The narrow-leaved fireweed, the photo of which you have the opportunity to see in the article, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the fireweed family. People call it Ivan-chai or Koporye tea. In the old days, the plant was called "fire grass" due to the fact that fireweed was the first to grow in places of fire. Some peoples called the plant "willow-grass" because they saw in it a similarity with a willow tree. Fireweed was also called “skripun”, because during pulling out the plant makes a corresponding creaky sound.
The properties of fireweed angustifolia are so diverse that it was used in many areas of life. The ancient inhabitants of the Earth noticed the excellent strength characteristics of the plant. Its parts were used in the manufacture of ropes, plaits, twine and the like. Craftswomen wove fireweed threads into the fabric, thereby increasing the strength of the fabric and improving its performance. The root was also highly valued.this plant. It was dried, crushed and added to baked goods. It has a slightly sweet taste, so it is a great substitute for sugar. The resulting powder was rich in vitamins and trace elements. There were craftsmen who made spirits, tinctures and liquors from fireweed.
After flowering, fluff formed on the stems of the plant. It was used as cotton wool, they stuffed pillows, mattresses, made a variety of blankets and bedding. Fireweed was also widely used in folk medicine. There is evidence that the dried plant was recommended to be hung at the entrance to ward off evil spirits.
Growth area and botanical features
The main area of growth is the Northern Hemisphere. The plant especially likes sandy places near coniferous forests (light zone). Very often, fireweed can be found in places of mass clearings, near railway tracks, in ditches, on cliffs, near embankments, near water. On the territory of Russia, it is found in the Urals and Siberia. Fireweed gained fame as a diagnostic species, as it begins to grow first in places of deforestation or in the ashes. When shrubs and trees grow back in these areas, the plant dies or moves to more open space.
Fireweed has small seeds with long hairs, so they can spread over long distances with air currents. Very often it can be seen growing near raspberries. Fireweed in natural conditions reaches a height of half a meter to 1.5-2 meters. The stem is tall, simple, bare, and in places with dense foliage. massive root,thick, refers to a creeping species. Leaflets are wedge-shaped, pointed, simple, with short petioles. Depending on the growing season, the color of the leaf can be from bright green to pale pink. Medium sized flower with two perianths. In diameter, it reaches 2.5-3 cm. The petals are rarely planted, painted in pale pink, less often white. Flowering falls in the second half of July and lasts three to four weeks. During flowering, fireweed produces a large amount of yellow-green pollen. The fruit resembles, most likely, a pod or a curved box, slightly pubescent. The seeds are oblong, slightly elongated, with several hairs on one side. Ripe in August-September.
Chemical composition
The richest in terms of chemical composition are young leaves, shoots and rhizomes of fireweed. The percentage of tannins in them ranges from 10 to 20. The leaves contain up to 15% of mucus, and the rest of the plant is rich in plant fibers, which determines their mechanical strength. Also, the plant is rich in vitamin C, lectin, sugar, pectin, organic acids. Ivan tea contains many trace elements, among which the main ones are worth noting: copper, iron, manganese, titanium, molybdenum, potassium, calcium, lithium, boron. By brewing tea from fireweed, you can get an excellent anti-inflammatory drink, especially since it produces an enveloping effect.
Angut-leaved fireweed: application and importance in the economy
BAt the beginning of the 20th century, when the mass construction of railways began, grass was specially planted along the roadsides. Fireweed perfectly strengthened and supported the soil, and he also "hammered" other weeds. A little later, the plant was used to strengthen ravines, embankments, soil, highways. In the vastness of our country, Ivan-tea occupies a leading position among plant honey plants. The productivity of fireweed is very high: about 600 kg of honey can be obtained from one hectare of plantations. The percentage of glucose and sucrose in the product will depend on weather conditions. Honey has a delicate taste, it is transparent with a greenish tint. The sweet product is stored for a long time, but quickly crystallizes and turns into small white grains.
For example, in the Caucasus, Ivan-tea flour is added to pastries even now. Young leaves and shoots are used to make vitamin salads. And after boiling the greens a little, you can use it as a complex side dish for the main dish. On the territory of Russia, long leaf black tea appeared relatively recently. And what did our ancestors brew before that? Of course, this is Koporye tea. It was named after the village of Koporye in the St. Petersburg province. During the growing season, Ivan-tea leaves were collected, fermented and dried.
