Limited evidenceSleep & relaxation

Linden Flower

A pleasant traditional bedtime tea made from Tilia flowers, long used in Europe and Latin America for tension and restlessness. The calming effect has been shown in rodents but has never been tested in a controlled human trial.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Anxiolytic activity in animals Limited evidence
Studies of a standardised flavonoid fraction of Tilia americana showed anxiolytic-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze in mice, with quercetin and kaempferol identified as active constituents and serotonergic involvement suggested. These are preclinical models, not clinical outcomes.
Sedative and hypnotic effects Limited evidence
A systematic review of anxiolytic and hypnotic flower extracts in in vivo preclinical studies found Tilia among the plants with reproducible calming activity in rodents. The review explicitly covers animal work, and no human sleep trial of linden has been published.
Use for sleep in people Limited evidence
There are no randomised trials of linden flower tea or extract for insomnia, sleep latency or anxiety in humans. What is documented is centuries of traditional use and a plausible flavonoid mechanism.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo clinically studied dose exists. Traditional preparation is 1–2 g of dried flowers (about one teaspoon) infused in hot water for 10 minutes, taken one to three times daily or in the evening.

SafetyWidely consumed as a food-grade tea with a good safety record. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitised to other pollens. Older reports of cardiac effects from frequent heavy use are anecdotal but suggest not treating it as an all-day drink. Insufficient data in pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid combining with sedative medication.

Scientific references

HPLC/MS analysis and anxiolytic-like effect of quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids from Tilia americana var. mexicana
Aguirre-Hernández E, González-Trujano ME, Martínez AL — J Ethnopharmacol, 2010
Systematic review on the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of flower extracts in in vivo pre-clinical studies published from 2010 to 2020
Meneses C, Valdes-Gonzalez M, Garrido-Suárez BB — Phytother Res, 2023

Where to buy

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