• To tone the body

This plant contains more vitamin C than lemon. It contains a lot of tannins, pectin, flavonoids. A pleasant and aromatic taste helps the body to tone up, adds vigor to vitality.

• To increase hemoglobin

Ivan tea has a beneficial effect on the blood. In the blood, the acid-base balance is normalized, hemoglobin rises, and the vitamins and iron included in it support the hematopoietic function.

• To increase metabolism

The fireweed drink normalizes metabolism, helps digestion, eliminates constipation and heartburn, and has a choleretic effect. Powerful antiseptic properties help in the treatment of inflammation and infection.

• Natural antiseptic

The leaves and flowers of this plant contain powerful natural antiseptics, and willow tea surpasses many well-known antiseptic plants in this.

• To improve potency

Fireweed is very useful for men. It improves the function of the prostate gland, increases potency. Women are advised to use ivan tea for infertility.

• Mild diuretic effect

Possessing a mild diuretic property, the broth of willow-herb normalizes water-electrolyte metabolism in the body, relieves inflammation in the bladder and kidneys, while lowering the pressure.

• Febrifuge

The infusion is used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing agent.

• To reduce nervous excitability

If a person has psycho-emotional stress, the constant intake of such tea will ensure a good night's sleep, reduce nervous irritability and relieve headaches. This drink is recommended in the treatment of alcoholism.

• Wound healing effect

Fireweed tea resists allergies and affects viruses. The presence of chlorophyll and carotenoids endowed the plant with a wound-healing effect.

• To improve lactation

Breastfeeding women are given a fireweed drink to improve lactation and prolong breastfeeding of babies.

In recent decades, scientists have found that narrow-leaved fireweed contains high molecular weight and low toxic substances that affect cancer cells, that is, they have an effect in the treatment of tumors.

Who shouldn't use Ivan tea?

Of course, like all plants, despite a lot of positive properties, fireweed may have contraindications. Although there are so many useful things in Ivan tea that all contraindications pale in comparison to its advantages, it is still worth dwelling on them. You can not take fireweed along with sedatives and antipyretic drugs. If you are prone to indigestion, then you should be prepared that after 2 weeks of taking a broth of ivan tea, you may be carried over. Fireweed tea is not recommended during pregnancy. Individual intolerance to tinctures and decoctions from this plant may be observed.

Fireweed tea recipes

1. If you are overweight

The tea is made from the flowers of the plant. Pour 150 ml into a small spoonful of flowers. boiling water. Add a pinch of salt to the brewed tea. Consume 30 minutes before meals.

2. Cleansing of toxins and soothing tea

Pour into a bowl (0.5 l.) A dessert spoon of mint (pepper) and fireweed. Pour boiling water over. Hold for 15 minutes in a water bath. Drink 1/2 cup of strained infusion 5 times a day. Drink this gull for 2-3 weeks.

3. Ivan tea with adenoma and prostatitis

Can be brewed just like tea. To enhance the effect of the drink, add dried hazelnut leaves - a ratio of 1: 3. You should not add sugar and honey, but it is better to add a little sea salt.

4. For visual acuity

Add dry crushed herb Eyebright to Ivan-tea - ratio 1: 2. Better to brew tea for a day in a thermos (0.5 liters). Take an hour after eating, 150 grams. It is good to add honey.

5. With genitourinary diseases

Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of dry leaves. 2 hours to insist. Strain. Drink 3 times a day for 1/3 cup.

How to brew Ivan tea?

• You can drink brewed willow tea like an ordinary tea drink. It tastes perfect if you cook it in spring water. For 1 person, there may be 5 grams per day. dry brewing ivan-tea. It turns out 4-5 cups of strong drink. Taste qualities will be preserved, even if brewed more than once, but of course, there will be less useful properties.
• Tea brewing methods. 2 teaspoons of dry tea leaves for 600 ml of boiling water. Close the dishes. Infused for 10-15 minutes. Store for several days, but do not boil while heating.
• I like freshly made tea more. Take leaves and flowers for infusion in the same ratio - 2 teaspoons each. Boil half a liter of spring or purified water and pour over the tea leaves. It is brewed for 10-15 minutes. Drink without sugar. For taste, use honey, dried apricots, raisins, halva, etc.