What alternative medicine says
In folk medicine, the use of the herb fireweed angustifolia has been practiced for a long time, the spectrum of its action is very wide. The plant is able to fight inflammatory processes of any complexity and is effective for all organs.and systems. There is also evidence that Ivan tea can stop the development of cancer in the early stages. And in the later stages, it can alleviate suffering and dull pain. Especially fireweed helps men in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system. They also note excellent results in patients who have problems with adenoma and prostate. This feature was noted back in 1983 by the well-known herbalist Treben Maria. In folk medicine, fireweed received the glory of a panacea for all diseases. For example, with gonorrhea and syphilis, it was prescribed in the form of decoctions and tinctures. The decoction was used for gargling with angina and as lotions for otitis media. With ulcerative gastric manifestations, alcohol tinctures were recommended, which contributed to the tightening of wounds on the walls of the stomach.
But before you start taking medications based on angustifolium fireweed, it is not enough to study the beneficial properties and contraindications on your own. You should definitely consult with a specialist in order to prevent the unpleasant consequences of self-treatment.
Phytotherapy
The fact that decoctions and tinctures from the herb of fireweed angustifolia have a calming effect has long been known. It is especially effective for migraines and neuroses, it even surpasses the well-known valerian in its medicinal qualities. If valerian simply calms and relaxes, then Ivan tea can change human activity for the better at the level of reflexes. Doctors also note that the plant perfectly fights the manifestation of seizures. Due to the large amount of tannin in fireweed, lotions based on it helpwounds heal faster. For example, decoctions have shown excellent results in the treatment of eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis. Also, Ivan-tea tinctures are used in the treatment of peptic ulcers and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Useful properties
Taking into account the above, we can conclude that fireweed has many virtues and is just a miracle herb. Now let's highlight the most significant medicinal properties of fireweed angustifolia:
- Just a huge amount of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid in fireweed is several times more than in the famous dog rose.
- The unique ratio of vitamins and trace elements allows the plant to be used as a tea, food, and used in the household.
- Not only strengthens the immune system, but also makes the body's immune system work at full capacity.
- Perfectly cleanses the lymphatic system of toxins, free radicals, harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
- Effectively and quickly lowers the temperature, while bringing a general improvement in the condition, fights the inflammatory process.
- Normalizes the acid balance of the blood formula, that is, alkalizes it, especially helps when the body is severely weakened.
- Quickly reduces intoxication during cancer treatment.
- In men, it increases the level of potency and relieves inflammation of the genitourinary system.
- Quickly absorbed by the body due to the fact that it contains many protein components. Hunters love to brew itfishermen, travelers.
- Due to the strong enveloping effect, fireweed is prescribed for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, flatulence.
- Improve and renew blood serum.
- Ivan-tea tea is great for headaches, helps with severe migraine attacks.
- Excellent cancer prevention, especially in men.
- Does not affect metabolic processes due to the fact that it does not contain caffeine and acid (oxalic).
- Has a strong hemostatic effect.
- A small amount of essential oils helps brewed fireweed tea to last up to three days.
- Helps with vascular diseases, normalizes blood pressure.
- Prevents food poisoning.
- Acts firming on hair roots.
As for contraindications, the herb of fireweed angustifolia should be taken with caution by pregnant and lactating women. It is also recommended to stop using it if an individual intolerance to the plant is noted. Do not drink fireweed tea often, as diarrhea may develop. Fireweed angustifolia has contraindications for people with increased blood clotting.
When to collect fireweed
The optimal time for harvesting the plant is from July to September. As for the vegetation, the leaves, shoots and stems are harvested during flowering. When the plant is pubescent, the harvesting is stopped. First of all, you need to carefully examine the plant: it should not be sick, dusty or broken. Then stem neatlyclamped by hand and held from top to bottom.
It is not necessary to completely “enclose” the entire plant, a few leaves, flowers and shoots will be enough. Then you can go to the neighbor and so on. Usually Ivan-tea grows in thickets, so there is enough for everyone. It is advisable to choose fireweed plantings away from polluted areas and agricultural fields. Also, do not collect the plant near industrial facilities or busy highways. It is best to choose forest outskirts, remote forest belts, abandoned clearings and the like.
