Common Names

American basswood
American linden
Bast tree
Common lime
Lime tree
Linden
Linden flower
Spoonwood
Wycopy
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Parts Usually Used

Flowers and leaves, inner bark
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

The basswood tree reaches a height of up to 120 feet. The brownish-gray bark is perpendicularly, but not deeply, fissured. The cordate, serrate leaves are from 4-7 inches long have pointed tips and heart-shaped bases; clusters of yellow-white fragrant flowers (1/2 inch wide) with 5 sepals and petals and numerous stamens cohering in groups, grow on long stalks from narrow bracts, appear in June and August; they are followed by small round nutlets. The fruits or seeds are about the size and shape of a pea and are commonly called "monkey-nuts". Tree characterized by prominent winter buds and the lack of terminal bud; and for the pyramidal shape of the tree.

Other lindens, like the commonly planted European linden, can be used in the same way.
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Where Found

Found in the eastern United States and in Canada; moist soil, in woods and forests, in uplands and valleys from Quebec to North Dakota and south to North Carolina and Oklahoma. Also planted in cities of this area.
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Medicinal Properties

Diaphoretic, stomachic Bark: emollient
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Legends, Myths and Stories

In Europe, many legends and superstitions are centered around these trees. Linden wood was used for carving sacred works of art, and the linden tree, which was the village tree, played an important role in the life of early Europeans. Thus it was only natural that special curative power was ascribed to these medicinal trees.

Among the Germanic peoples the linden was a "sacred" tree for people in love, the tree that brought fertility and prosperity. In the Middle Ages, people carved images of the Virgin Mary and figures of the saints from linden wood, calling the wood lignum sacrum, sacred wood.
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Uses

Used as a home remedy for colds, flu, coughs, fever, headaches, epilepsy, indigestion, and sore throats. The inner bark contains mucilaginous materials and makes a soothing application for skin irritations, boils, wounds, sores, and burns. A popular continental herb tea. Used in cosmetic preparations.
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Formulas or Dosages

Bark, leaves and flowers, dried in the shade.

Infusion: steep 1 tsp. flowers or leaves in 1 cup water. Take 1-2 cups a day.
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Warning

Frequent consumption of flower tea may cause heart damage.
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Bibliography

• Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 219-220.
• The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 256, 485, 524, 532, 533, 534, 566, 570.
• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pg., 288.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 181-182.
• American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 284, 290.
• The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pg., 121.
• Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 116, 785.
• How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts, by Frances Densmore, pg., 295.
• An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, pg., 99.
• The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 494-495.
• Healing Plants, by Mannfried Pahlow, pgs., 73-74, 184-185.

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