Collection of fireweed grass. Possible consequences for allergic reactions. The use of Ivan

Fireweed tea is popularly known as Ivan-chai, and in medical reference books referred to as fireweed angustifolia. In ancient cultures, it is used as a folk remedy for the treatment and prevention of diseases. Fireweed tea is useful in many ways, although it also has some harmful properties.

Ivan tea (fireweed) - composition

Fireweed tea, the benefits and harms of which are well studied, has healing composition. The unique healing properties of fireweed tea are explained by the presence of a large amount of vitamins and minerals in the fireweed. For example, the content of vitamin C is much higher than in all citrus fruits known to us. Fireweed tea is rich in vegetable protein, which is the main building block of cells in our body. As a part of tea are determined in not large quantities:

slime;
tannins;
flavonoids.

Healing properties of fireweed

The benefits of fireweed tea are undeniable. In Ancient Russia, this plant was in every home, and in our time, thanks to experimental confirmations, fireweed is recommended for use by every second doctor. Fireweed tea, its benefits and harms are described in many medical reference books and scientific reports of herbalists, because this drink deserves special attention due to its properties:

Ivan-tea is characterized by enveloping, anti-inflammatory, astringent properties that are valuable in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines. It reduces the peristalsis of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which manifests its antidiarrheal effect.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are valuable in the treatment of respiratory diseases (, acute tracheitis, SARS). Also relieves irritation in acute pharyngitis. If you have a tickle and discomfort in your throat, you only need to rinse oral cavity brewed warm fireweed tea twice a day.
Diuretic effect - promotes rapid recovery in acute cystitis and pyelonephritis.
The immunomodulatory property of the plant is provided.
In narrow-leaved fireweed there is a large number of antioxidants, thanks to which Ivan-tea removes toxins from the body.
widely used fireweed tea to restore prostate function in existing chronic prostatitis and gland hyperplasia.
We must not forget about the beneficial effect of plant decoction on the nervous system. It helps to improve mood, internal strength, relieves irritation and fatigue.

How to dry fireweed for tea?

Most people do not know how to prepare fireweed for tea.

The first stage is the collection of fireweed when it is at the beginning of flowering. It is believed that during this period, fireweed contains the maximum amount of useful substances.
The second stage is the withering of the leaves. In this way, a moisture content of 50-60% is achieved.
The third stage is twisting the leaves.
The fourth stage is drying. This is how the technological harvesting of tea takes place. At home, after harvesting the plant, the rhizome and flowers are dried. Spread the fireweed on a baking sheet, set in the oven at 30 degrees, dry until tender. You can use an electric fruit dryer.

How to make tea from fireweed?

It is important to know how to make fireweed tea in order to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients.

fireweed tea recipe

Ingredients:

2-3 tablespoons of dry previously harvested fireweed;
0.5 liters of boiled water.

Cooking

Pour fireweed into a vessel with a volume of 0.5 liters (cup, teapot, jar).
Pour 0.5 liters of boiled water.
Cover with a lid, leave to infuse and the tea is ready to drink.

How to drink tea from fireweed?

Before brewing, be sure to pay attention to how to drink fireweed tea for a particular disease.

With a stomach ulcer, tea is taken as follows: 1 glass before meals 3 times a day for 3 weeks. If left a small amount of tea and do not want to throw it away, you can wash the wound with it. Ivan tea for inflammatory diseases of the digestive system should be consumed 2 tablespoons 3 times a day with meals.
For effective treatment prostatitis fireweed angustifolia should be mixed with other herbs. We take 2 parts of Ivan tea and 5 parts of nettle roots. Take 1 tablespoon of the collection diluted in 1 glass of water
Fireweed tea is not only healthy, but also tasty, fragrant. If you are worried about insomnia, then a cup of tea at night will help you fall asleep.

Mother nature gave people many plants that are able to maintain health and treat various ailments. Unfortunately, pharmacy medicines they are so actively promoted and advertised that people often do not bother to ask and learn about those natural healers that grow right under their feet, do not contain any "chemistry" and do not require fabulous money to be able to use them. Meanwhile, there are a lot of such medicinal plants. One of them is Ivan tea, the properties, use and contraindications of which are discussed in this article.

Name

The plant is considered mysterious, about which there are legends. It is called differently, depending on the area where it grows. For example, the names "Kuril tea", " Koporye tea” and, of course, the famous “Ivan-tea”. Scientifically, it is narrow-leaved fireweed.

The origin of the name "Ivan-tea" has different versions. According to one of them, he was widely known among the peoples Far East, where it was used as a cure for male problems. Therefore, it received such a name. Another version is more mercantile: according to it, merchants mixed fireweed leaves into black tea, thus increasing their profits.

Consider what the herb willow tea is, medicinal properties and contraindications, as well as recipes for its use.

Description

This plant is known to everyone since childhood. It stands out with pink flowers in the meadow. Some types of fireweed can be confused with each other (for example, hairy fireweed cannot be consumed), so it is important to know exactly what Ivan tea looks like. Its beneficial properties are contained in the whole plant. Even the roots can be used as medicine. But the flowers and leaves are the most valuable.

When dried, it acquires a taste. Therefore, from the beginning of the nineteenth century, it easily replaced expensive teas from China and India. They drank it much more often than kvass, fruit drink, sbiten and broth. But for some reason, over time, they forgot about it.

