Fireweed represents herbaceous plant or subshrub as tall as a man. The leaves have an elongated shape, a small stalk and a sharp tip. Fireweed blooms with large purple or lilac buds, which converge into a kind of cone at the top of the plant.
Fireweed (also called Ivan tea) is quite popular in folk medicine thanks to its beneficial properties. This is a native Russian plant that helped our great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers.
The therapeutic effect after taking fireweed is well known to representatives of the stronger sex. Let's take a closer look at the list of contraindications for taking Ivan tea, and also figure out what properties this plant has.
Contents of the article:
Medicinal properties
Ivan tea acts on the body as a powerful tonic and anti-inflammatory agent. The use of fireweed decoctions after surgery or serious illnesses stimulates the healing process and significantly reduces the likelihood of various complications. Components of fireweed have a positive effect on the immune system.
Fireweed also gives a laxative and diuretic effect if it is brewed from fresh leaves. The herb is used as an enveloping, regenerating, hemostatic, and sedative.
Recipes with a small concentration of components that make up the plant have a beneficial effect on a person’s mental state, normalize sleep, and eliminate the effects of stress.
Brewed dried herb Ivan tea helps get rid of problems caused by insomnia and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the heart muscle.
Folk recipes include not only fireweed roots, but also its foliage and buds. The leaves and flowers contain flavonoids, mucous and tannins, iron, tannin, ascorbic acid, manganese, and vitamin A.
Rhizomes are rich in carotenoids, tannins, flavonoids, pectins, B vitamins, as well as molybdenum and copper. Ivan tea decoction has pleasant aroma and fruity taste.
The maximum beneficial properties of the herb are preserved only if it is collected and dried correctly:
- The above-ground part of the plant is collected during flowering, but the condition must be met: the buds must not be fully opened. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting a handful of seeds instead of flowers after drying. During drying, the foliage is placed separately from the sprouts, they are placed under a large canopy, and then fermented.
- The underground part of the grass is prepared for the drying process in the fall. The rhizomes are cleared of pieces of earth, placed in an oven and kept at a temperature of seventy degrees Celsius.
For men unique property fireweed is that it prevents the occurrence of prostate adenoma. Often, recipes with Ivan tea are included in the complex treatment of this disease. The components inhibit the spread of pathology.
Gradually, the formidable neoplasm decreases in size, and the need for surgical intervention is reduced to a minimum. Fireweed can be used as a prophylactic against impotence.
Nutritional value and calorie content
The calorie content of a 100-gram serving of fireweed in its raw form is 150 kcal, which is 9% of daily dose(about 1600 kcal). The nutritional content of one hundred grams of grass is as follows:
- proteins – 5 grams;
- fats – 2 grams;
- carbohydrates – 32 grams;
- water – 60 grams;
- ash – 2 grams;
- nicotinic acid – 0.3 mg;
- ascorbic acid – 13 mg;
- folates – 25 mcg;
- pyridoxine – 0.2 mg;
- pantothenic acid – 1.2 mg;
- riboflavin – 0.12 mg;
- thiamine – 0.11 mg.
Are there any harms and contraindications?
Due to its rich and rich composition, fireweed has a number of important contraindications that cannot be ignored:
- Excessive consumption of fireweed can cause severe diarrhea and pain in the lower abdomen.
- Taking the herb is not possible during treatment with antipyretic and sedative medications.
- For hypotensive people, fireweed can become a dangerous herbal remedy. This is explained by his ability.
- If a patient has an individual intolerance to Ivan tea, then he should not take decoctions or make lotions from this plant.
- During exacerbation of urological problems in men, treatment with fireweed should not be started.
- Taking Ivan tea is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from diseases gastrointestinal tract and hematopoietic system.
Before using fireweed infusion, you should definitely consult your doctor. He will tell you exactly if you have any contraindications.
When carrying a child and during breastfeeding, fireweed should be taken with caution. The dosage must be determined by a physician.
Methods of use in folk medicine
Folk recipes for drinks that include fireweed are superior in their effect on the body to all other known natural teas.
Ivan tea for prostate adenoma
For adenoma, fireweed is used in combination with other plants. Their healing properties are complemented and enhanced. Decoctions and infusions must be taken in courses.
