The lime tree. Medicinal plant
Linden wood is ideal for carving, and its canopy watches over people as they celebrate, dance and socialise. Its name derives from its nature: the lime tree is gentle, supple and mild, and its healing power is gentle!
Among the ancient Germanic peoples, the lime tree was regarded as a sacred tree under which justice was administered. Even today, ancient lime trees can be seen in many village squares. During the flowering season, they exude an enchanting, sweet fragrance which has a calming effect on us humans.
The healing properties of lime blossom tea have been described in a wide variety of records for around 400 years. In the 17th century, the German physician, chemist and alchemist Johann Joachim Becher praised the lime tree as a medicinal plant.
Use in folk medicine
- calming & sleep-inducing
- sweat-inducing & fever-reducing
- helps with dry coughs, bronchitis and stomach cramps
- Young lime leaves are rich in vitamin C
- Flowers and bark are used to relieve skin inflammation, rheumatism and gout
Ingredients and effects
Depending on the weather, the lime tree is in full bloom in June/July. As with all flowers, the exact harvest time plays a major role. The flowers are plucked from the tree using long harvesting poles, dried in the shade and stored in paper bags, cardboard boxes or dark glass jars. Linden blossoms are often brewed as a tea together with elderflowers to treat a fever. The essential oils and glycosides stimulate perspiration. Linden blossom tea also helps prevent colds and, like all pure herbal teas, can be drunk continuously for four weeks.
Recipes using lime blossom
Fever-reducing cold tea
Ingredients
| 1 part lime blossom |
|---|
| 1 part elderflower |
| 1 part meadowsweet blossoms |
ZPreparation:
Pour a quarter of a litre of hot water over 2 teaspoons of the dried herb mixture, cover and leave to infuse for ten minutes. Add honey, ginger and lemon, then drink!
Calming, promotes sleep, induces sweating when you have a fever, and helps clear phlegm when you have a cough
Soothing lime blossom bath
Ingredients:
2 handfuls of dried lime blossom
1 litre of water
Soothing lime blossom bath
Ingredients
| 2 handfuls of dried lime blossom |
|---|
| 1 litre of water |
Preparation:
Pour hot water over the flowers and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Strain the infusion and add it to warm bath water.
Bath duration: approx. 20 minutes.
Soothing for nervousness, difficulty falling asleep and muscle tension. Ideal before bedtime.
Recipes using lime blossom leaves and bark
Young lime leaves as a wild vegetable
Ingredients
| Fresh, tender lime leaves (spring shoots) |
|---|
| Herbs such as ground elder, chickweed or wild garlic |
| Radishes, apple slices or nuts |
| Dressing made from apple cider vinegar, honey, oil, salt & pepper |
Easy to digest, mildly aromatic and rich in chlorophyll and vitamin C. Particularly popular as a spring detox to boost the metabolism.
Linden bark ointment
Ingredients
| 1 tsp dried, powdered lime bark |
|---|
| 2 tbsp olive oil or calendula oil |
| 1 tsp beeswax |
Preparation:
Heat the bark in oil (do not boil), leave to infuse for 30 minutes, strain, stir in the wax and pour into a clean ointment jar.
For treating minor wounds, chapped skin or insect bites.
Can also be used for skin irritation and itching.
