Fireweed - all beneficial properties and contraindications

Description of the plant

Angustifolia fireweed, or fireweed (photo above) is a herbaceous perennial plant. It is very unpretentious, widespread throughout our country and has a rather attractive appearance.

A beautiful panicle of delicate pink or purple flowers is located at the top of the stem, and the dark green leaves are somewhat similar to the narrow leaves of a weeping willow.

Willow-herb easily grows on any abandoned plots of land; it especially likes to be located on forest edges and clearings. The plant can reach one and a half meters in height. During the mass flowering season, from June to September, dense thickets of fireweed look very picturesque.

Richly and long-blooming fireweed is an excellent honey plant. The aromatic honey from its flowers has special healing properties.

Varieties of fireweed and photo of the plant

Fireweed, growing in our country, has about 14 species, the following plants are considered the most common.

Narrow-leaved . The perennial plant grows up to 1.5 meters. The variety has a powerful root system and an erect stem, which bears a large number of shiny, finely toothed leaves. The inflorescences are large, pink-purple, and there are also plants with white inflorescences. Flowering begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of August.

Legend has it that Pyotr Badmaev, a doctor and scientist who devoted his life to the study of narrow-leaved fireweed, lived for 110 years. It is noteworthy that his youngest daughter was born when the doctor was already 100 years old!

Broadleaf. Grows in the north. It differs from other varieties in its foliage, which reaches a length of up to 10 cm and has rounded or pointed ends. The flowers of the plant are dark pink, collected in a brush. Eskimos add the plant to their food, and in Greenland it is considered the national flower.

During the reign of Peter I, a drink made from fireweed tea entered the world market and in the 18th–19th centuries became so famous and in demand that it competed with the East Indian tea campaign

Caucasian. This variety grows along the banks of rivers and lakes, on pebbles, in fields and meadows. The species is low, reaching up to half a meter in height.

The plant has creeping stems and linear-lanceolate leaves. The inflorescences are short and bright purple. The variety looks beautiful when cut.

In Rus', in terms of popularity of export, coporka took 2nd place, ahead of seemingly the most popular goods: hemp, furs, gold

Dodonei . The perennial plant grows up to 90 cm in height. It has a decorative appearance thanks to its finely branched stems and white or purple inflorescences. The variety is most often found in the middle and subalpine zone, in meadows and fields.

At the end of 1941, postponing their fierce attack on Leningrad for a day, on Hitler’s orders, German troops were sent to Koporye. Tea plantations, scientists, developments, production and manufacturers - everything was destroyed!

Steven . The species has small leaves up to 3 mm wide and bright inflorescences in the form of an elongated raceme.

Fireweed seeds have an unusual feature - they are covered with down. Due to this and their lightness, they move over considerable distances.

Fleicher . A small herbaceous perennial that grows up to half a meter. The species has a powerful rhizome and numerous stems, which are hung with small pointed leaves. The plant produces bright pink or purple flowers. The species is frost-hardy and blooms all summer.

This plant can be brewed up to 5 times, and it will not lose its healing properties.

Colchis . Grows in the Caucasus, in the mountains and on highlands. The plant is low with pale pink bright flowers.

Fireweed contains 70 different microelements, which makes up more than half of the periodic table

All varieties of fireweed, due to their decorative appearance, are often grown in personal plots, since the plant not only decorates the garden, but also helps with many diseases.

It contains 6 times more ascorbic acid than lemon, and more antioxidants than red wine or green tea.

Chemical composition

The medicinal plant fireweed has many health benefits in its composition.

Preparations from this plant normalize the functioning of the endocrine system, improve kidney function, and strengthen the immune system.

They contain large quantities of biologically active substances and a strong vitamin and mineral complex.

Let's list the most important components:

• bioflavonoids (vitamin P);
• alkaloids;
• vitamins of group B (B1,B2) and C;
• amino acids, antioxidants;
• hanerol (antitumor effect);
• iron, potassium, copper, sodium, boron, manganese;
• pectin, carotene;
• tannins (tannins).

↑ What are the types of uses of fireweed tea

Angustifolia fireweed is drunk as tea. It is also used for medicinal purposes. For example, the rhizome contains mono and polysaccharides and dietary fiber. And decoctions are prepared from the root. The flowers are infused, and the tincture is used for headaches and hypertension.

Let's consider the use of fireweed.

↑ Infusion

Preparing the infusion:

• from dry leaves that are dried in the shade;
• from inflorescences;
• from leaves that have undergone fermentation.

To prepare the infusion, use 1 tbsp. raw materials per 300 ml of boiling water. It is convenient to use a thermos for cooking. Leave the infusion for 5 hours. If it is infused in a cup or jar, then the container with the infusion is wrapped in a towel.

↑ Tincture

To prepare the tincture, rhizomes, leaves, and inflorescences are used.

1. For 100 ml of 96% alcohol take 1 tbsp. raw materials.
2. Use a dark glass container for the tincture.
3. Infuse for 14 days.
4. Filter the tincture and store in the refrigerator.

If leaves are used, they are not fermented, but naturally dried.

↑ Decoction

It is best to prepare a decoction of leaves and inflorescences in a water bath. Prepare as follows:

1. For 1 liter of boiling water use 20 g of raw materials.
2. Pour boiling water over the mixture of leaves and flowers and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
3. Then the broth is simmered for 10 minutes in a water bath.
4. It must be left for 1 hour. Strain.
5. Use 3 rubles. per day 50 ml.

↑ Oil

An extract is prepared using the plant and olive or linseed oil. Oil in an amount of 500 ml is heated to 70 degrees. Half a glass of a mixture of rhizomes, inflorescences and leaves of angustifolia fireweed is poured into the container. Fill with heated oil. The container is covered and stored in a dark place for two days.

Then the mixture is filtered and the fireweed oil remedy is used externally for purulent wounds, eczema, psoriasis as applications. Used internally for constipation, stomach ulcers, and colitis.

We recommend studying: what herbs can be brewed instead of tea and is it healthy to drink them?

Beneficial features

Before flowering, young shoots of fireweed contain about 20% protein. Adding raw green leaves to salads allows vegetarians and fasting people to maintain an optimal balance of nutrients in their diet.

Fireweed helps the body cleanse itself of harmful substances both during food poisoning and after drug therapy. Removes toxins and waste by stimulating the excretory systems, including increasing the outflow of bile.

Tea from this plant perfectly calms the nervous system. It is used as a sedative and helps to cope with increased mental stress and stress. Increases mental performance due to the content of important amino acids, including glycine.

In case of severe fatigue and physical exhaustion, a drink made from fireweed tea relaxes the body well due to the effects of alkaloids. At the same time, it slightly alkalinizes the blood, which contributes to the effective restoration of vitality.

With all the listed beneficial properties of the fireweed plant, its only drawback can be considered the undesirability of constant use. Its advantages also include the complete absence of such negative components of other tonic drinks as caffeine, oxalic and puric acids.

What medicinal properties does fireweed tea have?

For men

For representatives of the male half of humanity, this drink is important. It increases the tone of the male body, and how does it affect potency! If a man has infertility, sexual impotence, or impotence, tea will “come to the rescue.”

Fireweed is an excellent remedy for preventing prostate inflammation, as it has antitumor properties. Men often experience insomnia, and Koporye tea effectively combats it.

Ivan tea is a good prophylactic (and treatment) for kidney stones. This problem happens to men more often than to women.

How to give Ivan tea to children

If babies are teething, fireweed tea will help reduce pain. Infusion of fireweed is used to wipe children's gums.

Please note that fireweed should not be given to children under 6 years of age.

If the drink is not brewed very strongly, then it can be given to children. If the child is too excited in the evening, a glass of warm fireweed tea will help calm him down. In addition, the protective properties of the child’s body are also strengthened.

Schoolchildren should be given a medicinal drink made from the herb fireweed, because their workload is often increased.

If a child has a cold and his temperature has risen, give him to drink fireweed, as the decoction effectively reduces the fever. Tea is a good way to prevent skin rashes. It has a strengthening effect on the endocrine system and has a positive effect on the digestive process.

What are the benefits of fireweed for women?

Ivan tea effectively fights aging and promotes skin rejuvenation. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. If you brew the drink Ivan tea in the evening, you can feel a surge of strength and calm down.

If you are worried about pain during “critical days”, or during menopause, a medicinal drink made from the herb Ivan tea will become a “friend”. Women who are on diets should consume fireweed. It contains protein and a large number of useful components.

Ivan-tea is a “helper” in the desire to remain beautiful. It has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair structure. You can make masks from the herb and drink them as a drink.

Application in medical practice

• Tannins - tannins, which give fireweed tea (fireweed tea) its characteristic tart taste, have a high anti-inflammatory effect. This property is widely used in the treatment of inflammation of internal organs and skin.
• The high content of iron in the juice of the plant allows you to successfully use the infusion of fireweed tea to get rid of various types of iron deficiency anemia.
• The presence of a large amount of mucus in the fireweed herb gives preparations made from it an enveloping effect, which is widely used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. It is also used as a mild laxative and choleretic agent for constipation and digestive problems.
• The diuretic effect of the plant is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the urinary system, helps in removing stones from the kidneys and bladder.
• Chanerol, an antitumor drug that has been successfully used in the treatment of cancer, was synthesized from fireweed flowers. An infusion of fireweed flowers is a preventative against various cancers.

The plant has also been found to have high antiviral and antibacterial activity. Its ability to suppress the development of the herpes virus, as well as inhibit other pathogenic microflora, has been proven.

Used for treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections and other seasonal infectious diseases.

• The herb fireweed contains the active substance hyperoside, which strengthens blood vessels and capillaries and can help a person maintain a vigorous state and youthful appearance longer. Doctors say that our youth primarily depends on the health of our blood vessels.
• Preparations made from fireweed juice are effective for enhancing blood clotting function. This property of the herb is widely used in folk medicine to stop various types of bleeding, including uterine bleeding. Not used in case of arterial.
• For diabetes, fireweed tea helps regulate blood sugar levels. The drink slightly reduces appetite. This ability of preparations from the plant can also be used to lose excess weight.
• The medicinal property of drinks made from fireweed tea to relieve muscle spasms is used in folk medicine as an additional remedy for eliminating incessant hiccups and vomiting in cancer patients during chemotherapy.

In folk medicine, fireweed preparations are deservedly popular in the treatment of female diseases. They have a lactogenic effect: a decoction of fireweed leaves enhances the production of breast milk in nursing mothers.

It is also used as an additional remedy for the treatment of female infertility and obstruction of the fallopian tubes, helps in eliminating adhesions and various inflammations of the female genital area.

Helps normalize the monthly cycle and has a restorative effect during pregnancy.

The beneficial properties of preparations from fireweed tea help relieve unpleasant symptoms during menopause, as well as improve the condition of the skin and hair. Contraindications for women:

• individual intolerance;
• bleeding disorders;
• phlebeurysm;
• vein thrombosis

How to use Ivan-tea

Decoctions of this remedy are effective in treating many ailments. It is advisable to use them for preventive purposes.

If medicines from this herb are used constantly, the preventive and therapeutic effectiveness will increase for:

• iron deficiency anemia;
• gastritis with high acidity, when a stomach ulcer, colitis, enterocolitis is diagnosed;
• gallstone disease, in case of manifestations of cholecystitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis;
• diseases of the genitourinary mechanism in men and women;
• diagnosing infertility;
• hypertension, neurocircular dystonia;
• kidney ailments, bladder diseases;
• diseases of the respiratory system and respiratory canals;
• problems with the functioning of the spleen;
• diseases of a dermatological nature - in the presence of allergic type dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, furunculosis, acne;
• gout;
• development of herpes.

Angustifolia fireweed is used to prepare decoctions that are effective if the patient has:

• signs of food or alcohol poisoning, digestive disorders;
• epilepsy;
• neuroses, neurosis-like conditions, hysteria, psychoses of alcohol origin, depression;
• hangover manifestations when complex therapy for alcohol dependence is in progress;
• stress abnormalities and psycho-emotional disorders;
• manifestations of chronic fatigue;
• consequences of teething and bleeding in the gums;
• deviations in the menstrual process, pain during this period;
• lymphogranulomatosis for complex treatment of the condition;
• immunodeficiency states;
• lack of vitamin C.

Ivan tea is used for cleansing after chemotherapy or radiation exposure. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, the compositions can be used when instilled in the fight against manifestations of otitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis. Gargling with decoctions and infusions is useful in the treatment of diseases of the pharynx, larynx, and oral cavity, for example, this applies to cases of sore throat, laryngitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.

You can use the product to wash ulcerative lesions, wounds and bedsores, and compresses will help with pain after bruises and diseases of the joint and muscle tissue. Applications with steamed leaves are effective against skin diseases.

General contraindications

• Individual intolerance;
• severe allergic reaction to pollen and herbal preparations;
• Not recommended for chronic hypotension, as it lowers blood pressure.

Medicinal tea from the plant increases blood clotting and can lead to thickening. This must be taken into account by those who have a tendency to form blood clots.

It is not recommended to continue the course of taking fireweed preparations for more than one month. With prolonged use, the active substances contained in the plant can cause diarrhea. It is better to take an equal break in taking the drug, and then you can repeat the course.

