Linden is a common name for trees in the Tilia genus. These trees grow in Asia, Europe, and North America. It's traditionally used as medicine.
Linden dried leaf, flower, and wood contain chemicals that might reduce inflammation and have sedative effects.
People use linden for common cold, insomnia, headaches, itchy skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Linden is sometimes called lime tree. Don't confuse linden with lime. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for LINDEN overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Linden leaf is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Linden leaf is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if linden is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Heart disease: Regularly using linden tea has been linked with heart damage. Talk to a healthcare provider before use if you have heart disease.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Lithium interacts with LINDEN
Linden might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking linden might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using linden if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of linden might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Bianco MI, Lúquez C, De Jong L, Fernández RA. Linden flower (Tilia spp.) as potential vehicle of Clostridium botulinum spores in the transmission of infant botulism. Rev Argent Microbiol. 2009 Oct-Dec;41(4):232-6.View abstract.
Czerwinska ME, Dudek MK, Pawlowska KA, Prus A, Ziaja M, Granica S. The influence of procyanidins isolated from small-leaved lime flowers (Tilia cordata Mill.) on human neutrophils. Fitoterapia. 2018;127:115-122. View abstract.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Tang Y, Zhuge R. Geographical distribution of Tilia Linn. Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica. 1996;34(3):254-264.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.