NATURAL HEALING GUIDE

It's said that the linden tree, or Tilia Americana, stores the warming rays of the sun in its honey-sweet blooms (also called lime blooms). When the delicious tea prepared from these flowers is drunk, it instills the sun's warmth in the body, causing once to break out in perspiration. Natural healers have long exploited this effect. They give hot linden-flower tea to induce sweating-the body's way of cooling itself-to help reduce fevers, in fact, in folk medicine it is often referred to as "fever tea." The tea has many other health benefits as well: It helps to alleviate coughs and colds, stimulate the appetite, reduce anxiety, relive insomnia and ease painful cramps. Because this tea has so many uses, it is a valuable everyday remedy for any household.

Preparation of the tea
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of linden flowers, and then steep for 10 min. Sip this flavorful tea-as hot you can stand it-3 times a day to reduce fever and to promote perspiration.

Therapeutic effect
Linden flower contain the curative plant fiber mucilage, as well as many vitamins and the essential oil farnesol. When ingested as a bot tea, this medley of compounds reduces fevers. The tea is also a good pain reliever-especially for cramps-and it is a highly effective expectorant, which helps to break up mucus buildup and congestion. It is safe to drink a cup or two of the tea every day.

Flavonoids against fever
Linden-flower tea is highly valued for its ability to reduce fevers. It does this by inducing perspiration, which releases heat from the body. This effect is due mainly to the flavonoids in the blossoms, which act directly on the sweat glands. To maximize the tea's effectiveness, dress warmly and, if possible, stay in bed for 30 minutes or so after drinking the tea.

Mucilage against bronchitis
The tea's high mucilage content calms the cough receptors in the respiratory passages, thereby reliving bronchial problems. Mucilage also promotes healing of the airways.

Take care : Some researchers believe that drinking large amounts of linden flower tea may damage the heart. Others claim it's safe. Those with heart disease may want to limit their intake.

Medicinal actions & uses

Linden-flower tea in the bath
A relaxing evening bath suffused with linden flower tea relives insomnia and calms nervous tension. Make a tea by boiling 2-3 handfuls of linden flower in 1 qt. of water. Strain this mixture and pour it into the bathwater. An evening
Linden flower bath is also effective for calming babies and small children and helping them to establish sound sleep patterns.

Skins and body care
Freshly prepared linden flower tea can be added to lotions and applied to the face or body. The tea helps to regenerate the skin. Because linden flowers can reduce swelling, the tea is also an excellent remedy for puffy eyelids. To decreases swelling, simply soak cotton balls in the tea, and then place them on the eyelids for about 20 min.

Healing tea mixtures

To prevent mucus buildup and maintain kindly health

1 ½ oz. linden flowers 1oz. yarrow 1oz.st. John's wort
Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water; steep about 10 min. Use as needed to prevent congestion. Drinking extra fluids with this tea to flush the kidneys.

To help prevent cold and other infections

1 ½ oz. linden flowers 1oz. elder flower 1oz. chamomile flowers 1oz. lemon balm
Add 1 tsp. of the herb mixture to 1cup of boiling water; steep for 10 min. and strain. To help prevent colds, drink 1 cup of this tea every day.

To relieve nervous tension and promote relaxation

1 ½ oz. linden flowers 2/3 oz. sage 2/3oz. thyme 2/3oz. lemon balm
Add 1 tsp. of the herb mixture to 1 cup of boiling water; steep for 10 min. and strain. This tea is best drunk in the evening before bedtime.