Lime
(Tilia cordata Mill. - Small-leaved Lime, T. platyphyllos Scop. -- Largeleaved Lime, Tiliaceae)
Also Called: Linden Flowers.
Description: Both are large trees.
Small-leaved lime leaf margins are sharp-toothed, tufts of rusty hairs present
on the basal parts of the secondary veins; inflorescence of 5-11 flowers on
a single peduncle with a lanceolate, adnate bracteole at its base: flowers
with 5 greenish-white sepals, 5 yellowishwhite, keeled petals and
numerous stamens.
Largeleaved lime has larger leaves with tufts of white hairs on the basal
parts of the secondary veins and only 3-6 flowers in each inflorescence.
Flowering: May-July.
In southern Europe T. argentea, with silverywhite lower surface
of leaves, and American Lime with large leaves and flowers possessing 10 petals
are also found.
Part Used: Dried flowers; rarely the bark.
Habitat and Collection:Both species are found wild in woods
and copses; they are often cultivated.
In Britain the are native, especially on calcareous or limestone soils; they
are often planted.
The flowers are collected as soon as fully open and are dried in the
shade below 35-C (95 F).
The bark should be collected in April May
Constituents and Action: The flowers contain volatile oil, mucilage, tannin and a small amount of a saponin.Mildly sudorific and laxative The bark, rich in tannin and mucilage, is anti-inflammatory.
Usage: The flowers are used as a sudorific and to relieve
thirst in disorders resulting from chills (pour boiling water on the flowers
and allow to stand; do not boil to produce a red colour associated with the
breakdown of the active principles).
An infusion of the bark is used as an application, the bark itself is used
in poultices.
CAUTION: The flowers of these two varieties should not be
used medicinally since they may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in some persons.
