Also known as lime blossom or linden flowers it is relative to the floral parts of the various species of the Tilia family. The most used are Tilia platyphylos (broad-leaved lime) and Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime). The trees are native to northern temperate climates such as Britain, Europe, Asia and North America. It should not be confused with the green lime fruit tree (Citrus aurantifolia).
They contain a variety of compounds including flavanoids, glycosides of quercitin, mucilage, phenolic acids, tannins, volatile oil and trace amounts of benzodiazepine-like compounds. The flavanol glycosides and phenolic acids have been shown to demonstrate diaphoretic action (promotes perspiration). The mucilage has an emollient action which accounts for the effect in soothing irritable coughs. Sedative and anti-spasmodic properties have also been linked to a compound called farnesol, found in the volatile oil. They are also hypotensive and mildly astringent.
Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Dried lime flowers can be purchased for herbal tea and can be taken up to three times per day (2gm-4gm of flowers are normally used to make a suitable infusion). Tinctures and liquid extracts are also available, for children tinctures can be used at a dose of one drop per stone of weight.
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