- Combine three tablespoons of fireweed with two tablespoons of nettle leaves, add a couple of spoons of goldenrod, as well as one hop cone, cinnamon and horsetail. All ingredients must be dried in the oven, chopped and mixed thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is formed. Add 250 ml of boiling water to the herbs, wait half an hour, filter the infusion. Take the drink in the morning, afternoon and evening before meals. A serving is equal to a third of a glass.
- Combine ten parts each of fireweed and licorice roots. Add three parts of echinacea roots and two parts of lemongrass leaves. Dry all components well, chop and mix. Take one tablespoon of the resulting mixture and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Keep on low heat for ten minutes, then leave for half an hour and strain through cheesecloth. The drink is drunk one hundred milliliters three times a day on an empty stomach.
- Combine leaves of fireweed, strawberry, birch and hazel in equal proportions. All leaves are dried and finely chopped. One hundred grams of dried plants are poured with 500 ml of boiling water and kept on low heat for about ten minutes. The drink is infused and filtered using a gauze pad. The broth is drunk without any restrictions all day long. No additives needed.
For pancreatitis
Pour four to five teaspoons of dried and crushed leaves of Ivan tea into 1.5 cups of boiling water. Wait 10–15 minutes and strain the broth. Drink a quarter glass before and after meals three times a day. Take warm.
For stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers
Four tablespoons of fireweed leaves are thrown into a deep pan and filled with two liters of hot water. The liquid must be brought to a boil and immediately remove the container from the heat. Let it brew for half an hour, then strain. Take a third of a cup of the decoction before meals.
Fireweed for weight loss
Here are four recipes for quick and safe weight loss with the help of this plant:
- Place a few leaves of Ivan tea in a small saucepan, add a handful of wild strawberries and any currants. Pour 500 ml of boiling water and put on fire. The mixture should simmer for ten minutes. The finished broth is cooled naturally and passed through sieve. You need to take the drink all day, replacing regular tea.
- Combine two teaspoons of dried fireweed with one teaspoon of corn silk, add a dessert spoon of Chinese lemongrass to the mixture. Place all raw materials in a teapot and pour boiling water up to the lid. The mixture is infused for about half an hour, then strained and taken three times a day before meals, half a glass.
- One heaped tablespoon of fireweed is poured into 250 ml of hot water. Leave for five minutes, after which the decoction is separated from the leaves. Add cinnamon to the liquid on the tip of a knife and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. You need to drink the resulting drink on an empty stomach in the morning. Serving quantity: one glass.
- A decoction of fireweed with the addition of a pinch of salt is taken in half a glass 20–25 minutes before meals. The drink helps eliminate the double chin.
Prescription for oncology
Thanks to its beneficial components, Ivan tea is used during chemotherapy for oncological diseases. The herb perfectly relieves pain and strengthens the immune system. Hanerol, which is part of fireweed, actively fights tumors.
- You need to take a heaped teaspoon of fireweed and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Then you need to leave the mixture under a closed lid for half an hour and filter using a strainer or gauze. Take one drink at a time dessert spoon after waking up and before going to bed.
- Take a bunch of fireweed leaves and stems and squeeze the juice from the plant using a juicer. Place the liquid in a separate container and close with a lid. Before use, mix one tablespoon of liquid with the same amount fresh honey. Store the drink in the refrigerator. Take fireweed with honey four times a day before meals.
- Take Ivan tea along with the rhizome, foliage and flowers and rinse it well. After this, you need to cut the plant into small pieces and place it in a jar. The grass is poured with vodka, the plant should be completely hidden. The jar must be tightly closed with a lid. Place the container in a dark place and drink a tablespoon of infusion four times a day. For prevention purposes, take the infusion one tablespoon twice a day before meals.
Proper use of Ivan tea will help improve health, relieve serious illnesses and unpleasant symptoms, and also give good sleep, vigor and strength. Men will appreciate the beneficial properties of fireweed in the treatment and prevention of prostate adenoma.
