home All hormones Ivan tea medicinal properties, use and contraindications. Angustifolia fireweed (willowherb): medicinal properties, recipes, preparation

Ivan tea medicinal properties, use and contraindications. Angustifolia fireweed (willowherb): medicinal properties, recipes, preparation

Ivan-tea The plant belongs to the fireweed family, chooses dry and sandy places for growth, is found in forests, dense thickets of bushes and bright meadows. Fireweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 1.5-2 meters in height. During flowering time (from July to mid-August) it produces many inflorescences from bright pink to lilac shades. In Russia, the plant is found in Siberian forests and the Far East.

The official botanical name of the plant is fireweed. During its existence, fireweed tea has acquired many names: skrypnik, down jacket, boron potion, plakun, Koporye tea, mother liquor.

How is fireweed tea useful for humans? This plant contains a huge amount of valuable components that produce beneficial effects on the body:

Vitamins PP, A, C, B
Tannins
Saccharides
Pectin
Chlorophyll
Flavonoids
Manganese, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, phosphorus, magnesium
Plant slimes
Coumarins, tannins
Triterpenoids

Young rhizomes and leaves of fireweed contain between 15-20 tannins. They have an anti-inflammatory effect on digestion and remove toxic compounds from the body.

Compresses from the plant have hemostatic and antibacterial properties and are used to neutralize symptoms after insect bites.

Harm

Ivan-tea: contraindications

Fireweed is a practically harmless plant, but it contains biologically active substances.

Contraindications of fireweed tea are associated with long-term use. It is not recommended to treat with herbal teas for more than 1 month, as side effects such as digestive disorders are possible.

Ivan tea contraindications:

Individual intolerance
Allergic manifestations to vitamins contained in the plant
Varicose veins, thrombophlebitis

Take herbal decoctions with caution while taking certain medications. You should not combine fireweed with sedatives, laxatives and antipyretics. The plant contains sedative and antipyretic components, which is why taking the herb in addition to the main treatment is possible only after consultation with a specialist.

Benefit

Medicinal properties of fireweed

The secret of the beneficial properties of fireweed is in the amazing combination of biologically active components, vitamins and valuable minerals, and contraindications to the use of decoctions are minimal. The prepared drink can be consumed cold or hot, and the unique qualities of tea are preserved even after heat treatment.

The medicinal properties of fireweed allow it to be used in the treatment of the following diseases:

Pancreatitis, ulcer, colitis, bile excretion disorders
Diseases of the urinary system
Male and female infertility
Colds, infectious diseases (tracheitis, tuberculosis, bronchitis, sinusitis)
Dermatological diseases
Diseases of the epidermis of a metabolic-inflammatory nature
Herpes
Stones in the urinary system
Alcoholism (when relieving a hangover)
Oncological neoplasms
Dental and gynecological problems

What are the benefits of Ivan tea?

When brewing fireweed, you get a delicious tea that has pleasant floral notes with a slight sourness. All components of the plant are absorbed by the body and have a positive effect on all vital organs.

Ivan tea has an excellent effect on hematopoiesis: when consumed, hemoglobin in the body increases and the normal balance of blood cells is restored. It also helps with bleeding, as it has the property of thickening the blood.

How is fireweed tea useful? The list of its beneficial effects on the body is long:

Increases immune function, enriches the body with vitamins and useful minerals.
Improves digestion, lipid metabolism, normalizes metabolism.
It has a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect and is used in the treatment of inflammation and infections.
It has a strengthening effect on the prostate gland in men and increases potency.
Reduces blood pressure.
Produces a diuretic and choleretic effect.
Normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, helps with stress, insomnia, neuroses, depression.
Eliminates dysbacteriosis, heartburn, helps overcome constipation and disturbances in the functions of the excretory system.
It has wound healing and analgesic properties.
During breastfeeding, it increases lactation properties and normalizes the production of sufficient milk in the mother.
It is a powerful antioxidant and reduces the likelihood of tumors.
Produces a rejuvenating effect on the epidermis, stimulates the natural production of collagen.

Fireweed decoctions are used in the treatment of anemia, digestive diseases, infertility, and sexual disorders in men. The use of infusions and teas from the plant helps with high blood pressure, diseases of the genitourinary system, and respiratory diseases. Herbal compresses are used for herpes and skin lesions of a dermatological nature.

A hot drink made from fireweed is used to normalize the condition after alcohol intoxication. Ivan tea helps with delirium tremens and helps reduce cravings for alcoholic beverages.

Ivan-tea for men

Scientific research by German pharmacists the Theis brothers has proven the effectiveness of fireweed in the treatment of prostate adenoma. Phytosterols present in the plant stop organ hyperplasia and completely block the inflammatory process. Regular intake of decoctions and capsules based on fireweed tea prevents surgery and reduces the prostate gland to normal size.

An aqueous infusion of fireweed has a strong anti-inflammatory effect in acute inflammation of the prostate gland, cures cystitis and can be taken in combination with other drugs during the recovery period after surgery.

Fireweed contains betasitostyrol, which reduces the pathological growth of the prostate gland in volume and prevents the cells from degenerating into malignant ones. Taking an infusion based on fireweed tea normalizes the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and restores impaired metabolism.

Ivan-tea for women

Fireweed is a source of mineral complexes, valuable vitamins and has an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect.

