What are the effects of Tilo, or Linden Tea on dreams and sleep quality?

by Ryan@Zeo on May 24, 2011

Q: Lately, I’ve been drinking “tilo” (Linden Tea) and have been dreaming very heavily.  I wake up feeling very tired from these dreams, which for the most part are very stressful.  Do you know anything about this?

A: Tilo or Linden Tea is well-known for its soothing effect, triggering the same receptors in the brain that respond to pharmaceuticals like Valium.  While there’s no information about Linden Tea and dreams, side effects from similar, modern drugs do include vivid dreams and nightmares.

Tilo, a tea made from the flowers of trees in the Linden genus, is well-known for its soothing effect.  Naturally-occurring compounds in Linden tea trigger the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which are the same class of receptors targets by modern pharmaceutical-grade hypnotics such as Valium.  As such it’s still listed in the German Pharmacopoeia for treating anxiety and insomnia.

While there’s no information about tilo’s effects on dreams, side-effects of synthesized benzodiazeprines include vivid dreams and nightmares. Other side-effects of tilo may include profuse sweating, feelings of hotness and discomfort, as well as unwanted dizziness, drowsiness and impaired mental functioning.

Although tilo is unregulated in most world markets, it’s best to treat it cautiously and with respect. Long-term use of tilo may not be advantageous, and it could also interact with other drugs. Never take this tea with alcohol, which could increase the sedative effect.

Related Questions:

Academic References:

  • Viola H, et al. (1994).  Isolation of pharmacologically active benzodiazepine receptor ligands from Tilia tomentosa (Tiliaceae). Journal of ethnopharmacology, 44(1):47-53.

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