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Tilia platyphyllos
Sommerlinde · (Tilia platyphyllos)
Mallow family (Malvaceae)
Description
Tilia platyphyllos, the large-leaved lime, broad-leaved lime, or large-leaved linden, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae (Tiliaceae). It is a deciduous tree, native to much of continental Europe including southwestern Great Britain, typically growing on limestone-derived soils. It is not native in Scotland or Ireland, but is naturalised there.
- TeaFlowerInternalTraditional use
Traditional diaphoretic tea for the onset of a cold. T. platyphyllos flowers 2–4 weeks earlier than T. cordata and provides pharmacopoeially equivalent flowers. Mucilage and flavonoids soothe; sweating depends on hot liquid and body warmth.
Preparation & dosage
DIAPHORETIC TEA: 1.5–1.8 g + 150 ml boiling water, steep 5–10 min covered, strain. Drink as hot as possible, 2–4 cups/day, one before bed. Wrap warm afterwards. Up to ~6 g/day.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–1.8 g
- Doses per day
- 4×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 4 years — Per EMA from 4 years.
- TeaFlowerInternalTraditional use
Soothing tea for dry irritative cough and throat irritation. T. platyphyllos shares the same pharmacological profile as T. cordata — EMA monograph covers both species.
Preparation & dosage
SOOTHING TEA: 1.5–1.8 g + 150 ml boiling water, steep 5–10 min covered. Drink warm in small sips 2–3× daily. Honey may enhance the soothing mucous film.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–1.8 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 4 years — From 4 years.
- BathFlowerExternalTraditional use
Traditional relaxing bath for nervous restlessness and sleep difficulties. Essential oil components and flavonoids of T. platyphyllos act mildly calming through the skin.
Preparation & dosage
RELAXING BATH: 20–50 g + 1–2 L boiling water, steep 15 min, add to bath at 37 °C. 15–20 min ideally before bed. Pat dry and rest warm.
- Dry amount
- 20–50 g
- Doses per day
- 1×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Full baths from 12 years.
- TinctureFlowerInternalTraditional use
Traditional tincture for nervous palpitations, mildly elevated blood pressure and anxiety. Tilia extracts show GABA-ergic activity and benzodiazepine receptor binding in vitro.
Preparation & dosage
TINCTURE (1:5 in 25% ethanol): 1–2 ml 3× daily diluted in a little water. Traditional for nervous palpitations and inner restlessness. Pharmacy preparation recommended.
- Liquid amount
- 1–2 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- TeaFlowerInternalFolk medicine
Folk use for stress-related stomach cramps and digestive complaints. Antispasmodic properties of flavonoids relax intestinal smooth muscle.
Preparation & dosage
AFTER-MEAL TEA: 1.5–2 g + 200 ml boiling water, steep 10 min. Drink warm after meals for stress-related digestive complaints.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–2 g
- Doses per day
- 2×
- GargleFlowerExternalFolk medicine
Folk gargle for sore throat and pharyngitis. Mucilage coats irritated mucosa protectively; tannins act mildly astringent.
Preparation & dosage
GARGLE: 2–3 g + 200 ml boiling water, steep 10 min, strain, cool to lukewarm. Gargle 1–2 min 2–3× daily for sore throat and pharyngitis — spit out afterwards.
- Dry amount
- 2–3 g
- Doses per day
- 3×