Here is more about what research tells us about linden/linden tea benefits:
1. Provides Antioxidants and Other Beneficial Compounds
Studies have identified many health-promoting chemical constituents within linden trees, including:
Flavonoids, such as kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and glycosides.
Volatile oils, including alkanes, phenolic alcohols and esters, and terpenes, including citral, citronellal, citronellol, eugenol, limonene, nerol and α-pinene.
Other constituents, such as saponins, tannins and tocopherol.
Amino acids, including alanine, cysteine, cystine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and serine.
Carbohydrates in the form of mucilage polysaccharides, including arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and others.
While it’s a source of many antioxidants, research shows it’s especially high in flavonoids, tiliroside, quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds have been shown in many studies to offer protection against free radical damage and oxidative stress, which can damage cells.
Higher intake of these chemicals can also help support eye, heart and skin health and may generally reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
2. Can Help Reduce Anxiety
One traditional use of linden was “quelling hysteria” and decreasing anxiety-related symptoms, such as indigestion, heart palpitations and vomiting.
Why is linden tea good for anxiety? Recent studies suggest that linden extract may have calming effects because it mimics the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which inhibits excitability in the nervous system.
The presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids is also thought to help regulate nervous system activity.
Some people report experiencing a decrease in blood pressure and tension-related pain, such as tension headaches, when using linden. It may also help improve sleep quality by boosting relaxation and reducing discomfort.
Does linden tea have caffeine? No; it’s naturally caffeine free and considered an herbal tea.
This makes it a good choice if you’re sensitive to the effects of caffeine and tend to become jittery or nervous when consuming it.
3. Supports Detoxification and Digestive Health
Like certain other herbal teas, including dandelion tea, there’s evidence suggesting that linden can act like a natural diuretic, helping reduce fluid retention and swelling while supporting overall digestive function.
It’s also used to promote sweating in order to boost detoxification and as a mucilage to help those who are sick to release phlegm. It’s described as having demulcent and antispasmodic properties that can help decrease coughs, flu and bronchitis symptoms, and other respiratory issues.
4. May Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Certain studies suggest that antioxidants found in linden, including tiliroside and quercetin, are capable of decreasing inflammation, swelling and pain. This can potentially lead to benefits for those with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
(Another tea that can help alleviate pain is ginger tea.)
5. May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
Linden is thought to be a natural vasodilator, meaning that it helps dilate blood vessels and can lower blood pressure. This is one way in which it may decrease anxiety symptoms, headaches, etc.