We also suggest watching an interesting video on the topic of the article:
Meet: narrow-leaved fireweed, popularly known as fireweed. It was used to prepare a drink back in the days Ancient Rus'. For a long time, tea from this plant was sold to Europe. How did the above-mentioned drink captivate the whimsical Europeans? Its healing abilities are described below. So, read on!
Ivan-tea: brief description
Since its inception, the above plant has acquired many different names. These are “angustifolia fireweed grass”, “willow grass”, “willow grass”, “willow grass” and others. People often call fireweed "fireman". It turns out that this plant populates fire sites very well. It is also sometimes called “dremukha” (due to its ability to act as a good sleeping pill).
Also in the literature you can see the following designations of fireweed: mulberry, Kuril tea, koporka, spring grass, rubella, boron potion, spruce, magpie eyes, hoof-grass, smolok-grass and many, many others. It seems that each region has its own name for the above plant.
The main features of angustifolia fireweed:
- belongs to the fireweed family;
- is a perennial plant;
- has lanceolate leaves;
- flowers of lilac, lilac-red or white color;
- the rhizome is thick, with numerous shoots;
- The flowering period is from mid-June to the second or third week of August.
The fireweed plant can be found near pine forests, in meadows and wastelands, on peat or dry sandy soils, near village roads, along the banks of lakes and rivers, and also as a weed in vegetable gardens or orchards.
A little history of fireweed
It should be noted that since the 12th century in Rus', tea, for the preparation of which they used angustifolia fireweed, was very popular. Ivan tea was collected by both ordinary peasants and representatives of rich noble Russian families.
Since the 13th century, the above plant began to be called “ Koporye tea" The fact is that Alexander Nevsky, on the site of the destroyed fortress, founded the small estate of Koporye (located in the region of the St. Petersburg province that emerged later). It was on these sand dunes that the fireweed plant took root very well. It was prepared by the monks.
Once English sailors visited Koporye. They tried this one extremely delicious drink. They liked it so much that rich people from Europe (England, France, Prussia) began to order angustifolia fireweed.
Until the mid-19th century, Great Britain exclusively preferred this Russian Koporye tea. Even Indian and Ceylon drinks were not so popular.
At the end of the 19th century, angustifolia fireweed was forced out of the European market. This was facilitated by two world events: the rapidly growing power of the East India Company and the First World War.
Useful composition of the plant
The herb Ivan-tea contains the following substances, which bring extremely great benefit to the human body:
- vitamin C (especially in the above-ground part of the plant);
- carotenoids (provitamin A);
- mucus (polysaccharides);
- B vitamins;
- chlorophyll;
- pectins;
- tannins (up to 20%);
- organic acids;
- phytosterols (especially a lot of beta-sitosterol);
- coumarins;
- flavonoids;
- triterpenoids;
- alkaloids;
- macro- and microelements (copper, iron, manganese, sodium, potassium, calcium, titanium, nickel, boron).
The rhizome of the above plant does not contain tannins at all, but it contains a lot of starch, polysaccharides, easily digestible proteins, cobalt, calcium and phosphorus salts.
Ivan tea: medicinal properties, contraindications
The drink from the above plant has not only very pleasant taste and amazing aroma, but also wide range healing effects: remarkably tones the body, quenches thirst, gives strength, relieves fatigue. Unlike coffee and black tea, a decoction of angustifolia fireweed does not contain purine bases, oxalic acid or caffeine that are harmful to human health.
With regular consumption of the drink, the basis of which is the herb fireweed, vitality increases and the immune system is remarkably strengthened:
- The composition of the blood and hematopoietic function improves (the normal alkaline-acid balance of the blood is restored, the level of hemoglobin increases).
- The increased excitability of the nerves and the system as a whole is reduced.
- The symptoms of insomnia and the consequences of psycho-emotional stress are eliminated.
- Normal blood pressure is restored.
In addition, fireweed tea, the medicinal properties of which are based on its healing composition, has the following effects on the body:
- Helps improve lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Significantly increases the absorption of nutrients.
- Has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect.
- It has a beneficial effect on the health of the prostate gland, as well as on the normal functioning of the male reproductive system.
- Produces a diuretic effect.
- Perfectly eliminates signs of constipation.