Compound

This medicinal plant contains a large amount of tannins, especially in its leaves and roots. It also contains tannins (which are derivatives of tannin), pyragol (from ten to twenty percent). It is known that crushed leaves are more useful than whole ones. This is due to the combined effect of plant mucus, the percentage of which reaches fifteen, and tannins.

In addition, Ivan-tea contains flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin, as well as organic acids, which contain vitamins of the P group.

Where does it grow

In almost all latitudes, Ivan-chai grass is found. Medicinal properties and contraindications are known to healers, wherever they live. The main places where this grass grows are meadows, roadsides and forest edges, that is, it prefers sunny and open areas.

Its height reaches one and a half meters, turning the plant into pleasant bushes with pink flowers. Then you can start collecting it. In the middle lane, this time begins from the end of June and continues until the beginning of autumn, when Ivan tea, narrow-leaved fireweed, is harvested.

The beneficial properties of the plant, however, are not known to everyone. Sometimes, when he appears in the garden, they try to get rid of him like an ordinary weed, instead of using it as medicine or just a drink.

Fireweed narrow-leaved is distinguished by its special endurance. For example, it may be the first to grow after a fire. But in damp and humid places, on acidic and loamy soils it will not appear.

Collection and preparation

Only one encouraging aroma will cause a surge of strength and energy if you accidentally find Ivan-tea grass somewhere on the edge of a forest or lawn! Medicinal properties and its contraindications, except pleasant smell, have long been known. Therefore, many decide to grow a plant purposefully. It is quite possible to implement the idea, since it is unpretentious, not afraid of any drought and, moreover, will bring out the weeds.

Its leaves and flowers are harvested before the start of downy (which usually occurs from mid to late August), otherwise they will become unusable. Harvesting willow-tea is quite simple for medicinal purposes. But if it is going to be used as tea, then the leaves, in addition to drying, must be fermented. Then taste qualities will improve dramatically.

When harvesting, flowers are simply plucked from the inflorescences and placed in large bags, and the leaves are best used from the middle of the stem, without capturing the lower and upper ones.

In an open room, the plant is dried in the shade or in the sun, spreading out evenly in a thin layer on paper or cloth. It is advisable to stir the raw material from time to time by hand.

The prepared drug is stored in paper bags or cloth bags up to two years.

Ivan-tea grass is also sometimes dried in the oven.

Medicinal properties

Both contraindications and indications must be known and taken into account when using it.

In fact, all ancient herbal collections contained this medicinal plant. It can be considered universal in the treatment and prevention of the most various diseases. The most famous medicinal properties that fireweed exhibits are as follows:

significantly affects the increase and strengthening of immunity;
useful for men (increases potency);
used to treat and and adenoma;
heals the digestive system;
helps with the disease and prevention of endocrine diseases;
effective for gastritis, colitis and ulcers;
increases hemoglobin and regulates its balance;
promotes abrasions, quickly stops bleeding;
used as an antipyretic;
alleviates the condition of the child with chickenpox and measles;
heals the nerves and helps to stabilize the psyche;
increases efficiency, improves mood and invigorates;
normalizes pressure;
removes toxins and toxins from the body

And this is not the whole list of beneficial effects that Ivan tea can have. Its medicinal properties and contraindications are confirmed by official medicine. In addition to them, the plant also has a lot of properties that have not been confirmed by professional healers. But we can definitely say that Kuril tea, or Ivan-tea, Koporsky tea, has a beneficial effect on health.

Contraindications

Any medicinal plant, according to traditional medicine, has not only indications, but also contraindications. However, there is an exception to this rule. We are talking about such a plant as Ivan-tea. The only thing that doctors warn about is that its excessive use for more than two weeks can cause diarrhea. But this, according to many people who took it, is a rather controversial statement, since sometimes, on the contrary, fireweed is used to get rid of this problem.

Application

Ivan tea, whose medicinal properties and contraindications are so incommensurable, is one of the few herbs that can be freely used during pregnancy.

If a cold is just beginning, then after drinking a decoction or tea from a plant, you can forget about the disease. However, in the acute phase, it is unlikely to be effective enough.

Ivan Chai is often used as a sedative, although it won't act like a regular sleeping pill, as it has a mild effect. With constant use, it will help not only normalize sleep, but also strengthen the nervous system.

There are even cases when, when taking it, the development of cancer cells stopped. Therefore, it is also known as an antitumor agent, which is also used for the prevention of metastases.

The plant copes well with various diseases. genitourinary system not only men, but also women.

Recipes

Usually made from grass alcohol tinctures and teas. To get a great taste, it is necessary to use the fermentation method during drying. Then you get the famous Koporye tea. To do this, freshly collected leaves are tightly packed into a jar and closed with a lid. The container is exposed to the sun, and when the leaves in it change their color to dark brown (usually it takes several days), the fermentation process will be completed. Then they are cut and dried in the usual way. Koporye tea will turn out to be really tasty. No wonder when tsarist Russia Fireweed (Ivan tea) was exported in large quantities. The properties and contraindications mentioned above must be taken into account when it is used as a drink.

Here are some recipes that can be used for medicinal purposes.

