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These days one of the most popular trees is in bloom, the linden. Its flowers are not only beautiful but also very valuable for health. Linden is known for its healing properties, so it’s worth picking its flowers and making tea or syrup from them that you can use throughout the year.
Which type of linden to collect?
There are two main types of linden: one has larger, grayish leaves, the other smaller, glossy and dark green. The second type has a healthier and stronger medicinal effect. When collecting, it is therefore advisable to focus on lindens with smaller, dark green leaves.
How to properly collect linden flowers?
Collect linden on sunny days when most flowers are open but some are still blooming. Too closed or, conversely, completely open flowers are not ideal. Do not damage the tree when collecting and pick only the inflorescences from the ends of the branches. Sort the collected flowers and dry them in a shady place, turning them regularly. After they are completely dry, store them in a cardboard box, cloth bag or glass bottle, but avoid metal containers.
Medicinal effects of linden
Linden has a wide range of medicinal effects:
- Relief for colds: Linden tea is an excellent antiperspirant and helps with coughs.
- Relief for bronchitis: Linden eases difficulties and supports expectoration.
- Blood cleansing and strengthening of the nerves: Folk medicine recommends linden to improve the nervous system and cleanse the blood.
- Diuretic and digestive support: Linden is an important component of tea blends that support kidney function and digestion.
Linden is also suitable as an additive to baths that calm the nerves and improve sleep quality, especially in children. A decoction of linden flowers can be added to bath water for skin and hair care.
Preparation of linden tea
Preparing tea from linden flowers is simple:
- Pour 200 ml of hot water over two teaspoons of dried linden flowers.
- Let the tea steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
- This tea is an excellent remedy for colds, rheumatism and gout.
Recipe for linden syrup
To prepare linden syrup you will need:
- 4-5 handfuls of linden flowers
- 2 large lemons, sliced
- 2 kg granulated sugar
- 3 liters of boiled and cooled water
- 1 teaspoon citric acid
- 1 teaspoon tartaric acid
- 1 teaspoon sodium benzoate (only for winter)
Procedure:
- Thoroughly rinse the linden flowers and place them into a 5-liter bottle.
- Add the lemons, sugar, water, citric acid and tartaric acid.
- Cover with a cloth and let it stand for 3 days, stirring regularly.
- If you want to preserve the syrup for the winter, add sodium benzoate.
- After three days, strain the syrup, pour it into bottles and seal them.
From this amount you will obtain approximately 3.5 liters of delicious syrup, which will provide you with a natural remedy for colds and many other health problems throughout the year.
In short, the linden is a great natural remedy worth having at home. Gather its flowers and prepare supplies for the winter so you have this healing treasure of nature on hand.
