Linden tree flowers

[JB4310]

Anyone know anything about using the flowers from linden trees (also called lime tree) for tea?

My wife is from Poland (they call it Lippa) and they use it all the time, mostly because it was free, but now they claim there are some health benefits as a herbal remedy???

I'm working on a job at an old convent and there is a huge linden tree in full bloom, smells beautiful and the bees are all over it. I've been picking some of the branches.

Would like to hear some stories of it's use in this country.

Thanks JB,

 

[keegs]

Hi JB...

I have a linden outside my back door at our house here in Jersey. It must have been whacked when it was young because it has at least half a dozen trunks. I estimate the tree to be about 50-60 feet tall. It blooms almost every year around fourth of July although it seems that it may be coming into full bloom earlier perhaps by a week or more as was the case this year. Some years the blooms cover the entire tree and it literally hums with bees. During that phase, the bees appear to become intoxicated by the nectar as they can be observed stumbling about on the ground beneath the tree. As you mentioned the flower smell fantastic.

The linden is also referred to as the self pruning tree as it's always shedding its thin limbs. It's messy. The flowers are abundant, followed by an abundant crop of seeds followed by the leaves in fall. Our tree extends over the driveway so I'm always cleaning up after it. I don't think the wood has much BTU value. It seems soft and the moisture content is pretty high. I don't know that but that's what I've observed. It's a great tree nonetheless and we'd be hard pressed to do it any harm.

I've googled it and think I recall the linden tree has allot of medicinal uses.

 

[JB4310]

Thanks for the reply Keegs.

This tree is in full bloom today, I picked a bushel basket full of the flowering branches, this tree is at least 50 feet tall, but I have a 66 foot boom lift on the job so it was no trouble getting to the sweet spots.

I took some pics I'll try to post later, driving around today I only saw 1 other Linden, so they must not be very common.
I did a little google search and found all kinds of claims as to it's herbal value. I've had the tea, it's kinda mild. My wife said that was all they had back in Poland for tea when she was a little girl. they had a huge one in her yard.

JB

 

[Redneck in training]

I am originally from Czechoslovakia (Today Czech Republic). Linden is Czech national tree. Yes linden flower tea with honey is very popular medicine for cold. You have to pick the flowers early right when it starts blooming. Then dry them in shade and save it for the flu season.
The tea lowers fever, calms scratchy throat and also calms upset stomach. But it can be used just as healthy and fragrant tea anytime.
Linden honey is also popular.

The linden wood is very soft. Since it doesn't crack when dry it is often used for carving.

 

[tcreeley]

It sounds like a wonderful tree. I've never seen one but heard about them.
I looked it up:
Tilia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
and from the leaf I think it looks familiar- will have to check out the road where it might be. Grows up here I discovered up to New Brunswick. thanks for posting!

 

[Redneck in training]

I am originally from Czechoslovakia (Today Czech Republic). Linden is Czech national tree. Yes linden flower tea with honey is very popular medicine for cold. You have to pick the flowers early right when it starts blooming. Then dry them in shade and save it for the flu season.
The tea lowers fever, calms scratchy throat and also calms upset stomach. But it can be used just as healthy and fragrant tea anytime.
Linden honey is also popular.

The linden wood is very soft. Since it doesn't crack when dry it is often used for carving.

There are many kinds of linden. Tilia cordata (Large tree with small leaves) is the one with flowers with medicinal properties.

 

[JB4310]

There are many kinds of linden. Tilia cordata (Large tree with small leaves) is the one with flowers with medicinal properties.

Ladia,
I think this is the right one?
How did you store it for long term? I dried it in my attic and it dried in a couple of days.

Here's a couple of pics.

JB

 

[soulasphil]

Yes it is the right tree (and the right picking equipment). The flowers must be picked as early as possible when all the sugar is still inside and the seeds haven't had time to harden, and dried in the open, then can be stored in glass jars. The tea is very soothing and can help children find sleep.

 

[JB4310]

Yes it is the right tree (and the right picking equipment). The flowers must be picked as early as possible when all the sugar is still inside and the seeds haven't had time to harden, and dried in the open, then can be stored in glass jars. The tea is very soothing and can help children find sleep.

I'm drinking it right now

All my wife's family is over and we served them their traditional lippa.

They say it makes you sweat, I don't sweat as much as most people, but I can feel it a little. My brother in law says it really makes him sweat.

Are the little leaves attached to the flowers of any significance or are they just for looks ? They come off with the flowers when you pick them.

JB

 

[Redneck in training]

I'm drinking it right now

All my wife's family is over and we served them their traditional lippa.

They say it makes you sweat, I don't sweat as much as most people, but I can feel it a little. My brother in law says it really makes him sweat.

Are the little leaves attached to the flowers of any significance or are they just for looks ? They come off with the flowers when you pick them.

JB

If it is dry you can store it in jars. The "leave" on the flower is a "helicopter rotor" for the seed to fly away from the tree a Autumn.
Yes the tea makes you sweat. It cleans your system and skin.