Palpitations vs Linden flowers

Have you ever felt your heart beating so loudly that it seemed people around you could hear it? And/or so fast you thought it would jump out of your chest? 

If you answer yes to either one of these questions, you may have experienced heart palpitations, defined as unusual and uncomfortable heartbeats. They can be caused by medicine, exercise, stress, substances and hormonal imbalance or vitamin deficiencies. They should not last long but if recurring, and you experience other symptoms (breathlessness and/or dizziness), we strongly recommend you consult your GP (NHS, 2017). 

Often a symptom of stress and nervous tension, palpitations are often harmless and a message from your nervous system telling you to slow down; they can be managed at home, naturally.

What can we do?

Enter linden, or lime tree (Tilia spp., Malvaceae family), approved by the German Commission E as a medicine to treat coughs and colds but also historically used to relax the nervous system (Fisher, 2018).

Why do we love it? 

Safe

With no contraindications, no reports of side effects or interactions with medications, linden flowers are safe for most, including children (Hoffmann, 2003; Mills, 1988). If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, please consult your GP before trying linden. 

Easy to find

Adorning majestic trees and mineral rich, this beautiful early summer flower attached to a single wing (bract) is readily available, from cities to villages, in early June (Fisher, 2018). The catch? The flowers bloom for a week and should ideally be foraged when fully open. Your timing needs to be right if you want to enjoy them fresh; but fear not, the dried version is also good to consume, making it accessible all year around. 

A cardiovascular system support

Thanks to its flavonoids, linden flowers are used to aid the cardiovascular system, and are even considered an agent of protection of the elasticity of our blood vessels (Mills, 1988): it has a gentle lowering blood pressure qualities (hypotensive), helps against spasms (antispasmodic), and tones tissues (mild astringent) whilst also having diuretics properties (Fisher, 2018; Pengelly, 2004).     

Ally against stress

Linden blossoms particularly excel when palpitations and hypertension are connected to anxiety and stress (Chevallier, 2016; Mills, 1988). The blooms support our nervous system through their relaxant actions, thanks to the flavonoids, whilst its phenolic acids have analgesic properties, helping reduce other symptoms like tension headaches (Marciano & Vizniak, 2025 ; Pengelly, 2004).  

Let's get started 

You will need: a cup of boiling water and something to cover it, one teaspoonful of blossom and infuse for ten minutes. Drink this infusion three times a day, between meals, in a quiet environment (Fisher, 2018; Hoffmann, 1996). Use honey to sweeten if desired.

Linden will not cure you from stress and a thumping heart but will help you relax whilst protecting your cardiovascular system. When you accompany your daily infusions with lifestyle changes, such as gentle and regular movements, breathing exercises and wholesome food, the palpitations will become a distant memory. Naturally. 

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Linden is your gentle friend when your heart beats too quickly and loudly during stressful times. It is also useful in cases of cold and flu and recommended to look after your cardiovascular and nervous system. Check the blog post for more information.
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Photo by Megumi Nachev on Unsplash