With prostatitis, take one tablespoon of herbs and insist for two hours in a glass of boiling water. On the day, the remedy is consumed four times in a tablespoon for a whole month. You can also mix it with ordinary tea and drink two to three glasses a day with the addition of honey. In this case, it is taken longer: from four to six months.
The first described recipe for combating prostatitis can also be used as an antitumor agent.
In addition to decoctions, teas and tinctures, oil can be prepared from grass. To do this, a glass of fresh flowers is poured into a glass vegetable oil and infused in the sun in a closed glass container for three weeks. The prepared remedy is used to heal wounds, with ulcers, burns and cuts.
The healing properties of Ivan-tea herb perfectly manifest themselves in which it is so useful that healers advise even the sick to use it. diabetes. It has long been treated for leukemia, painful menstruation and inflammation. Bladder.
The grass is actively used in cosmetic purposes. It is good for acne and other inflammation of the skin. You can use, for example, a decoction of it. To do this, three tablespoons are poured with boiling water and infused until cool. From the resulting product, lotions are made daily for two hours, periodically wetting a napkin in it.
Ice from a decoction of willow-tea will also be effective, which needs to be wiped on the face every day.
In addition to the skin, the plant will also help the hair. To do this, prepare a tincture and periodically moisten the hair roots with it.

Official medicine about Ivan tea

Medicine is no longer so rarely turned to folk methods. This speaks to the common sense of today's doctors. After all, it is clear how chemicals, healing, on the one hand, can harm health with their many side effects. Besides, it would be illogical to refuse the facts testifying to the elimination of various diseases. Ivan tea, oh medicinal properties ah, the contraindications of which were discussed, doctors are increasingly recommending as an addition to traditional treatment. And it is becoming more and more popular among ordinary people.

Fireweed narrow-leaved (aka Ivan tea) is a perennial plant from the fireweed family. This herb has long been famous for its miraculous power. AT ancient Russia this plant was used for medicine various ailments, as well as for the preparation of a traditional Russian drink - Koporye tea. There are several names for this plant: Ivan-tea, plakun, miller, mother liquor, skrypnik, etc.

Fireweed is used by folk medicine for the treatment various diseases, and it is also used in cooking, adding to salads, soups and side dishes. What healing properties does Ivan tea have, and how to take it for various purposes, we will consider further.

Natural composition

Availability huge amount medicinal properties narrow-leaved willow-herb due to its vast natural composition. The plant is rich in various vitamins and microelements, which make its use especially useful and effective.

The chemical composition of Ivan tea is presented:

vitamins - A, C, PP, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9;
macro- and microelements - selenium, manganese, zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium,
sodium, magnesium, calcium;
tannins;
vegetable fiber;
organic acids;
proteins;
lingin;
pictin;
flavonoids;
chlorophyll;
essential oils, etc.

It is important to note that rich useful trace elements all parts of a plant: its flowers, leaves, stems and roots.

Healing properties of Ivan tea

Among the beneficial properties of Ivan tea, its antibacterial, healing and analgesic effect is especially appreciated. This makes it possible to use the leaves and flowers of the plant for the treatment of various wounds, bruises, bedsores, as well as pain in the muscles and joints. Fireweed can also be used for inflammation of the mucous membranes, it disinfects and relieves the inflammation process.

Fireweed angustifolia is an excellent antiseptic. It has anti-infective and antiviral activity. This allows you to use a useful herb in the treatment of various diseases:

colds, flu and SARS,
otitis and sinusitis,
dystonia and cardioneurosis,
diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and dysentery,
heartburn, dysbacteriosis,
ulcer and gastritis,
psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis,
headache and migraine,
oncology,
cystitis and cholecystitis,
venereal disease,
poisoning and hangovers.

The use of narrow-leaved willow-herb also lies in its diaphoretic and antipyretic effect. The plant has an expectorant effect, so its use is especially useful in the treatment of diseases of the throat and respiratory tract.

Koporye tea is effective for improving cardiac activity. Ivan tea improves the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Fireweed is even used for the treatment and prevention of oncological formations. Flavonoids, which are part of the plant, reduce the risk of developing cancerous tumors.

Fireweed tea improves digestion, normalizes the microflora of the stomach and stabilizes the work of the stomach. The plant has an enveloping effect. Ivan-tea grass is recommended for use in acne, pimples and boils.

Infusions using fireweed stimulate the process of hematopoiesis and normalize blood pressure. Fireweed normalizes the production of hemoglobin and improves the general condition of the blood.

Possessing a diuretic effect, Ivan-tea is useful in the treatment of diseases of the urinary and biliary tract. Grass willow-tea is a wonderful absorbent. This plant cleanses the body, removes toxic substances, toxins and metals.

The use of fireweed is effective for improving the condition and raising the body's immunity. The healing properties of Ivan-tea are recommended for neurosis, depression and nervous disorders. Infusions and medicinal drinks based on Ivan-tea promote relaxation and calm.

The benefits of Ivan tea for men and women

Fireweed for its properties is popularly called "male grass". Decoctions and infusions based on Ivan tea are useful in diseases of the genitourinary system, in particular in the treatment of prostate adenoma. Ivan-tea contributes to the normalization of the prostate gland. At correct use helps to increase the potency and improve the sexual health of men.