You should not use fireweed tea in combination with sedatives, as the content of such substances may increase the effect excessively. Also, you should not combine it with antipyretics, for the same reason.

Healing properties and rules of use for women

The composition of this plant is very impressive, which means it is perfect for women planning a pregnancy. A pleasant bonus will be the fact that a healthy shine will return to your hair, your skin tone will even out, and your nails will become less brittle.

If you are over 35, then the time has come for preventive measures against the appearance of gallstones, for this you will need to use fireweed tea instead of regular tea leaves.

To normalize your metabolism and satisfy your hunger between snacks, enjoy fireweed tea. The drink has a sweetish taste. It is ideal for planning weight loss.

Critical days will be less painful and more abundant if you take a warm potion twice a day in the morning and evening.

For inflammatory symptoms, brew 1 spoon of fireweed roots in 100 ml of boiling water and place on the stove for 10 minutes. Then the broth should brew and cool. Drink the resulting drink half a glass a day before meals.

During menopause, tinctures help in a ratio of 1 to 10. This is approximately 2 tablespoons of Koporye raw materials and a glass of alcohol or vodka. The tincture should stand for at least two weeks, during which it is important to shake the contents of the bottle. Take 15-30 drops before each meal, but not more than 3 times a day.

Fireweed steamed with boiling water is also indicated for endometriosis, fibroids, thrush, infertility and cystitis. But before prescribing such treatment for yourself, it is better to consult a doctor.

Method of use

The herb Ivan-tea, as recommended by doctors, is taken in the form of decoctions, infusions and teas. It is usually prescribed as a tea drink unless otherwise indicated. It can be prepared using the following simple recipe:

• pour a teaspoon of dry herb into a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid;
• leave for 15-20 minutes, preferably covered with a towel to retain heat;
• strain. The remaining raw materials can be refilled with boiling water;
• The finished infusion is stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

It is recommended to drink 1 - 2 glasses of this tea per day. When treating individual diseases, the proportions and method of preparation may differ. It can also be used in complex collections of medicinal plants.

The beneficial properties of fireweed tea are best manifested when properly prepared and prepared. Fresh, dried or fermented fireweed herb is used to prepare medicinal drinks.

Special processing of the plant - fermentation can be carried out using different technologies. During preparation, raw materials go through the stages of mechanical processing, oxidation and then drying. The degree of oxidation and the properties of the final product depend on the time allowed for fermentation.

With different processing and drying methods, the tea turns out to be green, red or black. Drinks made from it differ in appearance and taste, but all beneficial properties are preserved.

As a result of properly performed fermentation, medicinal tea acquires a rich color, slightly tart taste and a special fruity aroma.

How is fireweed tea beneficial for the human body?

The presence of compounds important for the body in the structural formula determines the various medicinal properties of fireweed:

• anti-inflammatory;
• hemostatic;
• anticonvulsants;
• mild sleeping pills;
• antiseptic;
• antiallergic;
• choleretic;
• enveloping;
• antiviral;
• antioxidant;
• wound healing;
• decongestants;
• sedatives;
• mild laxatives.

Thanks to tannins, the beneficial properties of willow tea appear: enveloping and anti-inflammatory.

Due to the hyperoside from the group of flavonoids, the use of products made with fireweed helps strengthen blood vessels and has a beneficial effect on cardiac activity.

Even a small amount of alkaloids provides an analgesic effect. The benefits of fireweed for the human body are also explained by the inclusion of polysaccharides that stimulate digestion.

The general complex of useful elements, minerals, and vitamins determines the various medicinal properties of Ivan tea. This raw material regulates renal and hepatic activity, strengthens the immune system, reduces aggressiveness, and eliminates insomnia.

The usefulness of fireweed tea is manifested in the stabilization of the functions of the urinary organs. The plant helps in eliminating the manifestations of an allergic reaction, promotes the removal of toxic compounds and slag deposits.

Indications of Ivan tea:

• colitis;
• peptic ulcer;
• constipation;
• angina;
• gastritis;
• pancreatitis;
• otitis;
• inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
• migraine;
• diabetes;
• psoriasis;
• avitaminosis;
• neuroses;
• herpes;
• scrofula;
• eczema;
• atopic dermatitis;
• epilepsy.

In cooking, young fireweed leaves are added to salads. It is known to prepare boiled fireweed tea. Its young stems and leaf blades are added to soup, replacing cabbage. Vitamin flour is made from the roots, from which bread is baked.

Benefits for women

The unique fireweed tea is useful for women, as it helps relieve anxiety and reduce the negative consequences of stressful situations.

