On many occasions it has been heard from grandparents, parents and friends when they observe how anxious or nervous a family member or person may be, suggesting that they prepare an infusion of Tilo, which will allow them to calm down and achieve a restful sleep. Building on this tradition, interesting facts about the Linden plant will be outlined in the following article., its features and benefits.
What is Linden?
In principle, the origin of the word linden comes from the generic name Tilia which in Greek (ptilon) means "wing", due to the particularity of presenting leaves different from the normal ones called bracts that allow the fruit of the linden tree to spread by the action of the wind.
The linden is a tree that belongs to the family of Malvaceae (Tiliaceae) native to the northern hemisphere, being part of a family of thirty species found in Asia, Europe and eastern North America. Among the best known species are the tillia cordata (Little-leaved lime) is widely seen in Europe and Asia and the tillia platyphyllos (Large-leaved lime) native to Europe.
Characteristics of the Linden plant
Perhaps taking us by the small leaf that is used to prepare the linden infusion, it was thought that this plant was small, however, it is quite the opposite one of the characteristics of the linden, they would be:
- They are tall trees that have a life line of approximately 900 years, their height can be from 20 to 40 meters with rods or straight branches that can measure 1 meter in diameter.
- Its stem is straight, thick, dark in color. Its bark is cracked and it is characterized that over time some bulges stand out on it.
- Its leaves are heart-shaped with serrated edges and can be up to 20 centimeters wide. Its color is dark green on its upper face and on its lower face a light green is visualized as with silver rays. They expel a strong aroma.
- When the leaves of the linden plant decompose, they provide organic compounds with a high mineral content, as well as nutrients to strengthen the soil, especially soil that is poor in minerals.
- In the linden its flowers can be seen as a yellow cluster with an elongated bract and are very aromatic. In the middle of the year they can be observed. Because of that aroma, it is a plant visited by bees to obtain pollen.
- The fruit of this tree is similar to a nut that contains a seed inside.
- Also due to its aroma and shade, the linden is in demand to be planted in the squares and streets. Having in its favor, that it is resistant to environmental pollutants.
How is Linden planted?
They recommend the spring time to start planting linden seeds. The seeds grow slowly due to the hard coating that protects them. For this reason, before sowing, the process of scarification and stratification of the seed is suggested. Being the steps to follow, which are indicated below:
- Soak the linden seeds in a container full of water for twenty-four (24) hours, this is done so that the seed coat is moistened and allows defining which ones will be used for the sowing process, the condition is that the seeds that remain sunken are recommended.
- Subsequently, a quart of peat moss or perlite for plants should be filled in a storage bag and the resulting and viable seeds of the previous procedure placed inside that bag. Store the bag in the refrigerator for four months.
- Now, after that time called the cold stratification period, they must proceed to prepare in a container with potting soil for each seed and sow them with a depth of a quarter (0,64 cm) to a half (1,27 cm) inches. . After planting, irrigation will be carried out to a depth of two (5 cm) inches.
- When they are six months old, and once the first germinations have been noticed, they are transplanted to the selected area so that little by little they reproduce healthy and strong.
Linden plant care
Due to its size and foliage, some care must be taken so that the linden plant grows strong. Between them we have:
- The area where it is going to be planted must be open, that is, it must have natural sunlight, it must also be extensive insofar as, due to its size, the distance between plant and plant of the same species or another of high size must be minimal. 33 meters between one and the other.
- It should be considered that due to its roots there should not be any building or work that could be affected near the place where it is planted. . It is suggested that if this is the case, the minimum distance should be 10 meters.
- For its growth to be fruitful, the selected soil must be moist and fresh. Because it is not a plant for very hot places, a temperature greater than 30°C is harmful. In contrast, it can withstand severe cold (-15°C).
- Another aspect to consider is that in hot weather irrigation is frequent, an estimated three times a week, but not the rest of the year where, despite the fact that the soil must be kept moist, it is prudent to prevent it from flooding, due to the excess of water.
- In its maintenance, organic fertilizer is recommended to help it grow.
- It is also convenient to prune the plant in the first year, trimming the branches so that lower branches grow. In the second year, it is recommended to trim the main branches to two thirds (2/3) in length. The lower branches are left but those that appear from the lower half of the trunk are removed.
Plagues and diseases
If the linden plant is well cared for during its growth, it is unlikely to suffer from diseases and be attacked by pests. Some of the diseases that attack the plant are:
Roya:
It originates as a product of fungi that attack the plant. The disease appears as leaf spots in the form of orange circles that may grow together and develop a dark segment as the disease progresses. Diseased leaves fall off. To do this, it is recommended to clean and remove fallen diseased leaves and prune infected branches as much as possible to destroy those diseased areas. It can, in turn, be contained with oxycarboxin.
Cottony mealybug:
They appear in the summer time trying to feed on the sage of the trees. By attacking them in time with an insecticide such as paraffin oil that makes the sage bitter, it will be possible to stop the appearance of this predator on the linden plant. Another way to combat it is to prepare a solution of methylated spirits, dishwashing liquid and hot water, spraying the plant once a week for a month.
Another element that affects the healthy growth of the linden plant are the so-called drills, which are insect larvae that perforate the wood of the plant's trunk. One of the ways to attack these species is with Bifenthrin, Fenvalerate and Deltamethrin.
Components of the Linden plant
The linden plant has in its favor that it has a number of favorable elements for the human being. Components such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, tocopherol, sugars and amino acids are found in them. Hence, they are known for their healing properties against flu, as a tranquilizer and recently, their hepatoprotective effect has been noted.
Benefits
Considering then what has been exposed in previous lines, it is highlighted that the linden plant unites its ornamental qualities with its medicinal one, where by using its stem, leaves or flowers, decoctions with anti-inflammatory, sedative, diuretic and antispasmodic effects can be prepared.
It is then that the Linden serves to:
- Influenza conditions, the linden flower is used as relief in the congestion of the lungs and the nose, it serves to lower the fever.
- Mitigate headaches, neck and cervical pain by preparing an infusion with the use of linden leaves.
- In its antispasmodic property relaxes the muscles. Preparing an oil that is obtained from its flowers.
- It improves the symptoms of stress, calms tachycardia and anxiety by using its oils or by taking an infusion of linden, providing both a calm and restful rest.
- Promotes kidney function.
- It is used in cases of liver and gallbladder conditions, protecting them and favoring their functions.
- For digestion, an infusion of linden combined with chamomile and mint is recommended.
- Linden and baking soda rinses help swollen tonsils.
- It is used to relieve foot pain by washing them with linden water and in turn drinking a little of its infusion.
- Being incorporated into lotions and skin creams helps treat itching and swelling in the skin, especially dry skin.
Finally, keeping in mind all these positive aspects that the linden brings us, it is necessary to remember the conservation awareness that human beings must possess and maintain towards the natural resources that they have the opportunity to enjoy.
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