Ivan-tea brings special benefits female body:

Helps with heavy bleeding.
Reduces the pain associated with PMS.
Regulates the female cycle.
It has a beneficial effect on the activity of the endocrine system.

The benefits of Ivan tea are especially appreciated for female infertility. At daily use Koporye tea, reproductive functions will improve several times.

It is recommended to take fireweed during menopause. useful plant allows you to alleviate the condition of a woman during menopause: overcome nervousness, normalize sleep and improve the general condition. However, the herb is contraindicated in women who have problems with blood clotting. AT this case it is better to consult with your doctor.

Ivan-tea is used in the form of various facial skin care products. The properties of the plant contribute to the production of collagen and skin rejuvenation. With regular use of masks based on fireweed, the skin will acquire a healthy color and become beautiful and toned.

Application in traditional medicine

Thanks to the large number healing properties, Ivan-tea has found wide application in traditional medicine. Alternative treatment involves the use of fireweed in the form of medicinal decoctions, infusions and teas.

Recipes for decoctions and tinctures

For sinusitis take 1 tsp. fireweed, fall asleep in a container and pour 0.25 liters of boiling water there. Let's brew for half an hour. Then we filter and drink the drink 1/3 cup three times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Cooking healthy drinkin the treatment of conjunctivitis. We take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of Ivan-tea and pour it into an enameled container. Pour 200 ml of boiling water into it and cook for 15 minutes. Let it brew for about an hour and filter. The infusion is used to wash the eyes. To do this, take a cotton swab, moisten it in a medicinal infusion and do a wash. It is recommended to carry out the procedure three times a day.

With anemia you will need a spoonful of crushed willow-tea. Pour 250 ml of boiling water into the raw material and leave for four hours. We drink a drink of 1 tbsp. l. three times per day. Effective in the treatment and prevention of malignant tumors.

Useful recipe for oncology:

We take 10 g of chopped fireweed grass, fall asleep in a container.
Pour one glass of boiling water.
Boil the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes.
Let it brew for half an hour, pouring the boiled amount of liquid into the pan.
After we filter and use one tablespoon three times a day.
It is better to take the medicine 20 minutes before eating.

For the treatment of atherosclerosis 5-6 spoons dried leaves Ivan-tea pour 350 ml of water. We bet on water bath and cook the drink on low heat for 15 minutes. Then let it brew for 20 minutes and filter. We drink a decoction of 1 tbsp. spoon 2-3 times a day.

With inflammation of the mucous membranes two tablespoons of narrow-leaved fireweed are mixed with two glasses of boiling water. We insist the drink in a thermos for six hours. Then we filter. The resulting decoction is used for douching, rinsing and washing.

For ear inflammation Pour one tablespoon of Ivan tea leaves into a glass container and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for six hours, filter. We take a cotton swab, moisten it in a decoction and insert it into the ear cavity.

Cooking useful decoction to normalize the work of the stomach. Grind fireweed herb (20 g) and pour them with a glass of boiling water. We let it brew for 15 minutes. Take this infusion twice a day, 20 minutes before meals.

To boost immunity and calm nervous systems s we take the flowers of Ivan-tea (15 g) and pour them with a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Strain the drink, add a spoonful of honey. We drink this tea twice a day.

In the treatment of prostatitis pour one tablespoon of fireweed leaves with two cups of boiling water. Let it brew for two hours, then filter. We use the drink twice a day in the morning and in the evening, before going to bed, 20 ml.

Recipe for a decoction for stomach and duodenal ulcers:

Two st. pour a spoonful of dry leaves of Ivan-tea with one and a half liters of water.
We put in a water bath.
Bring to a boil.
After that, insist 40 minutes and filter.
We drink a decoction three times a day.

A folk remedy based on Ivan tea helps with gastritis and colitis. We take 15 grams of fresh fireweed flowers, grind them and fill them with 200 ml of water. Cook in a water bath for 15 minutes, then filter. Drink drink 1 tbsp. spoon four times a day. This drink is also recommended for external use - for washing wounds and applying compresses (for burns, wounds, abscesses).

To stop bleeding we prepare a decoction of the rhizomes of Ivan-tea. We take 10 grams of Ivan-tea rhizomes and pour 250 ml hot water. We put in a water bath and let it boil for 20 minutes for small fire. After that, we filter the medicinal drink and drink 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day.

For psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis take two st. spoons of fireweed flowers and pour 500 ml of boiling water. We insist 5-7 hours, then filter. Dip a cotton pad with the resulting broth and apply to damaged areas of the skin. This remedy helps in the treatment of skin infections and inflammation. The infusion can be used for washing and rubbing the skin.

Medicinal collections with Ivan-tea

With oncology of the genital organs we take two parts of the flowers of willow-tea, nettle and medicinal plantain, as well as in equal proportions of the grass of the bird's mountaineer and the flowers of white acacia (proportion 2:2:2:1:1). Pour a large spoon from the leaf collection with 300 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for two hours, filter. We drink a drink once a day, one glass.

For kidney or bladder cancer will need:

Three parts of yarrow herb;
An equal amount of willow-herb leaves;
Two parts ;
One part of celandine flowers;
4 parts rose hips.

