Since childhood, we all know the sweet aroma of flowering linden. This plant has long been revered for its beauty and beneficial properties. Linden was also used in cosmetology, but it gained popularity, primarily because of its healing properties.
As a medicinal raw material, both leaves and bark of linden can be used, but most often a decoction or infusion of linden blossom is used. Linden flower - light yellow, with stipules, collected in inflorescences, semi-umbrellas. It has a fragrant odor.
Linden flower is harvested and harvested during the full flowering of trees. As a rule, this period occurs at the end of June, sometimes the beginning of July and lasts about 2 weeks. A linden flower suitable for harvesting should not be damaged by rust or spoiled by insects. It is best to collect inflorescences in which some flowers have not yet blossomed and have not had time to give back some of the beneficial properties. Drying of raw materials should be carried out in the shade, in a well-ventilated room, while the layer of flowers should be no more than 5 cm. Linden flowers are very fragile, so they should not be turned over during drying so as not to damage the inflorescences. Ready-made vegetable raw materials are stored in cloth bags in a dark place. Subject to all these conditions, linden blossom will not lose its healing properties within three years.
The basic properties of linden flowers have long been known. Most often, lime color is used for various colds, flu and acute respiratory infections as a diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory agent. Sometimes it is brewed in combination with raspberry leaves. The beneficial properties of linden flowers are due to the presence of tannins, essential oils, glucose and flavonoids in their composition.
Linden flower can be added to tea for a soothing drink. Essential oil, which is part of it, has a sedative and antispasmodic property, helps to normalize blood pressure and cope with stress. Such tea will be useful for people suffering from insomnia, or prone to anxiety.
Due to tannins, linden has a restorative and strengthening effect on the body. A decoction of linden flowers has a moderate diuretic and choleretic properties, due to which it is used for various diseases of the liver and kidneys. It also perfectly strengthens the immune system.
Lipa is also successfully used as an external remedy. With a decoction of linden blossom make lotions that have antiseptic and wound healing effects. Such compresses are used for hemorrhoids, ulcers, burns and rheumatic pains. Linden flower can be used by almost everyone, with the exception of pregnant and lactating women and people with individual intolerance to the components of the said plant materials.
To prepare a linden infusion, a tablespoon of inflorescences is poured into a glass of boiling water and insisted for 40 minutes. The container must be wrapped with a towel or scarf to maintain heat. It is recommended to use the infusion freshly prepared and hot.