SupplementTraditional useSleep

Linden flower (Tilia)

EMA-monograph traditional European bedtime tea, mild diaphoretic and nervine, widely used as a children's-age-appropriate calming infusion.

Why

Linden flower (Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos) holds an EMA HMPC Traditional Use monograph for relief of symptoms of common cold and as relief of mild symptoms of mental stress. Widely used across Europe as a bedtime infusion. Modern clinical evidence is limited; the regulatory anchor is the traditional-use registration, supported by >30 years of consistent traditional use.

How it works

Flavonoid glycosides and mucilage produce mild diaphoretic and demulcent effect. Mild GABA-A modulation proposed but not well characterised. The classical use as a children's calming infusion reflects the favourable safety profile rather than potent pharmacology.

Expected onset · Calming effect within hours; symptomatic relief acute

How to take

Dosage

1.5 g dried flowers in 150 ml hot water, 2–4 times daily as an infusion.

Timing

Evening for sleep; throughout the day for cold symptoms

On the label

Tilia cordata or T. platyphyllos flowering tops. Tea bags or loose dried flowers.

Ideal for

Adults and children with mild sleep-onset complaints or stress-related restlessness; symptomatic adjunct in cold and fever.

Safety

Generally very well tolerated. Allergic reactions rare. Suitable for children over 4 years per EMA traditional-use indication.

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Evidence

At a glance

EMA classifies linden flower at Traditional Use for mild stress, sleep aid, and common cold symptoms. Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

Limitations

Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

EMA HMPC monograph, Tilia cordata Miller / T. platyphyllos Scop. / T. × vulgaris Heyne or their mixtures, flos (Traditional Use)

Where to get it

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