Evidence supporting the use of: Linden
For the body system: Sweat Glands
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Linden (Tilia spp.), also known as lime flower, has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly as a diaphoretic—a substance that promotes sweating. Historically, linden flower infusions have been administered to induce perspiration during fevers and colds, a practice that dates back several centuries and is recorded in various herbal texts. The primary rationale for this use is its mild action in supporting the body’s natural cooling processes during illness by stimulating sweat production. However, while traditional sources describe these effects, modern scientific validation remains limited. Few human studies have directly examined linden’s impact on sweat glands, and available evidence is largely anecdotal or based on historical accounts. Some phytochemical analyses suggest that linden contains flavonoids and volatile oils, which may exert gentle sedative and vasodilatory effects, potentially contributing indirectly to increased sweating. Nevertheless, current clinical research does not robustly confirm these actions. Thus, while linden’s use to support the sweat glands is well-established in traditional medicine, scientific substantiation is sparse, and its diaphoretic effects are best regarded as historically based rather than rigorously proven.