Mix all ingredients and 1 tbsp. spoon from the resulting collection pour 250 ml of boiling water. We put the mixture in a water bath and boil for three minutes. We filter and add the amount of water that has been evaporated.

Herbal collection for female infertility: equal amounts of lemon balm, fireweed leaves, peppermint, nettle, garden parsley, common cuff and wild strawberries mix and pour a tablespoon of the collection into 250 ml of boiling water. Put in a water bath and cook for five minutes. Cool and strain the drink. For treatment, you need to take a decoction of 1-2 glasses a day: in the morning and in the evening.

Leaf decoction is indicated for obstruction of the fallopian tubes. It improves the functioning of the female genital organs and enhances reproductive function.

Ivan tea brewing methods

Several centuries ago, Koporye tea was especially popular in Russia. It was even shipped to other countries. This traditional Russian drink is still known among the people. Tea has amazing healing properties and has a beneficial effect on the body.

It is very important to brew Ivan tea correctly so that it beneficial features opened up, and the taste became brighter and more expressive. Fireweed tea can be prepared in a classic way, or can be used in combination with other herbs, in the form of a collection.

Classic recipe:

We take 20 g of flowers of Ivan-tea angustifolia.
Pour in a glass of boiling water.
We let it brew for 15 minutes.
Strain and add spoon natural honey.
It is recommended to take fireweed tea twice a day.

There are other ways to brew Ivan tea with the addition of other useful medicinal herbs. More often, the drink is brewed in the form of a medicinal collection.

The second most popular is the collection based on equal parts. willowherb leaves, horsetail, nettle and goldenrod. Fill the resulting collection with one liter of boiling water. We leave to infuse all night. In the morning we filter and take one glass after the main meals.

According to the third recipe, mix echinacea, willowherb and lemongrass in equal proportions, fall asleep in a thermos. Pour the herbal collection with a liter of boiling water. Let it brew for 2-3 hours. Then we filter the broth and drink two or three glasses a day.

No less useful collection of leaves of strawberries, currants and willow-herb tea. We take the ingredients in an amount of 100 g, pour into an enameled container and pour one and a half liters of boiling water. Then bring the leaf mixture to a boil and let it brew for 4-5 hours. Take a medicinal decoction one cup twice a day.

Use in cooking

Surprisingly, fireweed is also used in cooking. It is used in soups, salads and side dishes. Good start days - pancakes with Ivan tea. Cooking pancakes correctly to preserve the beneficial properties of the herb will help step-by-step instruction:

Take one egg and beat it with 2 tbsp. spoons of sugar, pour a glass of kefir.
Add salt and a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
In a separate bowl, mix a glass of flour with half a teaspoon of soda.
Mix the flour consistency with kefir until smooth.
After that, finely chop the leaves and flowers of fireweed and mix with the bulk.
Heat the pan well, pour in the oil.
Fry for 3-4 minutes on both sides until golden brown.

Can cook nutritious salad with addition medicinal herb. Green salad from spinach shoots and fireweed we prepare as follows: we cut young shoots of fireweed, lettuce leaves add young spinach leaves. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, drizzle with olive oil.

Ivan-tea porridge - nutritious and healthy breakfast for the whole family. We follow the recipe:

Grind the dry roots of Ivan tea in a coffee grinder.
Pour into boiling milk.
Mix well.
Cooking for 5 minutes.
Add a spoonful of honey and mix well.
Top with any berries (blueberries or raspberries) and sprinkle with grated chocolate.

For cooking fireweed puree soup boil chicken bouillon. While it is being cooked, we take the leaves and stems of young fireweed, wash and boil. Then we skip them in a meat grinder or grind with a blender. Fry one onion, carrot and one tomato in a pan. When the dressing is ready, grind it with a blender and mix with fireweed. The resulting mass is mixed with 150 ml of broth. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Collection and storage

In order for narrow-leaved fireweed to retain all its medicinal properties, it must be properly harvested. Grass is harvested in several ways:

withering,
twisting,
fermentation
drying.

For the purpose of treatment, all parts of the plant are used: stems, leaves, flowers and roots. Young shoots are harvested in spring (May), and roots in September (October-November). Ivan-tea roots are washed, cut into four parts and dried in a dryer (oven). They are stored in cardboard containers for no more than three years in order to preserve their medicinal properties.

The collection of flowers falls on the flowering period of Ivan-tea. They are collected and laid out on a flat surface in a thin layer. Dry them in a well-ventilated area. After that, the flowers are twisted, squeezing the juice out of them. The resulting roll is left to dry for another eight hours, after which it is placed in a special oven to complete the drying process. The young leaves of the plant are dried in the same way. Store them in a glass, airtight jar or cardboard box.

Contraindications

Despite the beneficial properties, narrow-leaved fireweed has a number of contraindications. Brewed tea or medicinal decoction has high concentration active components.

Main contraindications:

pregnancy and lactation period;
individual intolerance;
thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
increased blood clotting.

With prolonged use or non-compliance with the dosage, there may be side effects in the form of violations of the liver and organs gastrointestinal tract.

Therefore, with great care, leaf fireweed should be consumed by women during pregnancy and lactation. It is also forbidden to take the plant in any form to children under 10 years old.

