Lipa

TiliacordataMill

For its sticky leaves and sticky sap, the Slavs called the branchy tree with smooth bark and carved heart-shaped leaves linden. It blooms in the 20th year of life, considering that a tree grows up to 1000 years, this is a short period. In early July, it is decorated with inflorescences of yellowish flowers, the bract of which resembles the shape of a dragonfly wing. Thanks to him, the plant received the Latin name “tilia”: from the Greek “ptilon” - wing. The Greeks also called linden the “golden tree.”

Thanks to its delicate flowers, the blooming linden tree is enveloped in a halo of herbaceous honey aroma. The rays of the sun, intertwining with thousands of thin stamens, create a golden haze, intangible and beautiful.

In many European countries, linden represents happiness, feminine grace, and beauty. In Ancient Greece, it was a symbol of ideal love and fidelity. According to legend, the couple Felimon and Baucis, who passionately loved each other, lived to a ripe old age and died on the same day. The gods were pleased to turn them into two trees - an oak and a linden tree, which grew from one root, reminding the living of happy love.

The Slavs revered the linden tree as the sacred tree of the goddess Lada, protector of family, health, order and peace. Near the linden tree they prayed “that everything would be fine,” they danced in circles, and made appointments. Sometimes trees were planted in a ring, thereby indicating a place for prayer.

Much later, linden trees began to be planted around religious buildings. Linden blossom is one of the oldest medicines. According to legend, the wise centaur Chiron passed on the healing secret of linden blossom decoction to people. But not only flowers were used. A liquid was obtained from the wood, which the Slavs dubbed “royal vodka.” It was used to disinfect clothing and premises after infectious diseases. Linden leaves were put into pickles, and various bast products were made from the bark. Pliable wood in the hands of the master took on the most bizarre shapes. Icon painters also loved this material.

Linden honey is especially prized. From 1 hectare of linden forest you can collect more than a ton of fragrant honey. Essential oil is obtained from linden flowers by extraction. It is used in aromatherapy and in high-end perfumes.

Medicinal properties

1. Used for acute bronchitis, colds, cough, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, dry nasal mucosa.
2. Strengthens the secretion of gastric juice. It has a beneficial effect on digestive disorders and poisoning.
3. Increases diuresis, increases bile formation. Effective for liver and kidney diseases.
4. Reduces blood viscosity.
5. Recommended for inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, periodontal disease.
6. Eliminates rheumatic and gouty joint pain.
7. Effective for mild metabolic disorders and diabetes.
8. Helps with ulcers, wounds, eczema, burns, acne, herpes, hyperkeratosis, skin cracks.
9. In folk medicine it is known as a diaphoretic, bactericidal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, diuretic, secretolytic, tonic, astringent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, emollient, sedative. Used for diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal colic, flatulence, nausea, cramps, pain V breast, hypertension, insomnia, headache, fainting, nervous diseases, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, hemorrhoids, pain in the urethra, gout, rheumatism, pneumonia, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, inflammation of the mammary glands, women's diseases, rapid heartbeat, and also if sand is found in the urine.
10. It has a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and helps to relax. Recommended for neurasthenia, neuralgia, headaches, migraines, insomnia, increased nervous excitability in adolescence and old age.
11. A universal product for the care of any skin type. Effective for aging, wrinkled, rough, pale skin. Softens, rejuvenates, soothes, increases turgor, cleanses, smoothes wrinkles. Discolors freckles and age spots. Strengthens hair roots.
12. Reduces sweating.

Dosage

Oil burner: 5-7 k.

Internally: 2-3 k. with 1 tsp. honey

Massage: 5-6 k. per 10 ml of transport oil.

Baths: 6-7 k.

Rinse: 1-2 k.

Inhalations: 2-3 k.

Compresses: 7-8 k.

Enrichment of cosmetics: up to 8-10 k. per 10 g of foundation for normal and oily skin - 10 k., for dry skin - 3-5 k.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance.