It usually happens that towards the end of the second trimester and, mainly, during the last trimester of pregnancy, the expectant mother finds it difficult to fall asleep or go back to sleep after waking up to relieve the bladder. Faced with this situation, it is quite normal for her grandmothers and friends to recommend her to drink an infusion of linden. But is tila recommended during pregnancy?
The truth is that when investigating the safety of lime consumption during pregnancy, it is possible to find conflicting opinions. For this reason, we have proposed to make an in-depth analysis that answers this question.
What is lime?
Before entering the subject that concerns us, it is important to know where the linden infusion comes from. It is made with the flowers of some species of limes or tilias, a tree of the Malvaceae family.
Originally from the northern hemisphere, it is currently cultivated as an ornamental species throughout the world.
If we talk about their physiognomy, they are trees that reach 40 meters in height and can live up to 900 years. Its leaves are dark green and large, about 20 centimeters long, with a serrated edge. They also stand out for being highly aromatic, as are their small yellow flowers.
Precisely, these flowers are used to prepare the lime infusion whose properties have been used since time immemorial by natural medicine. Experts maintain that it would help cure colds, sore throats and other conditions; however, its main use is as a relaxant and tranquilizer, being highly recommended to help people with insomnia fall asleep.
The general benefits of tila infusion
As we mentioned in the previous section, its main use by Ayurvedic medicine is as a relaxant. However, different studies have proven its tranquilizing properties. Research in mice, for example, noted that its effect is similar to the activity of gaba-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that inhibits excitability in the human nervous system.
On the other hand, tila flowers are rich in flavonoids, specifically tiliroside, quercetin and kaempferol, components with antioxidant potential that protect the body from the action of free radicals. Let us remember that these molecules act by generating inflammation and triggering both premature aging and various degenerative diseases.
In addition, it is believed that drinking linden would help reduce pain and blood pressure, would act by relieving cough and would also have a diuretic effect, benefits that would be important for pregnant women.
Linden and pregnancy
The truth is that, to date, there is no scientific research with conclusive results that corroborate the safety of consuming lime during pregnancy. It should also be noted that there are no studies against its use.
Most of the information that can be found are simply opinions for and against. Let’s review all of them together.
Why not drink linden during pregnancy?
Some infusions are totally contraindicated in pregnancy due to their components. Mainly, the consumption of beverages with caffeine and/or alkaloids is discouraged.
Among caffeinated drinks, we find coffee, mate, many teas, soft drinks and energy drinks, among others.
On the other hand, among those that contain alkaloids, it is worth mentioning valerian and California poppy. Also, some specialists recommend avoiding those that have oxytocic effects such as pennyroyal-mint .
Now, what about lime during pregnancy? As we already told you: there is no data in this regard and, precisely, those who advise avoiding its consumption are based on this.
Why yes drink tila in pregnancy?
On the other hand, there are those who maintain that the intake of linden would be beneficial for pregnant women. We have seen that, on the one hand, it does not contain caffeine (a substance that is almost prohibited for pregnant women) and its benefits are multiple and, in fact, it can help to relieve many of the common discomforts caused by pregnancy.
For example, its anti-inflammatory effect would help reduce joint pain caused by weight, while its diuretic property would help eliminate excess fluids that cause swelling in the legs and ankles.
In addition, during the last trimester, many mothers experience problems falling asleep and staying asleep due to the size of the belly, the need to go to the bathroom every so often and a long list of discomforts. The relaxing effect of linden could help pregnant women to enjoy a better rest.
Those who recommend its consumption base their opinion on the fact that there is no evidence against its consumption. In fact, the specialized website E-lactancia points to linden as a very low-risk drink for breastfeeding. Therefore, if it is safe to drink an infusion of linden when breastfeeding (and even some pediatricians recommend the infusion for babies suffering from colic), why would it generate contraindications during pregnancy?
As you can see, there is controversy about it. For this reason, we recommend that you consult your trusted doctor about the safety (or not) of drinking linden infusion during pregnancy.
Precautions when drinking tila in pregnancy
As always when we talk about pregnancy, it is best to drink this infusion in moderation. First, talk to your doctor about your desire to consume linden to fall asleep, and then remember to drink a maximum of two cups a day.
Linden infusion could be beneficial for pregnant women. However, both its benefits and its interactions during pregnancy have not been proven to date.