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At the very beginning of spring many flowering trees welcome us, among them you’ll also find the very popular linden. Linden flowers are used to brew tea or to prepare syrup. When drying linden flowers you can keep them for the winter season.
There are two types of linden in our area
In nature you can find two different types of lindens; the most potent and medicinal one differs substantially from the other. Gather the flowers from the linden that has smaller, bright green leaves. The other, less medicinal linden, on the contrary has large and slightly grayish leaves. Distinguish between these two types and pay attention only to the flowers of the first type of linden.
The actual harvesting of the tree’s flowers is recommended to be done in very sunny weather, when the flowers are free of water and are most open toward the sun’s rays. Choose the very best time for collecting the flowers; the buds of individual flowers must not be still unripe, but also not too spent.
If a flower is too fully bloomed, after drying all the medicinal elements fall away, so you will have nothing left for a delicious tea or syrup. Never collect flowers from the ground; they fall off for a clear reason and will not be good for your purposes.
Cut off the end of the flower
For proper harvesting of linden flowers it is appropriate to cut off only the flowers; the branches around the flowers will be of no use to you. Cutting off larger parts also damages the tree itself, which may not have as many flowers in the next season.
For proper preservation and storage of dried flowers it is necessary to spread the flowers in a dry place and turn them often, at least once a week. Once the flower is completely dry, you can place it into a dry box, crate, cloth bag or bottle. Metal containers are not suitable for storing herbs or tree flowers.
The linden has great medicinal effects
Besides the wonderful taste of delicious linden tea or syrup you will also enjoy its great effects. It has a positive impact on colds, sweating, fever and cough or other respiratory problems. It eases bronchial issues, supports expectoration and its compounds stimulate the immune system.
According to folk wisdom, linden flower is also used to strengthen the nerves, the entire nervous system, and also to cleanse the blood. It also has great positive effects on digestive issues and the stomach.
Linden flower helps with peaceful sleep
According to folk traditions, linden flower tea was used for calm falling asleep and restful sleep for children and adults. A quick bath with linden flowers has the same effects. All these factors clearly show that linden tree flowers are very beneficial for health and for the wellbeing of the entire immune system.
Prepare a delicious tea
Pick the linden flowers and dry them using the method described above. After storing them in a box or crate you can use the completely dry flowers to prepare a delicious and refreshing tea.
Put two teaspoons of dried linden flowers into a cup and pour over two deciliters of hot water. Let the prepared tea steep for approximately ten minutes and then strain it to obtain a great tea free of flower particles. The tea will help you in treating colds, rheumatism, gout or for overall immune support.
You’ll love linden flower syrup
For preparing linden syrup you will need:
- 4-5 handfuls of linden flowers
- 2 large lemons sliced
- 2 kg of granulated crystal sugar
- 3 l of water
- 1 teaspoon of citric acid
- 1 teaspoon of tartaric acid
- 1 teaspoon of sodium benzoate
Soak the flowers in the water and sprinkle with lemon slices, granulated sugar, citric acid and tartaric acid. Cover the container with a cloth and stir at least four times a week for three days. On the last day stir sodium benzoate into the mixture as well. After three days strain the mixture and store the resulting syrup in a glass container with a well-sealable neck.
For a beautiful yellow color and a sweeter taste you can also use crystal sugar. You can toast it until browned, then dissolve it in three deciliters of water and mix it into the syrup.