Cheers and enjoy your tea!

As soon as a useful broth of narrow-leaved fireweed is not called - Koporsky, Russian tea, Ivan tea, even "down jacket" due to the appearance of abundant fluff during the flowering of the plant. It doesn't matter what the ivan tea is called, the beneficial properties of the drink do not change from this and we can safely call this drink the most useful broth.

The healing properties of Ivan tea

The abundance of useful properties of the Koporye drink determines its use for a huge number of diseases. Some of the medicinal properties of Ivan tea are known to us from childhood, because it can be drunk by adults, children, even pregnant women. How is Ivan tea useful for the body? The plant's uniqueness lies in its composition: it is rich in minerals, vitamins, tannins and flavonoids. Useful properties of the herb Ivan-tea are used in the treatment of the following diseases:

• diabetes;
• prostatitis;
• colds;
• insomnia;
• stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer;
• neuroses, headaches;
• cystitis.

It is difficult to list all the ailments that this useful herb will help to cope with. Koporye tea enhances immunity, is extremely useful for children, pregnant women as a general tonic. The properties of tea are irreplaceable for both the female and male body, and all the benefits of Ivan tea are inherent in its composition, it is difficult to imagine that this most common herb contains:

• vitamin C;
• amino acids;
• vitamins B1, B2;
• carotene;
• pectin substances;
• iron, manganese;
• tannin;
• gallic acid;
• bioflavonoids.

All the beneficial properties of the herb are manifested during its fermentation, i.e. cooking. Depending on the drying technology, the tea turns out to be green, red or black. The difference between fermentation is that the grass is in the process of oxidation and drying for a different amount of time. You can get drinks of different tastes from one plant, but the benefits do not change.

Ivan tea for weight loss

It is known that doctors prescribe Ivan tea for diabetes mellitus due to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This ability is not only useful in diabetes mellitus, but also if you want to lose weight. It is good to drink Ivan tea for weight loss, replacing them with sweets, harmful drinks. This drink improves metabolic processes in the body, normalizes digestion, which is important in the fight against extra pounds, without having contraindications.

Ivan tea for gastritis

Truly, a unique plant is Koporye herb, the infusion of which heals a huge number of ailments without contraindications, including gastrointestinal diseases. Ivan tea for gastritis is used because of its enveloping, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the gastric mucosa. The use of a decoction of this medicinal herb is an excellent prevention of colitis, pancreatitis and ulcerative formations. It is better to drink the infusion in the morning and evening on an empty stomach, no more than 150 ml at a time, this recipe has no contraindications.

Ivan tea with pancreatitis

An inflammatory disease that develops in the pancreas is treated with complex medication and diet. But pancreatitis can be treated with folk remedies. Ivan tea is useful for pancreatitis, if you use it in conjunction with a diet and other useful herbs: peppermint, dandelion, golden agaric. Before starting such treatment, it is imperative to consult with your doctor, because individual intolerance may become a contraindication.

Ivan tea for colds

Ivan tea for kidneys

Infusion of narrow-leaved fireweed is advised by urologists to drink with exacerbation of cystitis. The broth has a mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory effect. Often, timely treatment with a decoction of narrow-leaved fireweed helps to avoid the use of strong antibiotics for cystitis, to alleviate symptoms during an exacerbation of the disease. The mineral complex in the composition of the medicinal plant has a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the bladder, helps to quickly cope with inflammation. Ivan tea for the kidneys is also useful as a prophylactic agent that has no contraindications.

Contraindications herbs Ivan-tea

All medicinal herbs have their own contraindications, they are a consequence of the medicinal composition. Contraindications of the herb Ivan-tea pleasantly surprise - only individual intolerance can become a contraindication to use, if you drink the medicinal drink in moderation. Having learned a lot about the herb Ivan-tea - useful properties and contraindications, many will want to have such a wonderful remedy in their home medicine cabinet. You can buy medicinal herbs at the pharmacy, or, if possible, make a harvest yourself by drying the grass during its flowering:

1. It is better to collect the grass in the morning, after the dew has melted.
2. For harvesting, you will need the upper part of the plant, where the flowering inflorescences are located.
3. The collected material is slightly dried, then rubbed with hands to extract juices.
4. Place the resulting dried mass in a three-liter jar for fermentation; you need to cover the jar on top with a wet napkin. The closed mass must be mixed periodically. Place the jar in a dark, cool place.
5. The fermentation process of the sheets will take up to 2 days, after which it is necessary to dry the herb in the oven.

