Linden

Linden is one of the first flowers that I learnt to forage in the Italian Alps where I was shown how to harvest the open flowers in early summer to make a delicious & nourishing herbal tea.

The flowering tips (including fresh green leaves) are used in herbal infusions, both for flavor & medicinal properties.

Linden has the ability to calm the nerves and alleviate stress and anxiety. The tree's flowers possess sedative properties, promoting relaxation and tranquility. Drinking linden tea is a gentle remedy for anxiety-induced insomnia and nervous tension.

Linden is used to treat respiratory ailments, offering relief from coughs, colds, and congestion. Its flowers contain mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats the throat and soothes irritation, while the tree's aromatic volatile oils provide expectorant effects, facilitating the expulsion of phlegm.

Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, linden aids in cardiovascular health by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies suggest that regular consumption of linden tea may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Linden has a gentle yet effective action on the digestive system. The flowers mild diuretic properties support kidney function and help flush out toxins from the body, while also easing digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.

With its abundance of vitamin C and other immune-enhancing compounds, linden fortifies the body's natural defense mechanisms, bolstering resilience against infections and illnesses.

Linden is steeped in history & symbolism. Linden tree’s are a symbol of love, fertility, prosperity, fidelity, friendship, peace, justice and good luck.

It’s the national tree of multiple Slavic countries where it’s considered to be sacred, Slavic mythology is full of stories referring to Linden trees. Many were planted to mark historic events and the oldest in Slovenia is believed to be more than 700 years old.

Linden is also very special in Germanic mythology. It’s said that the community would gather under a Linden tree to make trutful decisions in regards to justice. Apparently you can’t lie when standing under a linden.

I’ve often dreamed of planting a Linden in my garden, but they grow to 40m, so that’s on my wishlist for my next property, space for Lindens. Luckily I often find big rows of them in old country towns around New Zealand. They were planted after WW1 to celebrate & symbolise Peace. There’s often a row down the main street or in the local park.

There are lots of tree lined streets in Europe, especially in densely populated cities as the trees create large canopies which crate shade, and also capture carbon dioxide, cleaning polluted city air. Linden tea has been given to convalescing patients for thousands of years, so much so that it’s often planted around hospitals (in Europe).

In NZ I find Linden growing in old towns at 'Memorial' parks, where it was planted after the War to symbolise peace.

Learn more about Linden & other trees found growing in NZ in my Tree Food & Medicine Guide.