By Carla Corvo
I’ve battled bouts of insomnia for most of my life. As an adult, I’ve tried virtually every remedy from guided relaxation to halcyon tea and back, but it wasn’t until recently that I became reacquainted with Linden Leaf tea, known in Cuban culture as “Tilo.”
While visiting my family in Florida over the holidays, I paid a visit to my madrina (godmother) and noticed she had a new plant by the window. When I asked her what it was, she told me I should recognize it: she used to make me tea from the leaves of the plant when I was a little girl.
This stuff is like Xanax in the raw; sipped in its natural state (preferably in a warm, cozy bathtub), it has an incredibly calming effect. As far as natural sedatives go, this one is the champ.
I recommend growing the plant yourself; find instructions HERE.
To make your own tea:
1. Remove approx 5 linden leaves off the stem.
2. Place leaves in 10oz water.
3. Slowly bring to a boil and allow to steep for 5 minutes.
Tip: Squeeze in some fresh juice for added flavor.
