TiliaCordata, generally known as Lime Flower, Small-leaved Lime, small-leaved linden is a deciduous plant native to Europe from Britain, through central Scandinavia, to central Russia, and south to central Spain, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, the Caucasus, and western Asia. It has been vastly planted in the U.S. as a decorative shade tree because of its interesting foliage, dense, low-branched, and pyramidal to ovate form and tolerance for urban issues.

Lime flowers have been used as an herbal treatment for centuries in Europe. The Romans placed lime trees in the centre of their towns, in believe they induced a calming effect. The medication was frequently referred to as the “nectar of kings” because of its potent health benefits.

Flower and Fruit

The plant consists of small yellow-green flowers that are produced in bunches of five to twelve in early summer with a leafy yellow-green subtending bract and have a heavy, rich aroma. Flowering generally takes place during June to July.

Lime tea is made from the flowers of some species of the Tilia genus, deciduous trees of the Malvaceae family.

Active Compounds of Lime Flowers

Lime flowers are a very usual natural medication for both physical and mental relaxation and is a favourite among relaxing herbal teas.

Lime flower owes its high antispasmodic, anxiolytic and sedative attributes to its content in flavonoids (kaempferoland quercetin), limonene, nerol, alpha-pinene, caffeic acid, eugenol, tannins and mucilage among other substances.

Significant Health Benefits 

Prevents Cancer

Lime flowers consist of fascinating amount of antioxidants which is actually a significant option for treating and preventing different forms of cancer. Those antioxidant components, like coumarin and quercetin, assists to prevent free radicals from causing mutation or apoptosis in healthy cells, which frequently lead to cancer.

Improves Your Digestion

Lime flower tea is one the best options if you’re troubled from an upset stomach, constipation, bloating, or cramping. Just sip on a cup of Lime flower tea and relax your stomach in no time. The mixture of chemicals and components found in Lime flowers helps to lower gastrointestinal discomfort and stimulate the appropriate digestion and excretion of food.

Reduces Flu and Cold

Apart from stimulating sweat to break a fever, Lime flowers also contribute to other symptoms of flu and cold, like swollen or inflamed membrane throughout your respiratory tracts and mouth. This can help to lessen irritation and coughing, so Lime flowers are generally trusted to calm coughing and soothe sore throats.Lime flower tea can also assist to destroy congestion, making it an authentic triple-threat to colds and flues, and represents a key immune system booster.

Relieves Anxiety

Lime flower tea is frequently used to cure an anxiety problem, as its relaxing attributes have been well-known to decrease anxiety and mental stress. If you suffer from unexplained chronic stress or mood swings, a cup of Lime flower tea can be a very wise addition to your health treatment. It has a minor effect on your hormone levels, inducing a state of relaxation for your mind and body.

Eliminates Inflammation

Lime flower tea is evenly beneficial for you if you suffer from tension headaches and other inflammatory issues, including gout and arthritis. Lime flower tea is favourable in removing those troubling symptoms. Just as it lowers the inflammation in your respiratory tracts, it also assists to reduce blood pressure and eliminate inflammation in your blood vessels, thus resisting the small capillary back-ups that very often lead to headaches, as well as the swollen tissue of arthritis sufferers.

Detoxifies Your Body

P-coumaric acid is another very favourable organic component found in Lime flowers. This is known as a diaphoretic, which means that it encourages sweating, which is a very efficient way of releasing toxins from your body, along with excess salt, water, fat, and foreign substances. 

Traditional Uses

• Charcoal made from Lime wood is used in the medication of dyspeptic or gastric disturbances.
• It is also made into a powder then applied to burns or sore places.
• It protects your skin from sun exposure and aging.
• Sap and the flower are also used in ointments for itchy skin.
• Lime leaves help reduce fever.
• The oil from Lime flowers is also used extensively in aromatherapy.

How to Consume?

While it is occasionally used for culinary dishes, the most efficient way of gaining Lime flower’s health benefits is in its medicinal forms, where the attributes are more concentrated. Key preparations are capsules, tinctures, and infusions.

• Capsules: In its most concentrated medicinal form, Lime flower capsules can relieve muscle spasms because of its antispasmodic attributes, as well as aid digestion.
• Tinctures: A Lime flower tincture can also relieve muscle spasms. It can also boost better quality sleep with its sedative features.
• Infusions: One of the most common medicinal forms, Lime flower infusions has long been used for treating insomnia, due to its sedative attributes.

How to Prepare Lime Flower Tea?

To begin you can use the flowers, leaves or bark. But the best way to make this tea is with flowers.

The flowers can be used fresh, dries and in powdered form for making Lime flower tea. Pour 250 ml of hot water over 2 teaspoons of fresh flowers (you may use 4 teaspoons if using dried). Leave for 10 minutes, then you’re good to enjoy its benefits.

The Bottom Line

Lime flowers have commonly been regarded as being safe. However, avoid taking Lime flowers together with medicines to promote blood pressure, as their effects could be reduced. If you’re taking any prescribed medications, please consult your doctor or healthcare professional before obtaining the benefits of this herb.