Video

Mother Nature gave people many plants that are capable of maintaining health and treating various ailments. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical drugs are so actively promoted and advertised that people often do not bother to inquire 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 legends are known. It is called differently, depending on the area where it grows. For example, the names "Kuril tea", "Koporsky tea" and, of course, the famous "Ivan-tea" are known. Scientifically, he is a narrow-leaved fireweed.

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

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

Description

This plant has been 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, shaggy fireweed cannot be used), so it is important to know exactly what willow tea looks like. Its useful properties are found throughout the plant. Even the roots can be used as medicine. But the most valuable are flowers and leaves.

In dried form, it acquires 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 boiled water. But for some reason, over time, they forgot about him.

Composition

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). Leaves are known to be healthier than whole leaves when crushed. 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 P vitamins.

Where grows

The willow herb is found in almost all latitudes. 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, he 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 lasts until the beginning of autumn, when they collect willow-herb, narrow-leaved fireweed.

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 a medicine or just a drink.

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

Collection and preparation

Only one invigorating aroma will cause a surge of strength and energy if you accidentally find the grass Ivan-tea somewhere on the edge of a forest or a lawn! Its medicinal properties and contraindications, in addition to its pleasant smell, have long been known. Therefore, many people decide to grow the plant on purpose. It is quite possible to realize the idea, since it is unpretentious, is not afraid of any drought and, moreover, will remove weeds.

Its leaves and flowers are harvested before the onset of fluff (which usually occurs from mid to late August), otherwise they will become unusable. Procurement of ivan tea is not difficult at all for medicinal purposes. But if it is going to be used as tea, then the leaves, in addition to drying, must be fermented. Then the taste will improve significantly.

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

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

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

The willow herb 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 the old collections of herbs contained this medicinal plant. It can be considered universal in the treatment and prevention of a wide variety of diseases. The most famous medicinal properties that fireweed exhibits are as follows:

• significantly affects the increase and strengthening of immunity;
• useful for men (enhances potency);
• used to treat and and adenoma;
• heals the digestive system;
• helps with 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 agent;
• eases the condition of the child with chickenpox and measles;
• heals the nerves and helps stabilize the psyche;
• increases efficiency, improves mood and invigorates;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• removes toxins and toxins from the body

And this is not the whole list of the 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 a plant like willow tea. The only thing doctors warn about is that excessive use of it for more than two weeks can cause diarrhea. But this, in the opinion of 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, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are so disparate, is one of the few herbs that can be freely consumed during pregnancy.

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

Ivan tea is often used as a sedative, although it will not act as a normal sleeping pill, as it has a mild effect. With constant use, it will help not only to normalize sleep, but also to strengthen the nervous system.

There are even known cases when, when it was taken, 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 of the genitourinary system, not only for men, but also for women.

Recipes

The herb is usually used to make alcoholic tinctures and teas. To get a great taste, it is necessary to use the fermentation method when drying. Then you get the famous Koporye tea. To do this, the freshly harvested leaves are tamped tightly 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 (this usually 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. It is not for nothing that under tsarist Russia, fireweed (ivan tea) was exported in large quantities. The properties and contraindications indicated above must be taken into account when using it as a drink.

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

• For prostatitis, take one tablespoon of the herb and insist for two hours in a glass of boiling water. The remedy is consumed four times a tablespoon a day for a whole month. You can also mix it with regular 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 antineoplastic agent.
• In addition to decoctions, teas and tinctures, you can make oil from the herb. For this, a glass of fresh flowers is poured with a glass of vegetable oil and infused in the sun in a closed glass container for three weeks. The prepared product is used to heal wounds, ulcers, burns and cuts.
• The healing properties of the herb Ivan-tea perfectly manifest themselves in which it is so useful that healers advise to use it even for patients with diabetes mellitus. They have long been treated for leukemia, painful menstruation and inflammation of the bladder.
• The herb is actively used for cosmetic purposes. It works well for acne and other skin inflammations. You can use, for example, a decoction from it. For this, three tablespoons are poured with boiling water and insisted until cooled. From the resulting funds, make daily lotions lasting two hours, periodically moistening a napkin in it.
• Also effective will be ice from a decoction of willow tea, which need to wipe 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 has not so rarely begun to turn to folk methods. This speaks to the common sense of today's doctors. After all, it is clear how much health-improving chemical drugs, on the one hand, can harm health with their numerous side effects. In addition, it would be illogical to discard the facts indicating the elimination of various diseases. Ivan tea, about the medicinal properties, the contraindications of which were discussed, are increasingly recommended by doctors as an addition to traditional treatment. And with ordinary people, it is becoming more and more popular.