In the article we discuss fireweed. You will learn what the plant looks like, what medicinal properties and contraindications it has. We will tell you whether it is possible to use it during pregnancy. Following our recommendations, you will learn how to prepare remedies for gastritis, diabetes and prostatitis at home.

Fireweed narrow-leaved is a perennial herbaceous plant of the fireweed family (lat. Onagraceae). The Latin name is Chamérion angustifolium. Other names: Ivan tea, willow grass, red color, wild violet, magpie eyes, Koporsky tea.

What does it look like

Appearance (photo) of fireweed. Fireweed has a thick creeping rhizome. Additional buds are located along the entire length of the root, which accelerate vegetative propagation.

The plant has a long erect stem. The height of the shoots reaches 2 meters. The stem is covered with alternate petiolate leaves. Each leaf is narrowed towards the base. The leaf plate reaches a length of 12 cm, a width of 2 cm. The edge of the sheet is serrated.

Large pink bisexual flowers form apical brushes or are located singly in the axils of the leaves. The length of the brush reaches 45 cm. Each flower contains 8 stamens. Fireweed blooms from mid to late summer.

The fruit is a fluffy, curved pod. Seeds are oblong, smooth with fine hairs at the apex. Fireweed bears fruit in August - September.

Where does it grow

Fireweed prefers dry sandy soils. The plant is most often found in light forests, on the edges, along ditches, next to crops.

Fireweed grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In Russia, it is found in coniferous forests of the European part of the country, in Siberia and the Far East.

fireweed leaves

The upper leaves and flowers of fireweed are used as medicinal raw materials. They are brewed in the form of tea and decoctions and tinctures are prepared from them. A healing extract and juice are made from fresh herbs.

Chemical composition

Fireweed contains:

tannins;
vitamin C;
organic acids;
iron;
manganese;
calcium;
copper;
potassium;
lectins;
slime;
flavonoids;
Sahara;
alkaloids;
pectin;
tannin.

Medicinal properties

Means based on fireweed have anti-inflammatory, enveloping and wound-healing effects. They are often used to treat diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Dry leaves and inflorescences of fireweed. The enveloping and wound-healing properties are due to the tannins and mucus that make up the plant.

Infusions decoctions of fireweed have a strong healing effect in inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system. They are used in urology for the treatment of the prostate gland.

The medicinal flower is used as a sedative. A decoction based on it calms the central nervous system. The remedy is effective for neuroses.

Along with this, fireweed normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system. Plant-based products strengthen the walls of blood vessels, increase hemoglobin and lower blood sugar levels.

The sap of the plant is effective in the treatment skin diseases. It is used for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis.

How to collect

Fireweed is harvested in summer, at the very beginning of flowering, when the plant contains the largest number biologically active substances. Depending on the region, the collection time of raw materials may vary. In the south of Russia, Ivan tea is harvested in early June, in the central part - in the middle of the month, in the north - not earlier than mid-July.

Fireweed flowers and leaves are harvested by hand. The raw material is very fragile, so immediately after collection it must be dried. Leaves and flowers are scattered on fabrics and dried under a canopy for 2 days.

Store fireweed in cloth bags or glass jars within 3 years.

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How to apply

On the basis of fireweed, water and alcohol tinctures, extracts and decoctions are prepared at home. For the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, water-based products are used.

Alcohol tincture and fireweed extract are taken for violations of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. These potent agents are used with caution, without exceeding the dosage. Maximum daily rate- 60 ml.

Tincture for men (for prostatitis)

Fireweed tincture is effective in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system and in particular with prostatitis. Regular use of the remedy helps prevent the complication of the disease.

Ingredients:

Fresh fireweed leaves - 150 gr.
Vodka - 500 ml.

How to cook: Grind fresh fireweed leaves, pour into a jar and pour vodka. Leave the remedy in a dark place for a week.

How to use: Take 1 tablespoon 4 times a day before meals. As a preventive measure, take 2 tablespoons. The course of treatment is 10 days.

Result: The remedy eliminates inflammation of the prostate gland, has analgesic and diuretic effects.

Decoction for diabetes

A decoction of fireweed is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The tool has an immunomodulatory effect and promotes weight loss, which is very important for diabetics.

Ingredients:

Fireweed grass - 15 gr.
Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour the fireweed grass with water, put in a water bath and bring to a boil. Simmer covered for 15 minutes, remove from heat, cover and leave for at least an hour.

How to use: Take 1 tablespoon of decoction 3 times a day before meals.

Result: Fireweed drink strengthens the body, has a diuretic effect and lowers blood sugar levels.

Herbal tea for gastritis

The composition of the complex treatment of gastritis includes tea based on fireweed. The drink has an astringent effect and envelops the walls of the stomach, eliminating discomfort.

Ingredients:

Fireweed leaves - 2 teaspoons.
Rose hips - 5 pcs.
Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over fireweed leaves and wild rose berries, cover, let it brew for 10 minutes.

How to use: Drink 1 glass of drink 2 times a day.

Result: Herbal tea reduces the acidity of gastric juice, eliminates pain and inflammation.

Contraindications

Fireweed has no strict contraindications for use. The plant rarely causes allergies. If individual intolerance is detected, Ivan-tea should be excluded from the diet.

