essential oil of the month -
linden blossom

by Alison Harriman

Latin: Tilia Europaecea
Aroma: sweet, slightly spicy, long lasting
Parts used : flowers

History: The linden blossom plant is from a lime tree, but not the kind of citrus limes that we normally think of. These tall, graceful trees can grow up to 30 metres high with beautiful green, heart-shaped leaves and are common all over England and Europe. The abundant nectar in the blossoms sends bees into drunken paroxyms of delight!

Linden Blossom had an association with witchcraft where it was used as a supposed cure for epilepsy and paralysis. The ancient Germans adopted the tree as its national symbol. The Romans boiled the bark with salted meat (the only form of preservative other than drying at that time) to reduce the salt. The trees were widely planted by a Royal decree centuries ago, in order to ensure an abundant supply, as it was so widely used in medicines of the time.

Uses: Linden Blossom is highly regarded as a relaxant and nervine. It is a good treatment for insomnia, headache, migraine and high blood pressure. The honey from the flowers is a common additive in medicines and liquers. Dried linden leaves, brewed into a tea, make a wonderful, relaxing bedtime drink.

Alison Harriman is a fully qualified Holistic Therapist with a special interest in essential oils and their use in aromatherapy. She is a Fellow of the International Council of Holistic Therapists (Federation of Holistic Therapists). If you wish to find a therapist in your area, or are interested in training as a therapist, the FHT may be of help to you.

Alison's own aromatherapy business may be found here.

see Alison's introduction to aromatherapy here...

or see her "ask the aromatherapist" column...

see other oils of the month here...basil...rose...rosewood...aniseed...

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