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Our grandmothers already knew that medicinal effects for all ailments are hidden in herbs. One of these medicinal plants is the linden flower, which helps fight fever, lowers cholesterol levels, and can help with migraine or insomnia. We can even make not only tea from it, but also a great lemonade full of vitamins and minerals.
Linden flowers
The linden flower can be used not only as a beautiful decoration that makes our room smell nice, but also as a medicine. Linden flowers hide a number of valuable substances such as flavonoids, antioxidants, essential oils, tannins, amino acids and vitamins C and E. Thanks to this, it has a range of positive effects on our body.
Positive effects
- Effectively strengthens the immune system, making us more resistant to illnesses
- Reduces fever, making it effective in treating flu or colds
- Supports the elasticity of blood vessels, protecting us against the development of arteriosclerosis
- Helps the body eliminate harmful substances and effectively fights inflammatory processes
- Acts as a diuretic, helping to remove excess fluid from the body, which can be useful for weight loss
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Acts against insomnia, nervousness, migraine, reduces stress
In addition, like one of the few plants it contains phytohormones that are similar to female hormones, and thus help reduce menopausal symptoms or slow down the aging process. Therefore those of us over 45 should drink tea from this plant at least from time to time.
Harvesting and drying linden flowers
Two species of linden are most common here, namely the large-leaved linden and the small-leaved linden. The ideal time to harvest is in June and July, and we collect the whole inflorescence with a leaf. To prevent the valuable substances from evaporating from this plant, dry it at a temperature up to 35 degrees Celsius in a shady place.
Linden tea
To prepare linden tea you only need a handful of dried linden flowers, which you pour over with half a liter of boiling water in a glass container. Let this infusion steep for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain it. The tea can be served with honey, lemon, or by adding mint leaves.
Linden lemonade
In summer heat, linden blossom lemonade can refresh you. It is ideal for quenching thirst, replenishing vitamins and minerals, or even relieving headaches. To prepare the lemonade, put two handfuls of dried linden flowers into a three-liter container, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey, a sliced lemon, and pour in 3 liters of clean cold water. For a more pronounced flavor you can add mint, basil or lemon balm. Mix everything well, cover with a cloth and leave to infuse for 6 to 8 hours in a sunny place. Finally, just filter the lemonade through a sieve and that’s it.
Do you also know a recipe for a healthy lemonade? Share it with us in the comments.
