ii Herb of the Month Marianne Hughes, Hazel Brady

Lime Flower (Tilia x europaea; a hybrid of T. cordata and T. platyphyllos)

Marianne Hughes, with illustration by Hazel Brady

During June and July, walking beneath Lime trees and inhaling their wonderful scent seems a perfect remedy for stress, tension and overwork. So, it makes sense that Lime blossom is, indeed, an effective nervine. Many authors (e.g., Conway, 2001; Hoffman, 2002; Ody, 1993) focus on its calming and relaxing actions, agreeing that various types of tension, stress and anxiety can be positively alleviated through infusions or tinctures.

When nervous tension impacts on digestion, as it often does, Lime blossom tea, with its very low tannin content, can be an effective remedy. As Bartram (1998) explains, the tannins present in ordinary tea ‘inhibit true protein digestibility thus favouring Lime flowers for efficient digestion.’ A hot, strong infusion of Lime blossom also has a diaphoretic action (induces sweating), so it can reduce fever and assist in eliminating toxins through the skin and the urine. As a cold infusion, Lime blossom has a cooling effect, which is useful for treating menopausal hot flushes.

Lime blossom can also encourage restful sleep and was recommended as a sedative for soldiers on the frontline during the Second World War (Bruton-Seal & Seal, 2008). Folklore has it that if you fall asleep under this tree, you will wake up in fairyland (Bruton-Seal & Seal, 2008). Perhaps this is because Lime flowers develop narcotic properties as they age and ought to be collected when they first open (Bown, 2008). Nonetheless, Conway (2001) describes Lime blossom as: one of the major children’s remedies in herbal medicine…to soothe irritable states, aid sleep, soothe coughs and clear colds Hoffman (2002) suggests Lime blossom as a prophylactic against arteriosclerosis (by reducing cholesterol) and against hypertension, as it relaxes the peripheral vascular system, lowering blood pressure. One of the active ingredients of Lime blossom is hesperidin, a bioflavonoid which has antioxidant actions. Hesperidin was first isolated, from the white inner layer of citrus peels, in 1828 by French chemist, Philippe Lebreton. Zanwar et al. (2014) note that hesperidin exhibits several pharmacological actions such as cardioprotective, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic activities, which are mainly attributed to an antioxidant defence mechanism and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production Hesperidin is present in all citrus fruits, some fruits and vegetables, and in Lime blossom. It is sometimes known as Vitamin P, though it is not a vitamin (which is a bit confusing). Just as confusing is the common name ‘Lime’. Despite the presence of hesperidin in the blossom, Tilia x europaea is not related to the tree which produces lime fruits— that is Citrus aurantiifolia. Perhaps the traditional name for the tree, the ‘Linden’, is more useful.

We are not the only creatures fond of this blossom; bees love it, too. Honey made from Lime flowers retains their calming effects (Bruton-Seal & Seal, 2008) and, of course, helps fight infection (Conway, 2001).

In these anxiety-inducing times, inhaling deeply under a blossoming Linden tree, taking a Lime blossom tea, or spreading Lime blossom honey on your toast could be just the tonic you need.

References Bartram, T. (1998) Bartram’s Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine Robinson: London Bown, D. (2008) Encyclopaedia of Herbs, Royal Horticultural Society, Dorling Kindersley: London Bruton-Seal, J. and Seal, M. (2008) Hedgerow Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies, Merlin Unwin: Shropshire Conway, P. (2001) Tree Medicine, Judy Piatkus: London Hoffman, D. (2002) Holistic Herbal, Thorsons: London Ody, P. (1993) The Complete Medicinal Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs, Skyhorse: New York Zanwar, A. A., et al (2014) ‘Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Vascular and Cardiac Disease, and Cancer’, in Polyphenols in Human Health and Disease (Volume 2), Elsevier: 989-992. (Accessed online,16.5.21)