They use fireweed remedies for prolonged and excessively painful menstruation. For this purpose, 1 tbsp. l. dried leaves of fireweed are infused in a glass of boiling water for an hour. After straining before meals, 20 ml. taken four times a day.

It is recommended to take ivan tea, which regulates metabolic processes, during pregnancy if the doctor does not find any contraindications. Products based on such raw materials relieve swelling and prevent the development of infectious pathologies.

Ivan tea is included in the diet during breastfeeding, as the herb has a beneficial effect on enhancing lactation, improves mood, and relieves nervousness.

How it will help men

Due to its high anti-inflammatory characteristics, it is recommended to use fireweed tea for men to treat adenoma. You will need to steam 1 tsp. dried raw materials with a glass of boiling water.

Drink a warm filtered infusion of fireweed tea after waking up in the morning on an empty stomach. Repeat in the evening an hour before bedtime.

The same sessions are practiced to prevent the development of adenoma, since Ivanovo grass has a beneficial effect on maintaining a healthy genitourinary system.

Ivan tea is useful for potency. Prepare the infusion:

1. 1 tbsp. l. dried herbs pour 250 ml. boiled water.
2. Keep for an hour under a linen napkin.

Strained infusion 50 ml. drink before meals for a month and a half.

Ivan tea is successfully used for prostatitis:

1. Place in a saucepan with 250 ml. boiling water 2 tbsp. l. dry ground herbs.
2. Keep in a steam bath for 20 minutes.
3. Cover the container removed from the stove with a towel.
4. After 50 minutes, the Ivan tea decoction is filtered.
5. Pour in cooled boiling water, replenishing the initial volume of liquid.

Drink half a glass before breakfast and dinner. After 14 days they take a week break.

For children

In the absence of allergies, it is allowed to give fireweed to children over 6 years of age in the form of a weakly concentrated drink that improves immunity.

Prepare the infusion:

1. 1 tsp. dry fireweed is steamed with a glass of boiling water.
2. Leave for 20 minutes.
3. Strain.

Up to 8 years of age the drink should be consumed 1 tbsp. l. three times a day. At the age of 9-14 years it is allowed to take 50 ml.

Preparation, storage and preparation of fireweed tea

Making fermented fireweed tea yourself is not at all difficult. Here is a simple recipe that you can use to do this:

• Collect the green leaves and flowers of fireweed separately early in the morning. At this time of day, all beneficial substances are maximally concentrated in the leaves of plants.
• To make tea you need the leaves, not the flowers. But they can also be added to the collection later, after fermentation.
• Dry the collected raw materials slightly, and then thoroughly mash them with your hands or a wooden masher until the juice appears.
• Place the mashed mass in a glass jar, cover with clean paper or cloth and place in a cool, dark place.
• Periodically stir and shake the contents of the jar to avoid caking of the raw materials.
• One and a half to two days will be enough for the first fermentation experience. Later, you will be able to select the required time yourself, focusing on your own preferences.
• After this, the fireweed herb must be removed from the jar and dried thoroughly. It is better to do this in the oven at the lowest temperature or in an electric fruit dryer.
• Drying outdoors is only possible in very low humidity conditions, on the hottest summer days. Otherwise, there is a risk of mold.
• Grind the finished tea by hand to the size of tea crumbs you require.

How to collect and dry a plant

When and how to collect fireweed:

• collection begins from the first days of flowering;
• dry weather and early morning are ideal for collecting, because the flowers open between 5 and 7 am;
• collect the central and upper leaves of grass, which grows in open and well-warmed areas by the sun;
• the plant does not accumulate toxins and harmful substances, but for collection it is better to choose areas away from industrial centers;
• Dry and undamaged leaves are suitable for collection;
• The flowers are collected and dried separately.

Fermented raw materials can be bought at a pharmacy or prepared yourself, because the fermentation process involves the reaction of fireweed enzymes with air during the fermentation process. To do this, freshly collected dry leaves are compacted into jars, wrapped in black film and kept in a dark and warm place for 3-4 days. After this, the leaves are taken out, and their smell changes from herbaceous to fruity. Leave the leaves to dry on baking sheets covered with several layers of Whatman paper in a cool, dry place. When drying, the raw materials must be mixed well. In appearance, fermented raw materials resemble ordinary tea. It must be stored for 2 years in a glass container with a tight lid.

Have you ever had to collect and prepare angustifolia fireweed yourself? Share with us the recipes of your favorite drink, we will be grateful.