Linden
Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos
T Traditional useLinden (lime) flower tea is traditionally used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and mild symptoms of stress in adults and older children.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA classes linden flower as a traditional herbal medicine for common cold symptoms and mild symptoms of stress. For colds it is best started at the first signs. The monograph lists no known adverse effects.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve symptoms of the common cold. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5 g of dried linden flowers.
Amount: 2–4 times daily (3–6 g a day)
Duration limit: For a cold, see a doctor if no better within 1 week
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 4 years
- See a doctor if you get shortness of breath, high fever or pus-like phlegm.
- For colds not recommended under 4; for stress not recommended under 12.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Linden is one of the herbal teas the EMA assesses for colds in children from age 4. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does linden help with a cold?
The EMA accepts linden flower as a traditional remedy for common cold symptoms; clinical evidence is limited.
How do I make linden tea?
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5 g (about 1 tablespoon) of dried flowers. Drink 2–4 cups a day.
Can children drink linden tea?
Children aged 4–12 can use 1 g, 2–4 times daily for colds; not recommended under 4.
Can I drink linden tea during pregnancy?
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been shown, so the EMA does not recommend it.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Tilia cordata Miller, Tilia platyphyllos Scop., Tilia x vulgaris Heyne or their mixtures, flosEMA HMPC · 2012
Cite This Page
Linden (Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/linden/
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