Evidence supporting the use of: Linden
For the health condition: Sleep (restless and disturbed)

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Synopsis

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

Linden (Tilia spp.), also known as lime flower, has a long history of traditional use as a calming herbal remedy, particularly in European folk medicine. The flowers of the linden tree have been prepared as teas or infusions and taken for their purported sedative and anxiolytic effects, with the aim of promoting restful sleep and easing nervous tension. Historical texts and ethnobotanical reports consistently cite linden as a soothing agent for those experiencing restlessness, mild insomnia, or disturbed sleep.

However, while this traditional usage is well documented, scientific validation for linden’s efficacy in treating sleep disturbances is limited. Most of the available evidence comes from animal studies or in vitro research, which suggest that linden extracts may have mild sedative effects, possibly due to flavonoids and volatile oils in the flowers. Human clinical trials are scarce and generally of low methodological quality. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes linden flower infusions as a traditional herbal remedy for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep, but this is based on longstanding use rather than robust clinical evidence.

In summary, the use of linden to support sleep is primarily rooted in traditional practice, with only modest scientific backing. Its safety profile as a tea is favorable, but definitive conclusions about its effectiveness for sleep disturbances await higher-quality clinical research.

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