The lime tree: identity card
Since Antiquity, the leaves, flowers and bark of this tree have been used for their sedative and soothing properties. Present everywhere in Europe, the lime tree can measure up to 40 m. Its leaves are downy and light green, and its flowers bloom in clusters, connected by bracts. Its consumption has been documented for centuries, most often in the form of herbal tea obtained using the flowers or leaves. France has grown and produced industrially linden flowers since the 19th century for herbalism; but other parts of the tree, such as the sapwood or the bark in the form of charcoal are also used for their properties.
The benefits of lime
It is the sleep plant par excellence: calming, relaxing and antispasmodic, it has a soothing effect on the nervous system, improves sleep onset, and, in some cases, reduces digestive problems linked to stress. The sapwood, part located between the bark and the wood, is also widely used for its purifying properties: beneficial for the liver, it drains the body and acts on digestion. Activated vegetable charcoal, used in the event of digestive disorders, is frequently obtained from the soft wood of the lime tree. Overall soothing, lime is also known to calm skin irritations.
Use of lime
Linden tea, a great classic! Use 1 tablespoon of dried linden flowers per cup. To be consumed in the evening, after dinner, to make it easier to fall asleep, and at any time of the day within the limit of 4 cups per day. For a decoction, boil 50 g of linden flowers or sapwood in a liter of water, let infuse for ten minutes off the heat and filter. A cup at the end of each meal will aid your digestion.
Lime sapwood is also available in the form of extract ampoules: more concentrated, it is recommended for the overall drainage of the body and acts on the liver and kidney function. Finally, in the event of skin irritation or eczema, lime blossom hydrosol or the leaves immersed directly in bath water, at a rate of 500 g per 10 l of water, have an immediate soothing effect. . You will also find lime in the form of capsules of very effective dry extracts, generally associated with other soothing plants (chamomile, Escholtzia…).
Linden tree: what are the contraindications?
Linden has no known adverse side effects; however, use this herb with caution in the following cases:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding: seek advice from a healthcare professional;
- drug treatment: infusion and decoction of lime blossom have a proven diuretic effect, so beware if you are already using a drug of this class;
- finally, this diuretic effect has the consequence of increasing the concentration of lithium in the body: therefore avoid consuming it if you are receiving lithium-based treatment and talk to your doctor.
