

• Linden trees typically bloom between June and July and once they are in full bloom, it is best to harvest the flowers within the first 4 days. Remember that the large-leaved linden flowers a little earlier than the small-leaved linden does.
• Pick both the pale bracts (the small leaf like part just below the flower) and the flower stalks when harvesting.
• Dry the flowers gently, keeping them in a shady place and turning them regularly – this can take a couple of days. If they require additional assistance, you can finish the drying process in a dehydrator at 45°C.
• Store the dried linden flowers in a dark, dry place for no longer than a year.

Once harvested, linden blossoms can be used in a variety of ways. The best-known use is probably linden flower tea. Pour hot water over either two teaspoons of fresh or one teaspoon of dried linden flowersto make the perfect cup. Let the tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and serve.

Linden flowers are used to make a wide range of products that are beneficial to our health. You can make a cold brew out of them, as well as linden blossom syrup and tinctures. If the syrup is allowed to thicken a little longer, it can be turned into “linden blossom honey”, a delicious vegan honey substitute. Linden blossom tinctures are now widely used in the production of cosmetics, as well as for preparing relaxing baths and for relieving respiratory issues. They have also long been used in women’s health to help relieve anxiety during pregnancy and make childbirth easier.

Tip: Consume linden tea with care to avoid negative side effects. While no side effects of linden blossom or leaves have yet been proven, 2 to 3 cups of linden tea per day is sometimes recommended. Consult your doctor for guidelines during pregnancy and for recommended intake for children.

How to harvest and use linden leaves

As it is recommended that only fully developed linden leaves be used, the best time to harvest them is between June and August if you intend to dry and store them. Before using the leaves, thoroughly wash them to remove any aphids and the honeydew they excrete. Begin the drying process in a shady location and allow them to dry naturally. If necessary, use a dehydrator at 45°C to finish the job. Store the linden leaves, like flowers, in a dark, dry place for no more than a year.

While it is also possible to make tea from linden leaves, the health benefits have not been conclusively proven, and they are more commonly used externally. Linden leaf infusions can be used as a poultice for a variety of skin conditions.

Young linden leaves can be used in many ways when fresh. They taste pleasant and sweet and can be used in salads or green smoothies. Linden leaves are also beneficial for tired eyes. For example, if your eyes are strained from sitting in front of a screen or from reading, you can place some fresh leaves on your eyes overnight and keep them in place using an eye mask.

Health benefits of the linden tree

As linden flowers and leaves are both considered natural remedies, the effects listed below are based on empirical values derived from centuries of use rather than scientific studies.

Linden flowers contain a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to our health. These include saponins, tannins and mucilage, essential oils and most importantly a high flavonoid content. These substances are thought to promote some of the following health benefits:

• Expectorant – aids in the relief of respiratory problems by reducing or loosening mucus
• Diaphoretic – causes sweating in order to help regulate body temperature
• Relaxant – aids in the reduction of nervous tension
• Slightly anti-hypertensive – lowers blood pressure in some cases
• Cough suppressant – blocks the cough reflex and thus provides relief
• Anti-inflammatory – aids in the relief of pain, high temperatures, and swelling

Linden blossom tea is commonly used to treat fevers, colds, upper respiratory tract diseases, rheumatism, as well as several other ailments, thanks to the substances the flowers contain.

The substances found in linden leaves are more dependent on location and season and their health benefits have not been as thoroughly studied as those associated with linden flowers. What we do know is that they are high in tannins and contain a variety of sugars, healthy fats and enzymes. Although the effect of linden leaves is less diaphoretic than that of flowers, linden leaf extracts can be used to treat sore throats. They sometimes have a high level of plant mucilage, which gives soups a nice creamy consistency, among other things.

Do you want to grow a linden tree in your garden? Find more information here on how to plant, prune, and propagate linden trees.