- Promotes healing of wounds of the mucous membranes in the stomach (that is, it acts as an effective antiulcer agent, has a good enveloping and anti-inflammatory effect).
- Restores the most optimal balance of microflora in the intestines.
- Produces a choleretic effect.
- Shows antiallergic activity.
- Increases potency and prevents the development of symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
- Activates the processes of epithelization and granulation of areas of the skin that have been damaged.
- Produces a moderate analgesic effect.
- Shows antiviral activity.
- Enhances lactation and improves the quality of mother's milk.
- Cleanses the body of toxins and other impurities.
- Improves the functioning of the thyroid gland and the entire endocrine system.
- Significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer.
- Has an antioxidant effect.
- Prevents premature aging of the skin.
- Improves skin condition, making it more elastic and firm.
No matter how good medicinal properties fireweed may have, there are still some contraindications to its use. This:
- increased blood clotting;
- thrombophlebitis;
- thrombosis.
If you drink the above drink too much for a long time, then some problems with the functioning of the kidneys and liver may occur. Experts do not recommend drinking fireweed tea for more than 1 month without a break. It can also interfere with the functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Angustifolia fireweed: application
Ivan tea is actively used in alternative medicine and cosmetology. Russian healers note that, thanks to its soothing, anti-inflammatory, astringent, enveloping, diaphoretic, emollient effects, this plant has become the basis for many remedies against a wide variety of diseases.
Alternative medicine uses all parts of the fireweed (leaves, stems, flowers, roots). For example, the ground leaves of this plant promote rapid healing of even very deep wounds. A decoction of them quite effectively helps with scrofula, inflammation of the throat, ear, nose, and also acts as an excellent sleeping pill.
Tibetan alternative medicine uses the rhizome of the fireweed angustifolia to relieve the symptoms of such terrible and complex diseases as syphilis and gonorrhea. Mongolian healers use fireweed to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the entire digestive system. They believe that tea from fireweed angustifolia - excellent remedy against scrofula and headaches.
Russian healers note that fireweed branches go well with birch. Therefore, a broom from these two plants is excellent for a bath. Their extraordinary healthy aroma You can feel it immediately, and your well-being improves significantly and the headache goes away.
Some cooks add fireweed sprouts to various salads. The roots of angustifolia fireweed can be ground into flour and enriched baked goods with them.
Ivan-tea: indications for use
The properties of angustifolia fireweed are highly valued by Russian healers, who believe that it has high therapeutic effect. It is recommended to use a drink from this plant for the treatment of the following diseases:
- iron deficiency anemia;
- gastroduodenitis and stomach ulcers;
- enterocolitis, colitis;
- gallstone disease, cholecystitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholangitis, cholecystocholangitis, pancreatitis;
- problems with the male genitourinary system (prostate adenoma, erectile dysfunction);
- male and female infertility;
- high blood pressure, cardioneurosis;
- problems with the respiratory system (chronic tonsillitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, ARVI, sinusitis;
- spleen diseases;
- allergic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, furunculosis;
- herpes;
- gout;
- urolithiasis, cystitis;
- epilepsy;
- alcohol and food poisoning;
- dysentery;
- diarrhea;
- hysteria, neurosis-like states, alcoholic psychoses, depression;
- hangover;
- menstrual irregularities;
- C-vitaminosis;
- lymphogranulomatosis;
- uterine bleeding, menopause;
- increased bleeding of gums;
- chronic fatigue syndrome.
Russian healers also recommend consuming drinks made from fireweed tea in case of serious psycho-emotional stress. This plant is also included in the treatment of alcoholism and neuroses of various etymologies.
Angustifolia fireweed has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and wound-healing effect. Therefore, Russian healers recommend it for instillation for rhinitis, otitis, and sinusitis. It is also used for rinsing oral cavity for diseases such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, periodontitis, caries, gingivitis, stomatitis.
Ivan-tea: recipes
There are many recipes for drinks that use fireweed. How to brew it?
You need to take 15 g of dry raw materials of leaves and flowers (approximately two tablespoons), pour 200 ml of boiling water over it. Bring the contents of the enamel pot to a boil and cook for low heat no more than a quarter of an hour. It is recommended to strain the infusion. Before use, it must be diluted with boiling water. If desired, you can add sugar or honey to the drink.
