Herb & supplement monograph

Linden Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Linden interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Linden is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Linden is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Linden Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Linden drug interaction appears low for most people. Only one interaction is on record, it is rated moderate rather than major, and no minor or major interactions are listed.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The single interaction that deserves attention involves lithium, a medicine with a narrow safety margin where small changes in blood levels can matter. Linden is thought to act as a mild diuretic, and diuretics can raise lithium levels in the body, which could increase both its effects and its side effects. Anyone taking lithium should let their prescriber know before using linden, since the lithium dose is sometimes adjusted in this situation.

What the rest of the list means

It is worth understanding that this concern is largely theoretical, built on linden's suspected diuretic properties rather than on studies showing the combination caused harm in people. For those not taking lithium, the current data does not point to any documented interaction. That said, limited evidence is not the same as proof of safety, so this profile reflects what is known today.

Check your medications against Linden

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Linden interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Linden

1 medication has a known interaction with Linden, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Linden using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Linden interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Linden combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Linden affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Linden is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Linden interacts with

Lithium

Theoretically, due to its potential diuretic effects, linden might increase the effects and adverse effects of lithium.
Linden is thought to have diuretic properties. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Monograph

Linden: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Linden (also called lime flower) is a traditional herbal tea long used to calm nerves, ease cold symptoms, and support restful sleep. Strong human evidence for these uses is lacking, but the flowers are generally considered safe as an occasional tea for most healthy adults. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it regularly, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have a health condition.

Scientific name: Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos
Family: Malvaceae
Part used: Dried flowers (and bracts), sometimes leaves
Common forms: Tea (infusion), tincture, liquid extract, capsules

People commonly use it for

Anxiety and stress
Trouble sleeping
Colds and flu symptoms
Cough and sore throat
Mild digestive upset
Promoting sweating during fever

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated as a tea, but human safety data are limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Linden, often called lime flower or lime blossom, comes from large flowering trees in the Tilia genus. These trees grow widely across Europe, parts of Asia, and North America, and their fragrant pale-yellow flowers are harvested in summer and dried for use.

The dried flowers are most often brewed into a soothing tea. In European folk medicine, linden has been used for hundreds of years to calm nerves, encourage sleep, and ease the discomfort of colds and fevers. Today you may also find it as a tincture, liquid extract, or capsule.

Uses & effectiveness

People reach for linden mainly to relax, sleep better, and feel more comfortable during colds and flu. It is a traditional remedy for anxiety, restlessness, coughs, sore throat, and mild fevers, and is sometimes used to help the body sweat.

It is important to be honest about the evidence: most of these uses are based on tradition and small laboratory or animal studies, not large, high-quality human trials. There is not enough strong research to prove that linden reliably treats anxiety, sleep problems, or cold symptoms. Many people find the warm tea soothing, but that comfort may come partly from the ritual of drinking a warm beverage.

Bottom line: linden may be a pleasant, low-risk option for occasional relaxation, but you should not rely on it to treat any medical condition.

How it works

Linden flowers contain plant compounds such as flavonoids (like quercetin and kaempferol), volatile (aromatic) oils, mucilage, and tannins. The mucilage is a slippery, soothing substance that may help coat an irritated throat, while the aromatic oils give the tea its pleasant smell.

Laboratory and animal studies suggest these compounds may have mild calming, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, and the warm fluid itself can loosen mucus and encourage sweating. However, these mechanisms are mostly proposed and have not been clearly confirmed in well-designed human studies.

Safety & precautions

Linden tea is generally considered safe for most healthy adults when used occasionally and in normal amounts. Still, human safety data are limited, so caution is wise.

People with allergies to plants in the linden family should avoid it. Some older reports have suggested that very frequent, long-term use might affect the heart, so people with heart conditions should be cautious and check with their doctor.

Pregnancy: Because there is not enough safety information, it is safer to avoid linden during pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Safety has not been well studied, so use caution and ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Avoid giving herbal products to infants and young children unless a pediatrician advises it.

Side effects

When taken as an occasional tea, linden rarely causes problems. Possible side effects include mild stomach upset or, in people who are sensitive, allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching.

Very large amounts or heavy long-term use are not well studied and are best avoided. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction—such as swelling, trouble breathing, or hives—stop using it and seek medical care right away.

Linden: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Linden from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition

Urticaria Immunologic

Orally, there is one case report of allergic reaction to linden pollen in a linden flower tea. Topically, there is one case report of contact urticaria following the use of a linden extract-containing shampoo.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official standardized dose for linden. Traditionally it is taken as a tea made by steeping a small amount of the dried flowers in hot water, often once or a few times a day.

Because products vary in strength, the best approach is to follow the directions on the product label. If you are considering capsules or extracts, or plan to use linden regularly, ask your pharmacist or doctor for guidance on a safe amount for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Linden & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Linden & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Linden monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Linden

33 brands in our database make a supplement containing Linden.

Soria Natural 10 products Swanson Premium Brand 788 products Teatox Life 10 products TerraVita 2,475 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products Traditional Medicinals 100 products UNDA Gemmo 67 products Urban Moonshine 40 products Wise Woman Herbals 237 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Linden

179 products in our database contain Linden. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Linden: Common Questions

Does Linden interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 1 medication with a known interaction with Linden. Use the checker above to see how Linden interacts with a specific drug.

How are Linden interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Linden with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Linden interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Linden used for?

It is traditionally used as a calming tea for stress, restlessness, and trouble sleeping, and to ease cold and flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, and fever. Strong scientific proof for these uses is limited.

Is Linden tea safe to drink?

For most healthy adults, occasional Linden tea is generally considered safe. People with allergies to it or with heart conditions should be cautious, and it is best not to drink it in very large amounts or for long periods without medical advice.

Can I use Linden while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Linden during pregnancy and use caution while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Does Linden help you sleep?

Linden is traditionally used to relax and promote sleep, and many people find the warm tea soothing, but there is no strong human research proving it works as a sleep aid.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Linden

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Linden — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 179 products with Linden →

Where next

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Linden Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Linden Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Linden

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Linden affects

Linden: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

Uses & effectiveness

How it works

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Linden: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Linden & Pregnancy

Linden & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Linden

Supplement products with Linden

Linden: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Linden

Have a question about Linden?