About lime tea
Lime is derived from the tree genus Tilia, which typically grows in the temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Tilia cordata, also known as small-leaved linden, is considered the strongest species in the genus Tilia. Lime tea tastes good, and what’s more, it has been used medicinally for hundreds of years to relieve high blood pressure, calm anxiety, and aid digestion.
The properties of lime tea
The constituents of lime are P-coumaric acid, kaempferol, terpenoid and quercetin constituents. It also contains volatile oils including citral, citronellal, citronellol, eugenol and limonene. The combination of these oils and antioxidants may provide an anti-anxiety benefit. A stand-alone antioxidant, lavender terpenoid, has been shown to provide calming effects. However, more research is needed on the flower and its compounds.
Linden flower has been approved by Germany’s Commission E, the country’s herbal regulatory agency, for the treatment of colds and coughs. Folk medicine in various cultures around the world has used linden tea for its diuretic effects, helping patients get rid of fevers by helping them sweat, although this use is supported by minimal scientific evidence.
Lime tea contains no calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber or sugar.
The benefits of lime tea
Reduces inflammation and pain
Quercetin, an antioxidant found in lime tea, has been shown to be effective against inflammation, particularly in the heart and the entire cardiovascular system. Lime tea also relieves pain, especially heat-related pain, skin irritations, and muscle and joint spasms.
Antispasmodic effect
Lime tea has an antispasmodic component that can be helpful in relieving cramps and spasms that cause migraines, muscle stiffness, and menstrual cramps.
It relieves stress and anxiety
Tilia tomentosa Moench bud extracts found in the linden tree are effective in reducing anxiety and relieving stress. Lime tree contains an essential oil that can reduce anxiety by limiting the body’s ability to get excited.
It lowers blood pressure
Components in linden and its leaves and flowers can act as a vasodilator – it dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. It is also classified as a hypotensive herb that has the flavonoid tiliroside, a compound that has been shown to reduce hypertension.
Soothes the digestive tract
Like any hot tea, linden tea provides warmth and hydration—both of which have a soothing effect on the digestive tract, as water can help food move through the intestines. Folk medicine promotes the use of linden tea in periods of gastric discomfort. In a small study in children with antibiotic-resistant diarrhea, tiliroside showed strong antibacterial properties.
Diuretic and fever-reducing effect
The inner bark of the Tilia tree has been associated with diuretic and diaphoretic effects. A diuretic is a substance that encourages the body to eliminate more fluid, while a diaphoretic is a substance that is used to lower fever by encouraging sweating. Lime tea has been used in folk medicine to promote sweating and productive coughing when a minor illness such as a cold sets in. In Germany, the use of 1-2 cups of linden tea at bedtime is approved as an infusion that promotes sweating in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Preparation of lime tea
A typical serving is one tea bag (1.5g) in a cup of hot water. The length of time the tea bag is left in the water is directly proportional to the strength of the tea. The European Medicines Agency recommends a moderate consumption of linden tea, i.e. no more than 4 grams (two tea bags) per day. Lime tea can be made with just the flower or include the bark and leaves.
Contraindications for drinking lime tea
Lime flowers are generally classified as safe for moderate human consumption. However, there are some considerations that should be kept in mind. The amount of linden tea a person consumes depends on several factors, such as age and health. However, there is not enough scientific information to determine what is a safe dose of linden tea.
Frequent consumption of lime tea has been linked to heart disease. Lime has been shown to have effects similar to those of a diuretic (it helps rid the body of salt and water). Excessive consumption of limes could increase the rate of dehydration in the body, as well as decrease the efficiency with which the body disposes of lithium, which could increase the amount of lithium in the body, leading to serious side effects.
Lime also carries Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause botulism, a rare but crippling and even fatal disease. Although it does not contain spores in significant amounts, caution should be exercised when considering giving linden tea to babies, as it increases the risk of infant botulism.
Lime tea can cause drowsiness, so it is advised that people do not drive or operate heavy machinery after consumption. It should also not be taken with sedatives, herbs or other medicines that regulate blood pressure.
Bibliography:
- WebMD Editorial Contributors. “Health Benefits of Linden Tea.” WebMD, WebMD, 9 Dec. 2020, www.webmd.com
- Wartenberg, Lisa. “8 Surprising Benefits of Linden Tea.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 21 Aug. 2019, www.healthline.com
- Verywell. “The Health Benefits of Linden.” Verywell Fit2018,