It is interesting that such tea leaves can be safely used for a week; it does not lose its properties at all and does not deteriorate.
Another brewing method involves preparing such a drink from fresh fireweed leaves. They are placed in enamel pan thin layer, pour boiling water and bring to a boil over low heat. Then leave to infuse for a quarter of an hour. You can drink tea either warm or cold. You can reheat it, but under no circumstances should you bring it to a boil again. After all, high temperature will only destroy the aroma of this drink.
There are also many recipes medicines, for the preparation of which fireweed is used. How to brew it? Pour 10 g of dry raw material with 250 g of boiling water and cook over low heat for no more than a quarter of an hour. Then you need to strain the broth. Take a tablespoon every 6 hours.
You can cure gastroduodenitis and stomach ulcers with the following infusion: take the herb of fireweed, chamomile, linden blossom and fennel fruit in the following ratio: 2:1:2:1. Mix these ingredients thoroughly. Then pour boiling water over them. Russian healers recommend drinking this drink two glasses before meals.
Ivan tea in cosmetology
Angustifolia fireweed began to be used for cosmetic purposes back in the days of Ancient Rus'. Nowadays, fashionable salons offer their clients a steam bath with a tincture of fireweed flowers before a massage. It must be done for at least 5 days for a quarter of an hour.
An anti-inflammatory mask based on angustifolia fireweed has proven itself to be excellent. To prepare it you will need 8 ml of tincture of the plant’s flowers, a pinch of “Extra” salt (on the tip of a knife) and oatmeal. Mix these ingredients thoroughly (to the consistency of liquid sour cream) and apply to the skin of the face for a quarter of an hour. Next, it is recommended to wash off this mask with warm water. After this procedure, the skin will be cleared of red spots and will become softer, firmer and more elastic.
Methods for preparing fireweed tea
Depending on the use in recipes, there are several methods for preparing the above plant:
- cutting off only the top part of fireweed during flowering (coarse stems are not taken);
- separate preparation of leaves and flowers of fireweed angustifolia.
How to properly dry fireweed?
- Dry the leaves overnight in a dark place;
- roll the leaves in your palms until the juice comes out;
- place these “cigars” on a baking sheet;
- cover them with a wet cloth;
- leave for 10 hours in the shade for the fermentation process to occur and a fruity smell to appear;
- then unroll the leaves;
- spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet;
- place in the oven to dry at 100 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes;
- store raw materials Koporye tea Russian healers advise glass jar.
It should be noted that you can easily buy fireweed at the pharmacy. Its shelf life is usually no more than 3 years.
Ivan-tea - excellent medicinal plant, which gives the body health and enriches it with useful substances. An aromatic drink based on angustifolia fireweed will win the hearts of even the most demanding tea connoisseurs. But before using it for medicinal purposes, you should still consult an experienced doctor.
Perhaps many have heard about such a wonderful plant as Blooming Sally, and perhaps saw and also used it to prepare wonderful fragrant tea, since the name of this herb speaks for itself. And they were absolutely right, since all overseas teas are not always beneficial for our body, but a drink made from the herb Ivan tea will lift your spirit and strengthen your health, and it has no contraindications. Fireweed, also called Ivan tea, has a large number of advantages, one of the most significant is the absence of costs, all you need to do is prepare the raw materials on time and correctly for the entire next year and enjoy the wonderful, fragrant, and most importantly healing drink from the herb Ivan-tea. But first things first…
Description
Fireweed angustifolia or fireweed is a perennial herbaceous plant with an erect, densely leafy stem reaching a height of up to two meters. The shape of the leaves is elongated, pointed, attached to the stem using short petioles or simply “sitting” on it. The plant has a beautiful flowering inflorescence - a raceme. The flowers are large, about 3 centimeters wide, purple, hot pink or white shade. It is also worth mentioning interesting form root system is a creeping tree-like root with big amount adventitious roots, also used for medicinal purposes. Ivan-tea blooms in the summer, from mid-June to August.
Spreading
Fireweed grows everywhere, but mainly in dry sandy places, along forest edges, clearings, clearings, in dry peat bogs, and in former forest fires this plant can also be found.
