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Tiliaceae
Linden family
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Contents:
Common Names
Parts Usually Used
Plant(s) & Culture
Where Found
Medicinal Properties Legends, Myths and Stories
Uses
Formulas or Dosages
Warning
Bibliography
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Common Names
American basswood
American linden
Bast tree
Common lime
Lime tree
Linden
Linden flower
Spoonwood
Wycopy
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Parts Usually Used
Flowers and leaves, inner bark
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
The basswood tree reaches a height of up to 120 feet. The brownish-gray bark
is perpendicularly, but not deeply, fissured. The cordate, serrate leaves are
from 4-7 inches long have pointed tips and heart-shaped bases; clusters of yellow-white
fragrant flowers (1/2 inch wide) with 5 sepals and petals and numerous stamens
cohering in groups, grow on long stalks from narrow bracts, appear in June and
August; they are followed by small round nutlets. The fruits or seeds are about
the size and shape of a pea and are commonly called "monkey-nuts".
Tree characterized by prominent winter buds and the lack of terminal bud; and
for the pyramidal shape of the tree.
Other lindens, like the commonly planted
European linden, can be used in the same way.
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Where Found
Found in the eastern United States and in Canada; moist soil, in woods and forests,
in uplands and valleys from Quebec to North Dakota and south to North Carolina
and Oklahoma. Also planted in cities of this area.
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Medicinal Properties
Diaphoretic, stomachic Bark: emollient
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Legends, Myths and Stories
In Europe, many legends and superstitions are centered around these trees. Linden
wood was used for carving sacred works of art, and the linden tree, which was
the village tree, played an important role in the life of early Europeans. Thus
it was only natural that special curative power was ascribed to these medicinal
trees.
Among the Germanic peoples the linden was
a "sacred" tree for people in love, the tree that brought fertility
and prosperity. In the Middle Ages, people carved images of the Virgin Mary
and figures of the saints from linden wood, calling the wood lignum sacrum,
sacred wood.
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Uses
Used as a home remedy for colds, flu, coughs, fever, headaches, epilepsy, indigestion,
and sore throats. The inner bark contains mucilaginous materials and makes a
soothing application for skin irritations, boils, wounds, sores, and burns.
A popular continental herb tea. Used in cosmetic preparations.
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Formulas or Dosages
Bark, leaves and flowers, dried in the shade.
Infusion: steep 1 tsp. flowers or leaves
in 1 cup water. Take 1-2 cups a day.
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Warning
Frequent consumption of flower tea may cause heart damage.
