Content
Linden is a medicinal plant, also known as teja, tejo, texa or tilha, which is popularly used to treat various health problems, from anxiety, headache, diarrhea and poor digestion.
Although linden is a plant originally from Europe, it can be found all over the world, being used 3 main species, the Tilia cordata, most common, Tilia platyphyllus and the Tilia x vulgaris.
This medicinal plant is relatively easy to find, being present in the market and in natural products stores in the form of packages with dried flowers and leaves, which can be just one species or a mixture of the three.
Main benefits of linden
According to some studies, linden appears to have some proven benefits and, therefore, can be indicated for:
1. Reduce anxiety
In some investigations, linden tea has been shown to have an inhibitory action on benzodiazepine receptors, which means that it can decrease the action of the central nervous system, calming the nerves and helping to relieve anxiety attacks.
This mechanism is similar to that of pharmacy benzodiazepine drugs, which act by inhibiting the same receptors and which are prescribed for the treatment of pathological anxiety.
2. Relieve fever
One of the most popular effects of linden tea is its ability to increase sweating and help regulate fever in colds and flu.
According to some studies, this effect, known as the diaphoretic effect, occurs due to the presence of substances such as quercetin, canferol and coumarinic acid, which stimulate the production of sweat.
3. Lower blood pressure
Although the mechanism of action of linden on blood pressure is not yet known, some studies have observed a direct effect between the consumption of linden tea and the reduction of blood pressure, especially systolic pressure.
This action may be related to the presence of tiliroside, chlorogenic acid and rutoside. In addition, the plant still seems to exercise diuretic power, which also makes it easier to regulate blood pressure.
4. Eliminate fluid retention
Similar to the diaphoretic effect of linden on sweat production, the plant also appears to increase urine production, producing a strong diuretic action. When this happens, excess fluids are eliminated from the body, treating and preventing fluid retention.
5. Help to calm the stomach
The capacity of linden to calm the stomach has been known since antiquity and, although there is no specific mechanism to justify this action, it is possible that it is related to its calming and slightly anti-inflammatory action.
6. Reduce blood glucose
According to studies done with linden, the plant appears to be able to regulate blood glucose levels, helping in the treatment of diabetes. Most of this effect has been linked to the inhibition of the alpha-glucosidase enzyme, which is found in the intestine and helps in the absorption of glucose from food into the blood.
In addition, linden can also inhibit another enzyme, alpha-amylase, which is found in the digestive tract and is also responsible for digesting carbohydrates and transforming them into simpler sugars that can be absorbed.
7. Prevent obesity and overweight
In addition to the enzymes that regulate glucose absorption, linden also appears to inhibit the action of pancreatic lipase, another enzyme that is responsible for the absorption of fats. Thus, the consumption of linden can help decrease the absorption of dietary fats, which end up being eliminated in the feces, helping with weight control.
8. Eliminate yeast infections
Although it is a lesser known property of the plant, according to a study of 41 plants, linden has antifungal action against various types of fungi, and can be used as a complement to treat some fungal infections.
9. Prevent cancer
In addition to having antioxidant action, which protects cells against various types of damage, linden also demonstrated selective action on some tumor cells, causing their death without affecting healthy cells. This effect is being related to its rich scopoletin composition.
How to use linden
The most popular way to use linden is through tea made from its dried flowers and leaves, however, the plant can also be used in cooking to add flavor to some dishes.
How to make linden tea
Add 1.5 grams of flowers and dry leaves of linden in 150 mL of boiling water, cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, allow to warm and drink 2 to 4 times a day.
In the case of children between 4 and 12 years of age, it is recommended to reduce the amount of linden to 1 gram per 150 mL of boiling water.
Possible side effects
Linden is a very safe plant and, therefore, the appearance of side effects is quite rare. However, some people seem to be more sensitive to linden flowers and may develop allergic symptoms such as itchy skin, sneezing and runny nose.
Contraindications for linden
There are no studies that indicate the possible contraindications for this plant, but there are suspicions that it may have a toxic effect on the heart muscle, especially when consumed in excess. For this reason, linden is usually discouraged in patients with heart problems.
For lack of studies, and for a reason and safety, linden should also not be used in children under the age of 4 and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.