One of the most useful and unique plants on Earth is narrow-leaved fireweed, popularly known as Ivan-tea. The healing properties of the herb have been known to the world for a long time. It is used in the treatment of various diseases, as well as to invigorate the entire human body.

Fireweed narrow-leaved description and application

The plant is a herbaceous perennial, reaching two meters in height, while the rhizome is also quite long - up to one meter. The stem is straight, ending in a deep pink inflorescence. The leaves are long and narrow, hence the name - narrow-leaved.

It grows throughout Russia and in many other countries.
The widespread use of fireweed in traditional medicine is due to its pronounced beneficial properties. For the preparation of tinctures, decoctions, infusions and tea, all parts of the plant are used - leaves, stem, seeds, roots, flowers.

Benefits and harm of Ivan tea for health

Due to its rich composition containing various rare vitamins and microelements, the narrow-leaved plant has the following pronounced effect:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic;
• astringent and enveloping;
• calming;
• antioxidant;
• diaphoretic.

The beneficial properties of fireweed perfectly calm the nerves, and are only slightly inferior to valerian. Therefore, it is used for chronic headaches, neuroses and insomnia. The medicinal herb drink has no contraindications, therefore it does not cause any harm even to small children.

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

Narrow-leaved fireweed does not belong to pharmacopoeial plants, however, its chemical composition has been carefully studied. First of all, it is necessary to note the high content of tannins in the roots and leaves of fireweed. The plant mucus of Ivan tea 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, the tannins of fireweed have an anti-inflammatory effect at a dilution of 1: 400; in medical tannin, the protein number reaches 1: 1500. Protein number is the term used to denote the coefficient of anti-inflammatory action. After Ivan-tea (ranked by protein number) are such plants known for anti-inflammatory properties as badan, bearberry and oak. Another interesting observation: the protein number of whole leaves is lower than that of crushed leaves, and scientists explain this phenomenon by the joint action of tannides 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 (caffeic, p-coumaric, and ellagic acids) have been found in fireweed.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ivan tea leaves justify its use in the treatment of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer and gastritis. Fireweed is also prescribed for colitis.

Summary table of medicinal properties of preparations based on ivan tea

Healing properties and rules for the use of narrow-leaved fireweed

Narrow-leaved fireweed or Koporye tea has a very pleasant aroma and taste, therefore it is excellent both for quenching thirst in the heat and for warming up on a cold winter day. The constant use of the drink leads to an increase in immunity, due to the high content of vitamin C, prevailing in the green part of the plant. Therefore, it is used to treat colds and flu.

Koporsky tea - indications for use

The drink has a wide spectrum of action and therefore is used in: the treatment of various internal diseases associated with inflammatory processes, such as gastritis and stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, cystitis and kidney disease.

Healing tea made from fireweed is also useful for anemia, infertility, epilepsy and other serious diseases. All parts of the plant have only beneficial properties, therefore they do not cause side effects.

In the treatment, Cyprus tea is used, the preparation method of which has survived to this day in the same form as it was many years ago. Its universal recipe is as follows:

1 tablespoon of dried raw materials is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, mix well and insist for about 15 minutes, take 2 times a day for half a glass, that is, a glass of drink is designed for a day.

Health benefits of fireweed honey

The healing plant fireweed is an excellent honey plant due to its abundant flowering, so honey is obtained from it fragrant and very useful. The unique honey from fireweed, whose beneficial properties have a beneficial effect on the entire body, is similar in consistency to thick transparent sour cream with a slight yellow tint.