Chemical composition of raw materials
Young rhizomes, flowers and leaves of willow tea contain from 10% to 20% tannins, carbohydrates, organic acids, phenolic compounds, pectin, bioflavonoids, traces of alkaloids, vitamins: A, B 1, B 2, B 3, B 6 , B 9, micro-, and macroelements. Ivan tea is also rich in plant fiber, which normalizes the functioning of the intestines, but is not broken down in it. Fireweed leaves also contain up to 15% mucus, and are also rich in: ascorbic acid (vitamin C content is about 4 times more than in lemon), iron, copper, manganese, they also contain zinc, titanium, molybdenum, boron and etc.
Angustifolia fireweed or Ivan-tea - medicinal properties
Fireweed herb contains a whole range of medicinal properties; it can be used as a wonderful astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic, enveloping, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, vascular strengthening, antioxidant agent.
The main raw materials used for medicinal purposes are the leaves of the plant, as we have already indicated, being especially valuable in their chemical composition. They are used in treatment peptic ulcer stomach, gastritis, colitis, most often in the form of infusion or decoction. They use a healing infusion of the herb Fireweed angustifolia, as well as an additional remedy for treatment iron deficiency anemia, reduced immunity, etc. Leaf extract medicinal plant It is also successfully used in modern cosmetology as a natural tightening component.
Similar to motherwort, fireweed has a mild sedative and hypnotic effect. Ivan tea can be used to combat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, and also in the treatment of colds and acute respiratory infections, although only in the case when taking medications from the plant was started in the first two days after the first signs of the disease appeared. If you start consuming Ivan tea later, then either there will be no result, or it will be the opposite.
The antioxidant property of Fireweed angustifolia is supported by the content of plant phenolic compounds, which are considered unusually strong antioxidants, and also thanks to vitamins A and C. “Thank you” to Ivan-tea for this wonderful property, often used as a means to prolong the youth of the body.
An infusion and decoction of the leaves of Fireweed angustifolia stimulate the cardiovascular system and have a gentle effect on nervous system. The drugs are also used for insomnia, nervous overexcitation, increased irritability and headaches.
We recommend using an infusion of Ivan tea leaves as an external remedy for people suffering from frequent headaches; the infusion is also successfully used for diseases of the oral cavity, including stomatitis, sore throat, and sore throats. Dry leaf powder medicinal plant used as an additional remedy in the treatment of infected wounds and ulcers. In the form of a poultice, it is used for otitis (even acute) and soft tissue bruises.
Making tea from fireweed angustifolia
Several hundred years ago, tea in Rus' was highest degree a rare and extremely expensive drink that only noble people and the rich could afford. As a result, ordinary people looked for a decent replacement for it from what grows on Russian soil. After a long search, fireweed tea gained considerable popularity, which later received the name “Russian tea”.
The technology for preparing tea from the grass of fireweed angustifolia is a little troublesome, consisting of several stages, such as: collection, withering, twisting, fermentation and drying. But the result is worth it, as you have already noted.
So, we collect the aboveground part of the plant during the growth and beginning of flowering of the plant. Flowers and leaves should be collected and then dried separately from each other. We try to collect mostly fresh young leaves, and should not use old and yellowed leaves. We advise you to cut the plant with scissors or pruning shears without damaging the root system, which also has beneficial properties and is edible as an excellent alternative to wheat flour.
The collected leaves need to be dried, for this we choose a shaded place where there are no direct leaves. sun rays and spread the leaves of Ivan tea for 2-2.5 hours in a thin layer. So that they dry out a little.
The next stage is twisting; we recommend doing it exclusively by hand, since this way you will preserve all the beneficial properties of the plant and, most importantly, its magnificent aroma. To do this you need your hands!!! take a small amount of Mash the fireweed leaves, roll them in your palms until the juice releases and roll them into a small “sausage”.
Next we are engaged in fermentation, for this we need to put all the prepared “sausages” in a pan, jar, plastic bucket or birch tree and remove them for a day or two (this will depend on the air temperature). In this case, the container must be covered with a damp cloth and ensure that it does not dry out by regularly spraying it with water.
