Linden

The tree with its characteristic heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 40 m in size, reach up to 5 m in diameter and live an average of 500 years. The oldest of its kind in Slovenia is situated in the land of king Matjaž and is also considered to be the thickest in Slovenia (circumference of 10,7 m). It’s hollow, therefore, its age cannot be determined with standard procedures, although the old lady is estimated to be between 770 and 800 years old.

Linden is present in every folklore in the European history and several cities, villages, streets and stores in Europe have been named after it (for example Leipzig). It has also given its name (Slovenian=”lipa”) to months with the most intense smell (junij – lipanj in Croatia, july – lipiec in Poland). Its intense scent can be sensed for up to 100 m in distance and has the most intoxicating effect on bees (who have been known to even drop to the ground with intoxication). Its honey has a very intense and distinct taste.

In Slavic mythology it is considered a sacred tree, in Estonia and Lithuania women made ritual offerings under its branches to ensure fertility and peace in their home. Many Polish legends foretell misfortune to the one who will chop off a linden tree for no reason, with consequences to their family as well. The Slavs believed the lightning would never hit a sacred tree and therefore sought shelter before the storm underneath its branches.

Germanic nations also considered it a sacred tree, representing goddess Freya, the maternal symbol of truth and love. They sought in her the inspiration, fairness, and justice, for according to the German folklore, whoever stood before her, could not utter a single lie. Therefore, they carried out various judicial procedures and marital ceremonies under its watchful eye.

The influence of Slavic and Germanic nations has also left an impact in the Slovenian land, where a leaf of the linden tree is considered a national symbol. Linden has been a very important influence throughout our history and is still present in almost every village. The locals would gather in its shadow and discuss everyday issues or political decisions. “Under the linden tree” (=”Pod lipo”) has turned into a traditional name of village taverns; young trees were being planted during important historical moments, often to celebrate victories over Turks. Traditionally, for the holiday of Pentecost (“binkošti”), housewives would put its branches on the windows of their homes to welcome the return of the holy spirit on this special day.

Linden was greatly appreciated in the European folk medicine and has been used to cure various medical difficulties for centuries. Its leaves were used to cure wounds and ulcers, charcoal for skin and intestinal illnesses, the blossoms to calm the nerves and cure afflictions with anxiety, to fend off digestive difficulties, irregular heartbeat and vomiting, increase sweating, for increasing and secretion of urine, against headaches, irritation, colds, and increased blood pressure.

Even today, leaves of a linden tree are used to ease difficulties with the common cold – congested nose, sore throat, difficulties with breathing, headaches, increased body temperature, cough, decrease heart rate and high blood pressure, nervousness and troubled sleep, incontinence. Wood of the linden tree is useful for liver and gall bladder diseases, infections and swelling under the skin (even cellulitis).

It contains flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins. Among others, the substances in linden have antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory effects. The extract is perfect to soothe itchiness and joint pains (rheumatism), heal smaller wounds that occur as a result of poor circulation. It softens and disinfects the skin, reduces, and heals skin inflammations, gradually removes sunspots, reduces possibilities of wrinkles.