How to properly dry and ferment fireweed
After the collection is made, it is recommended to dry the narrow-leaved fireweed, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we are considering, in a dry room, preferably in a draft. Stems, leaves and flowers are separated in small portions and laid out on a clean canvas or paper. At a constant temperature (approximately +20 ℃), ready-made deadwood can be decomposed into small containers after 3-4 weeks. Store preferably in paper bags, glass containers or linen bags.
Now we need to talk separately about harvesting the root. It is best to dig it in the fall (September-October). The roots are thoroughly cleaned of dirt, washed well and dried. Cut into small pieces and leave to dry in the oven. If you plan to use parts of the root for tincture or decoction, then this is enough. And, if you need powder from the root, then the parts are dried naturally for at least a month in the open air.
Wilting leaves means washing them andsubsequent light drying on a dry surface with a layer of no more than 5 cm during the day. At the same time, all parts of the plant are periodically stirred. There is also a special technology for harvesting fireweed - this is twisting the leaves. Each leaf is rubbed in the palms and shaped into a tube. In this case, cell sap is released, and all useful substances remain in the leaves. This is how you can get the most fragrant and he althy tea drink.
Now consider the technology of tea fermentation. To do this, the twisted leaves are laid out in a thin layer in an enamel bowl and covered with a damp cloth. They are placed near a heat source with a temperature not higher than + 26 … + 28 ℃. Leave for about 8-10 hours. Thus, fermentation takes place, and the usual grassy aroma turns into a rich floral-fruity one. It is important here not to allow the temperature to rise, otherwise the taste will turn rancid. Next, the leaves are cut with scissors, spread on a baking sheet covered with parchment. Set the oven to a temperature of +50 ℃ and put a baking sheet. Produce periodic mixing with a wooden spatula. It is important here that the leaves do not crumble into dust, but break. The color of the leaves should be similar to that of real long leaf tea. It is recommended to store the finished product in a glass or paper container in a dark place.
How to brew Ivan-tea
Dried leaves can be brewed alone or in combination with other herbs. For example, with leaves of strawberries, currants, mint, lemon balm,rosehip berries. It is important that the leaves are not just dried, but go through the fermentation stage. Now consider some secrets of brewing tea. We take a ceramic or glass teapot, rinse it slightly with boiling water. We put 2-3 tablespoons of dried willow-tea and pour boiling water, about 0.5 liters. But we do not use all the boiling water, but pour the grass into a third of the teapot, wait 5 minutes, and add the remaining hot water. It is necessary to insist no more than 10 minutes, after which you can drink.
If you feel that the tea is too strong, then the proportion can be reduced: for 0.5 liters of boiling water, take 1-2 tablespoons of dried leaves. Remarkably, boiling water can be added to the teapot five more times, and the drink will also be useful. Brewed tea can be stored for up to three days, while it does not lose its taste, aroma and does not turn sour. In hot summer weather, you can drink chilled brewed tea. Sugar is not recommended, as in all herbal teas. The best addition to it will be honey, halva, raisins, dried apricots, that is, natural carriers of glucose. When brewing tea, you can combine leaves and flowers, for example, 1 spoon of leaves + 1 spoon of flowers.
Interesting facts about Cyprus
We examined the field of application of the herb fireweed angustifolia and contraindications to its use. Finally, some interesting facts:
- In Russia there was a famous doctor - Peter Badmaev, who was engaged in a detailed study of the properties of Ivan-tea. He drank decoctions and tinctures of this plant, lived up to 110 years and 10 years before his death inonce again became a father.
- During the reign of Peter I, Ivan-tea was the second largest exporter to Europe.
- Tea from fireweed can be a panacea for 90% of all existing diseases on the planet.
- In Russia, Ivan-tea was called the "elixir of life" because it contains 2/3 of the elements of the periodic table.
During the Second World War, Hitler personally gave the order to destroy the experimental laboratory for the study of fireweed near the village of Koporye. It was there that they dried and packaged the lion's share of tea for the soldiers of the Soviet Army.