Fireweed products are not suitable for long-term use, as they can cause indigestion. If you need a long-term intake, you should take a break for a month between courses.

Is it possible to take fireweed during pregnancy

Fireweed contains a large amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system future mother. The amino acids that make up the plant help to cope with sudden mood swings.

Fireweed drink eliminates the symptoms of toxicosis: nausea and headache. Ivan tea prevents constipation. Fireweed normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system and normalizes metabolism.

Fireweed honey

Fresh fireweed honey has a light green hue. This beekeeping product quickly crystallizes and already in the second month after harvest it acquires White color It has the consistency of heavy cream. fireweed honey has a light bitter aftertaste and a dizzying sweet aroma.

Fireweed honey improves immunity, envelops the walls of the stomach, relieves inflammation and eliminates pathogenic bacteria. The product should be taken in moderation - no more than 1 tablespoon per day. Overuse honey can cause allergies. In addition, it is quite high in calories - 328 kcal per 100 gr.

Classification

The fireweed family (lat. Onagraceae), to which willow-tea belongs, consists of 20 genera of plants. Fireweed belongs to the Myrtaceae order (lat. Myrtales), the Dicotyledonous class (lat. Dicotylédones), the Flowering department (lat. Magnoliophyta).

Varieties

The genus Fireweed (lat. Epilobium) unites 222 species. The most common of them:

fireweed narrow-leaved;
hairy fireweed;
fireweed mountain;
fireweed ferruginous;
fireweed broadleaf;
fireweed pink;
fireweed Hornemann.

Fireweed angustifolia infographics

Photo of narrow-leaved fireweed, its useful properties and applications
Cyprus infographics

What to remember

Fireweed is a medicinal plant that is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, nervous and genitourinary systems.
On the basis of Ivan tea, decoctions, infusions and extracts are made.
Fireweed has no strict contraindications, with the exception of individual intolerance.

Angustifolium fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) from the fireweed family, this is one of the most mysterious plants, the healing properties of which are legendary. No less interesting are the popular names of fireweed, indicating the way it is used: "Kuril tea", "Koporsky tea", "Ivan tea". In the folk names of fireweed, there are often indications of the area of residence or ethnicity of the people, where this natural healer is in high esteem.

Fireweed received the name "Ivan-tea" for a reason: narrow-leaved fireweed was traditionally used by the peoples of the Far East as a universal remedy for the treatment of male problems. Scientific medicine treats this with a certain degree of skepticism, but traditional healers do not share the skepticism of pundits, and in their practice they often resort to the help of fireweed in the treatment of problems in the urogenital area.

Some historians have their own hypothesis about the origin of folk names. According to them, fireweed leaves were used by dishonest merchants to falsify black tea (mixed up to 50%). And this hypothesis has a right to exist, given high content tannins in fireweed leaves, which will be discussed below.

The chemical composition of medicinal raw materials and the pharmacological action of Ivan-tea

Fireweed angustifolia does not belong to pharmacopoeial plants, however, its chemical composition studied carefully. First of all, it is necessary to note the high content of tannins in the roots and leaves of fireweed. Ivan-tea plant mucus contains tannins (tannin derivatives) of the pyrogallol group (10-20%), which are only slightly inferior in their anti-inflammatory properties to pure medical tannin. For comparison, fireweed tannins have an anti-inflammatory effect at a dilution of 1:400, in medical tannin, the protein number reaches 1:1500. Protein number is a term adopted in the designation of the coefficient of anti-inflammatory action. Following Ivan tea (ranked by protein number) are such well-known anti-inflammatory properties of the plant as bergenia, bearberry and oak. Another interesting observation: in whole leaves, the protein number is lower than in crushed ones, and scientists explain this phenomenon by the combined action of tannins and plant mucus, the content of which reaches 15%.

In addition to tannins, a number of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) and organic acids with P-vitamin activity (coffee, p-coumaric, and also ellagic acids) were found in fireweed.

The anti-inflammatory properties of willow-tea leaves justify its use in the treatment of peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum and gastritis. Fireweed is also prescribed for colitis.

Summary table of medicinal properties of preparations based on Ivan-tea

Therapeutic action	Therapeutic effect	Indications
Normalization of the blood formula	Stimulates the production of hemoglobin. Helps to normalize blood pH.	Anemia of various etiologies.
Normalization of metabolic processes	Increase absorption efficiency nutrients regulate carbohydrate-lipid metabolism.	Diseases associated with impaired metabolic processes, such as obesity.
Anti-inflammatory, bactericidal action	Reduce inflammatory processes, are detrimental to many strains of viruses and bacteria.	Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Lactogenic action	Increase the production of breast milk.	In case of lack of milk production by nursing mothers.
Choleretic action	Activate the processes of bile formation.	Cholecystitis, cholangitis, hepatitis, formation of gallstones.
Diuretic action	Unlike saline diuretics, water fireweed extracts act delicately.	Diseases of the urinary system, including the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder.
laxative effect	Here it is appropriate to point out the enveloping properties of mucus and the astringent properties of tannins, which in combination have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility.	Tendency to constipation inflammatory diseases mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
Sedative action	Mild hypnotic effect, decreased excitability of the central nervous system.	Insomnia, overexcitation, migraine, increased nervous overload, stressful situations.
Influence on metabolic processes. Antioxidant action	Accelerate the removal of toxins from the body, promote the binding of toxic products, salts of heavy metals and radionuclides.	Preventive and therapeutic measures to detoxify the body, for example, after a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In the complex treatment of allergic diseases. Prevention of radiation injuries, oncological diseases.
Analgesic action	Moderate pain relief
Wound healing action	Acceleration of the processes of epithelialization and granulation of damaged tissues. The wound-healing effect is manifested both with external use and with oral administration of fireweed preparations.	Outwardly - for the treatment of wounds, in the form of compresses and lotions. Inside in the treatment of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, colitis, etc.
Normalization of the endocrine system	Improves the functioning of the endocrine glands.	Prostatitis, adenoma, infertility, both female and male.

