Every six weeks I welcome two pharmacy students to my drug information center.
I surprise students that join me in June by asking to bring little bags and scissors with them.
These are perfect tools when we go harvesting linden blossoms. My students typically don’t expect to find an amazing medicine growing right outside the door.
Whether you live in the Northeast of the United States or in Europe, undoubtedly you have experienced the intoxicating smell of linden trees.
Sweet, heady, completely overwhelming with their aroma, these majestic trees usually blossom at the end of June.
This will be my third year harvesting the blossoms from the trees near my office.
Every June on the way work I smell the flowers and get filled with happiness and gratitude.
If medicine can taste or smell this good, we live in a pretty amazing world.
Lindens go by their Latin name Tilia cordata and sometimes are called Lime flowers.
Linden blossoms are traditionally used in Europe for their mild effects on depression, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.
My teacher, herbalist David Winston, recommends using linden as a mild antihypertensive agent and additive to regimens for kids with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
Linden can even be used for gas and nausea.
Linden blossoms make a lovely fragrant tea. Since they’re starting to bloom right now, you should seize the opportunity to harvest some. You can also purchase them in your favorite herbal store or from a company like Mountain Rose Herbs.
I recently came across a really gorgeous and useful book written by Emily Han called Wild Drinks & Cocktails: Handcrafted Squashes, Shrubs, Switchels, Tonics and Infusions to Mix at Home.
Whether you get a colorful hard copy or a Kindle version, the recipes are outstanding.
Emily recommends mixing 1 teaspoon of dried (or wilted) linden leaves/flowers with the same amount of dried lemon balm leaves and lavender buds in 1 cup of boiling water. Add a bit of honey for sweetness and enjoy this yummy tea for stress relief now or later during the year.
Are you familiar with Linden trees and their magic aroma?
Originally published at www.lanacamiel.com.
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About the Author
I am a college professor, pharmacist and herbalist, teaching young professionals and students how to have less stress and more focus on the right food and herbs.
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