Post Series: Medicinal Flowers
When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are beautiful.
Tilia cordata, commonly known as small-leaved lime or littleleaf linden, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is easily recognized by its heart-shaped, finely toothed leaves, and clusters of fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom midsummer. The flowers are widely used in botanical medicine for their soothing properties, most notably to make herbal teas that promote relaxation, support sleep, and gently ease respiratory discomfort; additionally, Tilia is valued for its mild diaphoretic and calming effects.
· Origin: Native to Europe and western Asia.
· Traditional use: Used in folk medicine to calm nerves and alleviate cold symptoms.
· Sample reference: Matsuda, H., et al. “Hepatoprotective Principles from the Flowers of Tilia argentea (Linden): Structure Requirements of Tiliroside and Mechanisms of Action.” Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 10, 2002, pp. 707-712.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Linden (Tilia cordata)-