Preparation of preparations from Ivan-tea

For therapeutic purposes, water extracts are used - infusions and decoctions of fireweed leaves. Raw materials (fireweed leaves) are pre-crushed to a size of about 5 mm. To prepare the infusion, the raw material is poured with boiling water in a proportion of 15 g per 200 ml of water and infused for up to half an hour. When preparing a decoction, raw materials are poured cold water, kept for a while at a low boil (15 minutes after boiling), and then insist from half an hour to 1 hour. The drug is prescribed in a dosage of 1 tbsp. appointment. Multiplicity of reception - up to 4 times a day, with reference to the diet. It is necessary to take an infusion or decoction of fireweed before meals. The therapeutic and prophylactic effect of Ivan-tea preparations is most effective in course administration. The duration of the continuous use of infusions or decoctions is 1 month, and the interval between courses is the same in time.

Fireweed tea. For 250 ml of boiling water - 2 tsp. dry raw materials. Insist 15 minutes. Tea is recommended to be consumed twice a day.

The use of Ivan tea in folk medicine

In addition to using fireweed for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, folk healers prescribe its preparations in case of sleep disturbance (insomnia), as an anesthetic for migraines. Ivan-tea has proven itself as a hemostatic agent, therefore it is used in gynecological practice (uterine bleeding). The anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of Ivan-tea determine its use externally, for washing wounds, ulcers, etc.

"Fashion for fireweed" in the treatment of diseases of the male genital area reached its peak in 1970, and Ivan-tea became one of the most popular remedies for prostatitis, adenoma and even oncological neoplasms of the prostate gland, as well as impotence and infertility associated with them. Scientific research did not confirm the high effectiveness of fireweed preparations in relation to such prescriptions, although an improvement in the patient's condition was clearly noted.

Herbal treatment of prostate adenoma * on the advice of the traditional healer Anatoly Tereshchuk from Rivne, it is advisable to carry out in combination with the recommendations of traditional medicine. The recipe for the collection, which also includes fireweed, according to the author, was personally tested by him. As part of the medicinal collection: leaves of ginkgo biloba and inflorescences of willow-tea - 2 parts each, 1 part each of red amaranth inflorescences, echinacea herb and lofanta herb. For a glass of boiling water, you need to take 1 tbsp. herbal mixture, and insist for a quarter of an hour. Take three times a day for half a glass of infusion, 30 minutes before meals. The healer advises treatment in courses of 30 days, with interruptions, lasting from 7 to 10 days.

By the way, the introduction of ginkgo biloba into the recipe, on the one hand, enhances the therapeutic effect, on the other hand, it compensates for the blood-clotting properties of fireweed.

Crushed fresh fireweed leaves are used as compresses in the treatment of wounds and bruises.

Side effects and contraindications to the use of fireweed preparations

Fireweed preparations do not have absolute contraindications for treatment, and, nevertheless, the high content of tannins should be taken into account, which, with prolonged use, can adversely affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. With increased blood clotting, one should also not abuse the treatment with fireweed preparations.

The use of Ivan-tea in cooking**

Inheriting the experience of dishonest traders, dry fireweed leaves can brew instead of tea, or add them to the tea leaves, which increases the strength of the drink and the saturation of the color.

Borsch. Ingredients: fireweed, nettle and sorrel greens - 100 g each, potatoes - 200 g, onion- 40 g, carrots - 10 g. Additionally, you will need 20 g of margarine and sour cream, as well as half chicken egg. The greens are blanched for 2 minutes, the water is allowed to drain and finely chopped (after stewed with fat). Onions and carrots are also cut and sautéed. Potatoes are dipped in boiling water (or broth), after a while the rest of the ingredients are added and boiled until tender. Salt and spices are added before the end of cooking. Chopped egg and sour cream are used to season the dish immediately before serving.

Salad. Boil young shoots of fireweed together with leaves (50 - 100 g) for 2 minutes, chop. Boiling is required to reduce astringency. Then add chopped onion (50 g) and grated horseradish (2 tablespoons). Salt is added to taste. For salad dressing, sour cream (20 g) is used mixed with lemon juice squeezed from 1/4 lemon. If desired, the dish can be peppered.

Seasoning. For cooking, you will need green sorrel, lungwort and Ivan tea. The greens are finely chopped, rubbed with table salt(up to 10% of the total mass) and stored in a glass container in the refrigerator. Used to season soups.

Notes

* A. Tereshchuk "The sum of a man's autumn"

** "Wild food, technical and honey plants of Ukraine", 1989

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