Fermentation is considered sufficient if the herbal smell of the leaves changes to a strong floral-fruity aroma.
And finally, the final stage of preparing fireweed is drying. For better drying of raw materials, it is better suited conventional oven, heated to 100 0 C. We place the fermented tea on baking sheets in one layer and put it in the oven for 40 minutes. During the specified time, we advise you to check the tea and turn it over slightly. High-quality dried raw materials should be almost black in color, dry to the touch and acquire a pleasant aroma.
Ivan tea should be stored in glassware, preferably not transparent, tightly closing the lid.
Method of brewing Ivan tea: you need to take 2 teaspoons of the resulting tea leaves and pour boiling water over it. Leave for 15-20 minutes and drink.
Fireweed flowers are much easier to prepare; to do this, it is enough to spread them out in a thin layer in a dry, dark, ventilated room and check periodically until the raw materials dry.
Collection dates and methods
The harvesting of leaves and flowers of Fireweed angustifolia begins with the period of budding of flowers and the immediate beginning of flowering of the plant, at which time it gains maximum strength. Ivan tea root is harvested in the fall, after the seeds have ripened.
Medicinal prescriptions
Methods for preparing infusions from the herb Fireweed:
Recipe No. 1: 15 g (about 3 teaspoons) of crushed medicinal raw fireweed pour a glass of boiling water and leave for an hour, then filter and take 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.
Recipe No. 2: 1 tbsp. dried fireweed root is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 45 minutes, after which it is filtered and this infusion is taken 3 times a day, 1 tbsp.
Recipe No. 3 : 1 tbsp. Fireweed leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 2 hours, after which it is filtered and this infusion is taken 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day for anemia and 1/3 glass three times a day.
Fireweed (fireweed)- a perennial subshrub strewn with bright pink or lilac flowers (see photo). During flowering, the shrub emits a pleasant, fairly strong aroma. Fireweed is found throughout Russia. The plant is a representative of Cypressaceae. The popular name of the shrub sounds like “down jacket”, although in most cases it is known as fireweed. Fireweed has become popular as tea drink. Ivan-tea was good not only for tea, it was customary to stuff pillows and mattresses with its down, and the plant even began to be called a “down jacket.” The fact is that the flowering of the plant is accompanied by a large amount of fluff.
Fireweed was one of the most important plants in Rus'. In old chronicles, scientists have found more than one mention of this herb. Before tea appeared in Rus', people drank so-called Russian tea, which was brewed fireweed leaves. Russian tea was revered not only in Rus', but throughout Europe. Fireweed was supplied abroad, and it was also served at the imperial table. Russian tea was so popular that recipes for brewing it were considered a family secret and were passed down from generation to generation as the greatest value. For the first time, residents of the village of Koporya (St. Petersburg province) tried Russian tea. This wonderful drink was discovered by local monks, but soon the whole neighborhood began to drink tea. Once the tea was tried by English sailors who, by chance, ended up in Koporye; they liked the drink so much that they brought it to England, where it also became very popular. Tea very quickly conquered Europe and began to displace British products from the market, which at that time owned valuable “tea” territories such as India and Ceylon. The popularity of fireweed is also evidenced by the fact that it occupied an honorable place in foreign trade and was even ahead of traditional Russian products, for example, honey. Today, heroic tea is undeservedly forgotten, which was facilitated by the intrigues of competitors and the revolution of 1917.
How to collect and dry?
It is better to collect fireweed during its flowering period. The plant blooms from late June until autumn. Leaves and flowers of fireweed are harvested for medicinal purposes, although stems and rhizomes are sometimes collected. By autumn, the plant begins to form fruits that look like beans and contain fluff inside. When preparing fireweed, fluff should never get into the grass. If roots are not needed, then the plant is cut in half and the roots are left in the ground, since the plant is perennial. Dry the leaves in a cool place and store in paper bags.