The use of fireweed honey lies in its composition, which is rich in vitamins, trace elements and minerals necessary for the human body. Fireweed honey is considered light and does not cause allergic reactions, so small amounts can be given even to small children, adding to regular tea.

Healing tincture for gastritis, diarrhea, constipation and gastrointestinal diseases - recipe

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the following applies fireweed tincture recipe:

20 grams of leaves and flowers (fresh or dry) are poured with a glass of vodka and infused in a dark place for about 10 days, take 20 drops, slightly diluted in water, three times a day, the course of treatment is 1-2 months, depending on the severity of the disease.
Fireweed tincture helps with diabetes mellitus, heartburn, hypertension.

Ivan tea infusion from pressure - instruction

Tincture of fireweed tea helps to lower blood pressure, long-term use brings it back to normal for a long time. For the treatment of hypertension, there is the following infusion recipe:

Pour 20 grams of the green part of the plant with a glass of boiling water, stir and leave for about two hours, after straining, take 3 times a day or as an emergency remedy when the pressure rises.

Tincture of fireweed for cancer

Fireweed is also used in oncology of various directions. Tincture of fireweed on vodka for cancer is used by patients from different countries. Positive reviews indicate an improvement in the general condition of the patient due to the fact that the enzymes that make up Ivan tea are able to stop the spread of cancer cells throughout the body and stop tumor growth.

The following recipe is used for treatment:
- take 20 grams of crushed plant roots and 20 grams of celandine, pour a glass of vodka or diluted alcohol and insist for 2 weeks in a dark place, take the strained product 20-30 drops 3 times a day, starting with 10 drops, the course of treatment is at least one month ...

Infusion of narrow-leaved fireweed

Recipe No. 1: 15 g of crushed medicinal raw material (aerial part of a medicinal plant) is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 60 minutes, then filtered into a clean dish and taken 1 tablespoon (15 ml) 3 times a day.

Recipe No. 2: 1 tablespoon of medicinal raw materials (roots and rhizomes) is poured with 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 45 minutes, then filtered into a clean dish. Take the infusion 3 times a day, 15 ml for headaches and insomnia.

Recipe No. 3: 1 tablespoon of medicinal raw materials (leaves) is poured with 200 ml of boiling water and infused for two hours, after which it is filtered into a clean dish. Take the medicine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) 3 times a day for anemia and 1/3 cup three times a day for chronic cystitis.

Recipe No. 4: 2 tablespoons of medicinal raw materials are poured into 400 ml of boiling water and insisted for 6 hours, then filtered into a clean dish. This infusion is used as an external remedy for otitis media; for this, the tampon is well moistened in the infusion and inserted into the ear opening.

Broth of narrow-leaved fireweed

10 g of dry medicinal raw materials (flowers) are poured into 200 ml of water and placed in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Take a decoction of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) 3 times a day.

Fireweed tea

Several hundred years ago, tea in Russia was an extremely rare and very expensive drink that only noble people and rich people could afford. That is why ordinary people were looking for a worthy replacement for him from what grows on Russian land. As a result of a long search, tea made from fireweed, which later received the name "Russian tea", gained great popularity.

For the first time, the aboveground part of a medicinal plant was harvested in the village of Koporye, which is why tea was called Koporye tea. The drink gained great popularity among the ordinary population of Russia, since in terms of cost it was several times cheaper than English and Chinese tea, and in terms of taste it was in no way inferior to them.

The technology for making real Koporye tea includes several sequential steps:

• collection;
• withering;
• crushing (either slightly crush or "tap" in the bag);
• fermentation;
• drying.

There is a second, simpler and faster method of brewing Koporye tea, it consists in simply pouring boiling water over the dried leaves and flowers of fireweed and letting the composition brew for 10-15 minutes, however, most of the beneficial properties of the medicinal plant will be lost.

The collection of the aerial part of the fireweed occurs during the period of active flowering of the plant. Leaves and flowers are collected and laid out separately from each other. Only the upper and middle leaves are cut off (without the lower leaves), while the plant material is immediately separated from the stem (without pulling it out).

The next stage is withering. To do this, the leaves are laid out in a thin layer under an awning and left to dry slightly for a couple of hours, after which the medicinal raw material is twisted by hand until the juice is released.

