Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Linden (Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for treating coughs, including dry coughs. The dried flowers are commonly prepared as a tea or infusion, which is believed to have soothing, demulcent, and mild antispasmodic effects on the respiratory tract. Traditional herbal texts and pharmacopeias from Europe and North America frequently list linden flower infusions as remedies for colds, coughs, and throat irritation, often recommending them for their gentle action and pleasant taste, particularly in children and the elderly.

The rationale for this use is based on the mucilage content of linden flowers, which can coat irritated mucous membranes and alleviate dryness or tickling in the throat that triggers coughing. Furthermore, linden also contains flavonoids and volatile oils, which are thought to contribute mild anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

However, scientific validation for these effects is limited. There are few if any robust clinical trials directly assessing linden's efficacy for dry cough. Most available evidence is anecdotal or derived from traditional sources and small studies. Therefore, while linden’s use for dry cough is well-established in traditional medicine, scientific support remains weak, and the evidence is rated as moderate to low (2 out of 5).

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