Beneficial features
Beneficial features fireweed (fireweed) was known to our ancestors, who considered a drink from this plant a remedy for all diseases. The plant contains large amounts of vitamin C, even more than rose hips. Fireweed contains more ascorbic acid than well-known citrus fruits, so, lemon contains 6.5 times less, and oranges – 3 times less. Vitamin C is important for maintaining many processes in the body; it prolongs youth because it is a strong antioxidant. The aerial part of fireweed is rich in carotenoids, B vitamins, tannins, flavonoids and phytosterols, as well as chlorophyll and pectins.
The leaves and flowers of the plant contain large amounts of iron, copper, and manganese. These minerals are necessary for hematopoiesis and metabolic processes. Fireweed also has a significant content of potassium, sodium, calcium, and nickel. It should be noted that it does not harmful substances, such as caffeine, oxalic acid, which means that fireweed tea does not disrupt metabolic processes in the body.
Regular consumption of tea helps improve blood composition and even increases hemoglobin levels. In addition, the presence of chlorophyll promotes wound healing, and chlorophyll molecules are similar to human hemoglobin molecules. The plant restores the acid-base balance of the blood, the content of ascorbic acid, iron and other beneficial substances improves hematopoietic function. Fireweed improves fat and carbohydrate metabolism and the absorption of nutrients from other foods. Flavonoids provide choleretic and diuretic effect.
Ivan-tea has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it is more effective than oak bark, bear ears. The plant suppresses inflammatory processes in a short time, thanks to the presence of flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The anti-inflammatory effect is ensured due to the presence of tannins in the plant. Vitamins A, B, C, K, P strengthen vascular walls and normalize the functioning of the nervous system. These substances improve the condition of the skin.
The plant is especially useful for male body, to improve prostate function, effective increases potency. Fireweed has long been considered a herb beneficial for men and was used to treat diseases genitourinary system and male impotence. The plant prevents the degeneration of adenoma into an oncological condition. Ivan tea also has a diuretic effect, which will be useful for people with high blood pressure.
Tea renders positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, it envelops the stomach, protects the mucous membrane, and heals ulcers. In addition, fireweed tea relieves constipation and improves intestinal microflora. Tea is also effective for food poisoning. The plant can be used for flatulence, ulcers, gastritis, colitis and simply to improve digestive processes.
Use in cooking
In cooking, fireweed is used in different ways.
Young shoots and leaves of the plant are perfect for making salads. Before cooking, the leaves are thoroughly washed, then scalded with boiling water and finely chopped.
In the Caucasus, the rhizomes of this plant are also eaten. Flour is obtained from the rhizome of fireweed, which is then added when baking bread.
However, from time immemorial in Rus', fireweed has been used to brew healing tea. This drink quenches thirst well and has a general strengthening effect. It can be taken either hot or cold. Lovers of fireweed tea claim that a properly brewed drink made from it is many times superior to Ceylon or Indian tea premium. Unlike traditional tea drinks, “heroic tea” retains its beneficial and tasteful qualities for 2-3 days when brewed.
How to brew?
Fireweed tea is brewed using a special technology. First you need to collect young leaves, then dry them, scald them, grind them in a trough and dry them again (traditionally this was done in a Russian oven). After drying, the leaves should be ground again. For one serving of tea, it will be enough to pour 3 tablespoons of the resulting mass with boiling water and leave for half an hour.
The benefits of fireweed (fireweed) and treatment
The benefits of fireweed were already known to Russian healers. The plant is useful for people with vegetative-vascular dystonia, as well as those suffering from headaches and migraines. Regular consumption of this drink is good prevention of peptic ulcers, cystitis, malignant tumors. Since tea does not contain caffeine or substances harmful to the body, it can be consumed by pregnant women and children. In addition, tea improves immunity. Bee honey from fireweed is also used for medicinal purposes.
“Bogatyr tea” is used to normalize blood pressure and relieve headaches. A cup of tea will do just fine alcohol poisoning, insomnia, calms the nervous system. Tea is good for digestion, it contains mucus that relieves inflammation, pain and cramps. The plant is recommended for use by people with cancer; at one time, the pharmaceutical industry even produced the drug “Hanerol” from the inflorescences of this plant; the drug had an antitumor effect.
Harm of fireweed (fireweed) and contraindications
Ivan tea can cause harm to the body due to individual intolerance. The drink has no strict contraindications; it can be taken by pregnant women and children.
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