Linden tea is a popular herbal infusion that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.
It is made by brewing dried linden flowers in hot water. Linden tea has a delicate floral aroma and is often consumed for its calming and relaxing properties. But what are the benefits and risks of drinking linden tea? Linden tea has several potential health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and stress.
Linden tea contains plant compounds that mimic the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that inhibits the excitability of the nervous system. Thus, linden tea may promote relaxation by acting as a GABA agonist.
Fights Inflammation
Linden tea is rich in powerful antioxidants, such as tiliroside and kaempferol, which help fight inflammation. Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. However, the amount of these antioxidants may vary depending on the variety and tea blend, and more research is needed to determine how much linden tea needs to be drunk to reduce inflammation.
Pain Relief
Some antioxidants found in linden tea may also relieve pain. One study found that administering tiliroside, an antioxidant found in linden tea, to mice with swollen paws reduced swelling and pain by almost 27% and 31%, respectively. Another 8-week study involving 50 women with rheumatoid arthritis found that taking 500 mg of quercetin, another antioxidant found in linden tea, significantly improved pain symptoms and inflammatory markers. However, 500 mg of quercetin is a very high dose, and the amount of this antioxidant may vary depending on the variety of tea. Therefore, it is unclear how much linden tea needs to be drunk to relieve pain.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Some plant components of linden tea, such as tiliroside, rutin, and chlorogenic acid, may lower blood pressure. One study in mice found that tiliroside, an antioxidant in linden tea, affects calcium channels in the heart, and calcium plays an important role in the contraction of the heart muscle. Mice were injected with the antioxidant in doses of 1, 5 mg and 10 mg per kg of body weight. As a result, systolic blood pressure decreased. However, this effect has not been sufficiently studied and requires further scientific research. Linden tea should not be used to replace heart medications.
Improving Sleep Quality and Duration
Linden tea is widely used in folk medicine to improve sleep. Its plant compounds have strong sedative properties that can promote relaxation and falling asleep. Linden tea also provides hydration and gentle warmth, which can help soothe digestive discomfort. However, there is no evidence of a direct link between the compounds found in linden tea and the ability to soothe an irritated digestive tract. Linden tea is generally safe for most people, but some people should avoid it or use it with caution. These include people with allergies to linden pollen. Linden tea can cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to linden pollen. Symptoms may include skin rash, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
There is insufficient research on the effects of linden tea on pregnant and breastfeeding women, so they should be very careful with the consumption of this beverage. People with heart disease. Linden tea and other products derived from linden should not be consumed by people with heart disease, as they may interfere with heart function and medication. People taking lithium. Linden tea may affect the excretion of lithium, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder, from the body. This may increase the risk of lithium toxicity and side effects. People taking diuretics.
Linden tea has diuretic properties, meaning it increases urine output. It is best not to combine it with other diuretics, such as coffee, alcohol, or medications, to prevent dehydration. The European Medicines Agency recommends consuming no more than 2-4 g of linden tea mixture per day. A typical 235 ml cup of linden tea contains about 1.5 g of tea mixture.
Did you know that linden tea has properties not only to calm, but also to lower blood pressure and inflammation levels? But not everyone can drink it.