Ivan-tea fireweed preparation collection and fermentation

Narrow-leaved willow Ivan tea must be collected at the time of abundant flowering. Thus, the procurement of raw materials is carried out from the end of June to the end of August. Collection is carried out only in dry weather, avoiding dew droplets. Leaves, stems, flowers, seeds and roots are suitable for collection.

• put the dried leaves and stems into a container, for example, a three-liter bottle or saucepan, cover with a damp cloth and leave for 36 hours in a dark cool room, after which the raw materials are dried again and can be safely harvested for the winter.

The benefit of this harvesting method is that in this way the plant retains all its beneficial properties and substances in their original form, without changing their composition.

The prepared raw material Ivan tea can be drunk the whole next year, the main thing is to brew and take it correctly.

In addition to infusions and tea, medicinal honey or oil is used. The complex gives good results for seasonal viral infections and various chronic diseases.

We discuss fireweed in the article. You will find out what the plant looks like, what medicinal properties and contraindications for use it has. We will tell you if you can use it during pregnancy. By following our recommendations, you will learn how to prepare remedies for gastritis, diabetes and prostatitis at home.

Narrow-leaved fireweed is a perennial herb of the fireweed family (lat.Onagraceae). The Latin name is Chamérion angustifólium. Other names: willow-tea, willow herb, red color, wild violet, magpie's eyes, Koporsky tea.

What does it look like

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

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 tapered towards the bottom. The leaf plate reaches 12 cm in length and 2 cm in width. The edge of the leaf is serrated.

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

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

Where grows

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

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

Fireweed leaves

The top 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. 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 of broths of fireweed have a strong therapeutic effect in inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system. They are used in urology to treat the prostate gland.

The medicinal flower is used as a sedative. A decoction based on it soothes 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 treating 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 greatest amount of biologically active substances. Depending on the region, the collection time for raw materials may differ. In the south of Russia, willow tea is harvested in early June, in the central part - in the middle of the month, in the north - not earlier than mid-July.

Flowers and leaves of fireweed are collected by hand. The raw materials are very fragile, therefore they must be dried immediately after collection. Leaves and flowers are scattered on fabrics and dried under a canopy for 2 days.

Fireweed is stored in cloth bags or glass jars for 3 years.

For more information on fireweed, see the following video:

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 extract of fireweed are taken for violations of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. These powerful agents are used with caution, not exceeding the dosage. The maximum daily allowance is 60 ml.

Tincture for men (for prostatitis)

Tincture of fireweed is effective in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system and in particular with prostatitis. Regular use of the drug helps prevent complications of the disease.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh leaves of fireweed - 150 gr.
2. Vodka - 500 ml.

How to cook: Grind fresh leaves of fireweed, pour into a jar and fill with vodka. Insist the product in a dark place for a week.

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

Result: The tool 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:

1. Fireweed herb - 15 gr.
2. Water - 200 ml.

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

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

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

Herbal tea for gastritis

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:

1. Fireweed leaves - 2 teaspoons.
2. Rosehip fruits - 5 pcs.
3. Water - 500 ml.

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

How to use: Drink 1 glass of the 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 an individual intolerance is identified, ivan tea should be excluded from the diet.

Fireweed products are not suitable for long-term use, as they can cause stomach upset. If you need a long-term admission, 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 has a strengthening effect on the immune system of the expectant mother. The amino acids in the plant can help cope with mood swings.

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

Fireweed honey

Fresh honey from fireweed has a light green hue. This beekeeping product quickly crystallizes and already in the second month after harvest becomes white, its consistency resembles heavy cream. Fireweed honey has a slight bitter aftertaste and a dizzying sweet aroma.

Honey from fireweed increases 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. Excessive consumption of honey can cause allergies. In addition, it is quite high in calories - 328 kcal per 100 g.

Classification

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

Varieties

The genus Fireweed (lat. Epilobium) unites 222 species. The most common ones are:

• narrow-leaved fireweed;
• hairy fireweed;
• mountain fireweed;
• glandular fireweed;
• broad-leaved fireweed;
• pink fireweed;
• Hornemann fireweed.

Fireweed angustifolia infographics

Photo of narrow-leaved fireweed, its useful properties and application
Fireweed infographics

What to remember

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