11/08/2023
I don’t think that I’ve ever seen the lime tree (Tilia europea ) flowering so abundantly as it did this year.
Lime flower commonly referred to as Linden flower, is one of the most popular herbal teas in Europe.
It strongly supports the nervous system having a calming effect with especial benefit to the heart, hence its use in the management of high blood pressure and palpitations resulting from nervous anxiety. Interestingly the small leafed lime has the Latin name Tilia cordata due to its heart shaped leaves.
Lime flower is harvested May to July depending on the weather and region.
In Ireland if you want to experience Limes in full splendour visit Castletown House in Celbridge, outside Dublin.
The avenue leading up to the 18th century Palladian mansion is bordered on both sides by magnificent mature lime trees which are a wonder to behold.
Locally Antrim castle grounds has many lime trees, their sweet fragrance on a warm morning in late June was delightful, really lifting the spirit.
Honey bees go nuts in the lime blossom, their work ensures the pollinated flowers are transformed into triple seeds.
Occasionally observation of many dead bees under the trees led to the conclusion that lime flower was toxic. More recent research hints that the bees in their foraging frenzy simply die of exhaustion.
For humans the linden flower is perfectly safe and provides a gentle but effective means of supporting and soothing the nervous system.
