Linden blossoms as a secret weapon against colds: useful information!

Linden blossoms as a secret weapon against colds: useful information!

Summer is knocking on the door and with it summer beginsLinden timein Cologne. This season the summer linden tree (Tilia platyphyllos) and the winter linden tree (Tilia cordata) are blooming and bring a fresh scent to the city. Linden blossom tea, the health benefits of the delicate flowers, not only helps with a sore throat, but is also a well-known home remedy for colds. This is particularly relevant in the Medicinal plants editorial team, where the linden tree asMedicinal plant of the year 2025was awarded.

The linden tree also has a long tradition in folk medicine that goes back to the Middle Ages. Hildegard von Bingen, who is considered one of the most important healers of the 12th century, already knew the healing properties of this impressive tree. In many villages the linden tree was the heart of community life, a symbol of home, love and justice, like that Medicinal plant lexicon describes. These trees, often several hundred years old, are not only beautiful to look at, but also an important habitat for many bees and other animals.

Community and nature

The social importance of the linden trees should not be underestimated: they are often meeting places in villages and cities, where people come together to find a shady spot in the hot summer months. Especially in our Cologne beer gardens, guests enjoy the last lime tree, which provides shade and perfects the ambience of outdoor enjoyment.

Given these precious flowers and their healing properties, it is no surprise that there is a call to plant new lime trees - this could be a source of hope for many in difficult times.

History and memory

This is a completely different topic that has been discussed a lot latelyRumbula massacre, which took place in Latvia at the end of 1941. In just two days, over 26,000 Jewish people were murdered, including many Berlin Jews. This tragedy, which occurred at the time of the Holocaust, shows the cruel reality manifested by Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. It is a dark chapter in history that should never be forgotten - a fact that still concerns us today. The Wikipedia offers a powerful reminder of these terrible events and the subsequent memorial initiatives that continue to this day.

In another chasm of human fate was the straightforward Ralf-Uwe Beck, who experienced a special form of community giving in a church service in Barcelona. This campaign, which provided free food for the homeless, shows how social cohesion can still be created today. The joy and gratitude of the man from Pakistan who took part in the event underscores that such events are much more than just the provision of food - they are an expression of good fellowship and a form of spiritual service.

At a time when both nature and humanity are facing challenges, the advice to plant linden trees and be considerate of one another seems more relevant today than ever. So let us be inspired and help create a lively and harmonious coexistence, here in Cologne and beyond.