Lime Flower – Tilia platyphyllos

Part used Dried inflorescences.

Location Native to most of Europe, but not to Ireland, although it is widely present there as an introduced tree. Also grown in gardens and along roads. 

Harvesting Time Flowers are collected in summer.  They smell truly beautiful and are much loved by bees for gathering nectar.

Constituents Essential oil (mainly farnesol); Mucilage; Tannins; Hesperidin; Saponins; Sugars; Flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol; Caffeic and other acids; Traces of benzodiazepine – like substances

Actions Sedative; Spasmolytic; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Mild astringent

Traditional and current uses

• Migraine, tension and sinus headaches
• Hysteria
• Tension and stress
• Calms the mind and allows easy sleep
• Panic attacks and nervous palpitations
• Arteriosclerotic high blood pressure, especially when associated with nervous tension
• Feverish colds and flu, reducing fever and catarrh
• Traditionally used in France for irritable babies and children as a tea
• Used in France to make a lotion or wash for irritated and itchy skin in combination with marshmallow. Also used for bites, boils, burns and sore eyes.
• Warming and relaxing to the digestive tract; release tension and contains soothing mucilage
• A cold infusion of the tea can help to relieve hot flushes

Taste aromatic and mucilaginous.

Makes a beautiful relaxing tea

This herbal monograph is used with the permission of The Plant Medicine School.