Lime flower: medicinal properties and methods of application

We all know from childhood a sweetish aroma of blooming linden. This plant since ancient times was revered for its beauty and useful properties. Lime was also used in cosmetology, but she gained popularity, primarily because of her healing properties.

As a medicinal raw material, both leaves and bark of linden can be used, but most often a decoction or infusion of lime color is used. The flower of a linden - light yellow, with stipules, is collected in inflorescences-semibasings. Has a fragrant smell.

A flower of a linden is collected and harvested during the full flowering of trees. Typically, this period falls at the end of June, sometimes the beginning of July and lasts approximately 2 weeks. The linden flower, suitable for harvesting, should not be damaged by rust or spoiled by insects. It is best to collect inflorescences in which some flowers have not yet blossomed and have not had time to give away some of the beneficial properties. Drying of raw materials should be done in the shade, in a well-ventilated room, with a layer of flowers should be no more than 5 cm. The flowers of the linden are very fragile, so during drying they should not be turned over so as not to damage the inflorescence. The finished vegetable raw material is stored in tissue pouches in a dark place. If all these conditions are met, the lime blossom will not lose its medicinal properties for three years.

The main properties of lime flowers were known for a long time. Most often, lime flowers are used for various colds, flu and ARI as a sweatshop and anti-inflammatory drug. Sometimes it is brewed in combination with raspberry leaves. Useful properties of lime flowers are due to the presence in their composition of tannins, essential oils, glucose and flavonoids.

A lime flower can be added to tea to get a soothing drink. Essential oil, included in its composition, has a sedative and antispasmodic property, helps to normalize the level of blood pressure and cope with stress. Such tea will be useful to people suffering from insomnia, or subject to anxiety.

Due to tannins, the linden has a restorative and strengthening effect on the body. Decoction of linden flowers has a moderate diuretic and choleretic properties, which is used for various diseases of the liver and kidneys. Also it perfectly strengthens immunity.

Lipu is also successfully used as an external remedy. With decoction of lime color make lotions that provide antiseptic and wound-healing effects. Apply such compresses for hemorrhoids, ulcers, burns and rheumatic pain. A flower of a linden can be applied practically to everything, except for pregnant and feeding women and people with an individual intolerance of components of the mentioned vegetative raw materials.

To prepare lime infusion, a tablespoon of inflorescence is poured into a glass of boiling water and insisted for 40 minutes. Capacity should be wrapped with a towel or scarf to keep the heat. Use the infusion is recommended freshly prepared and hot.