How is fireweed tea useful for women? At the age of 35 years and older, taking herbal decoctions is recommended as a prevention of stone formation in the urinary system.

Plant-based products are useful for heavy menstruation, leucorrhoea, relieves symptoms of menopause, and reduces swelling. Before brewing, you should study the contraindications of fireweed and prepare the decoction correctly. The herb is recommended for cystitis, fibroids, endometriosis, and thrush.

During the period of lactation and during prolonged feeding, Ivan tea improves the production of breast milk. Taking decoctions of this plant helps a woman adjust her hormonal levels, normalize her nervous system and get rid of insomnia. This tea does not contain caffeine and is especially useful for relieving stress.

How to brew fireweed tea

To prepare the drink, the leaves of the plant are used, which need to be collected only during the flowering period. Leaves covered with fluff, which the plant releases after flowering, are not suitable for a healing drink. The most delicious tea is made from fermented leaves. This way the herb will release valuable substances into the water when brewed.

Freshly picked leaves are crushed by hand (or passed through a meat grinder) to release the juice and then dried in the sun for a day, dried in an oven or oven at a temperature of 80 ° C. After this treatment, the drink acquires a special aroma and taste and acquires a dark color.

You can brew the herb in any teapot (porcelain, clay, glass). It is important to observe the dosage of the dry plant:

For a half-liter teapot, take 1 tablespoon of leaves.
The first water must be drained immediately - it cleans the grass of debris and dirt.
With the second bay, the fireweed is kept for 15-20 minutes.
The prepared drink is taken without sugar, combining it with oriental sweets and dried fruits. Connoisseurs have noted that the taste of this tea is pleasant, slightly tart, with aromas of wildflowers and honey.

How to drink Ivan tea

This fragrant drink is taken at any time of the day, but it is most effective when consumed before meals. For medicinal purposes, fireweed-based remedies are taken half a glass in the morning and evening. Decoctions of fireweed tea are also indicated for cancer after chemotherapy.

To restore the body, use strongly brewed (concentrated) fireweed herb.

An alcohol tincture of fireweed is also useful. For 500 g of vodka, take 50 g of crushed inflorescences and leave in a dark place for 7 days. Take this tincture 30 grams in the morning and evening. An effective remedy for cystitis, inflammation of the ovaries, prostate, and kidneys.

Fireweed is especially indicated for alcoholism to relieve symptoms of intoxication. Its fresh decoction is taken on an empty stomach in the morning and before the evening meal, 1/2 cup. The drink has a sedative effect, calms the nervous system, normalizes sleep and removes toxic toxins from the body.

It is noteworthy that Ivan tea can be drunk not only freshly brewed, but also cooled. You can also brew it further.

Ivan tea for colds

One of the features of the plant is its high antiviral activity. During the period of increasing seasonal diseases, remedies from Ivan tea should be taken by adults and children. This will help strengthen your immune system and resist colds. By taking healing herbal tinctures, a person gets sick less often, and colds pass faster and do not cause complications.

The most effective collection against colds is considered to be a combination of fireweed and meadowsweet. And to overcome rhinitis and cough, pine buds are added to brewed fireweed tea.

Strong decoctions of fireweed are used to rinse the nasopharynx. To relieve fever, take 50 mg before meals. To increase diaphoretic qualities, the herb is combined with rowan, rose hips, sea buckthorn, and honey.

Ivan-tea at temperature

During an outbreak of seasonal diseases, fireweed is an assistant and protector of the body from viruses. The herb contains a record amount of vitamin C (about 400 mg per 100 g of herb), which is primarily lost from the body during illness. It is recommended to use fireweed decoctions at high temperatures during the day and at night. Cooling herbal compresses on the forehead are helpful, relieving chills and headaches.

During a high fever, you become very thirsty. To alleviate the course of the disease, you should replace other drinks with healing decoctions of fireweed tea. A drink made from it perfectly tones, quenches thirst, exhibits diaphoretic properties and helps a person overcome illness. To improve the effect, it is advisable to alternate infusions of fireweed tea with herbal infusions of chamomile and linden.

Ivan tea for blood pressure

For people suffering from blood pressure problems, fireweed decoction is one of the most popular and effective remedies. The uniqueness of this drink is that it can be taken by both hypertensive and hypotensive patients. Fireweed infusion increases blood pressure in hypotensive patients and gently reduces it in hypertensive patients. A good feature of fireweed is that it consistently exhibits a diuretic effect and thereby effectively lowers high blood pressure.

However, you should definitely pay attention to the different technologies for preparing the drink:

For hypertension – 2 tablespoons of dry herb per 400 grams of liquid

For hypotension - half the dose of herb for the same volume of water

The first dose should be carried out after studying the contraindications of fireweed.

A drink made from fireweed tea can completely replace daily intakes of black (green) tea or coffee for people suffering from unstable blood pressure. After all, it does not contain caffeine, which overstimulates the nervous system.

Ivan tea for the stomach

Due to the high content of mucus and anti-inflammatory components, tannins in this herb, decoctions and tinctures from the leaves and rhizomes of fireweed are successfully used to treat digestive diseases.

For inflammation of the digestive system: 3 tbsp. Spoons of fireweed herb are poured into 200 g of boiling water. Boil in a water bath for 15 minutes. After cooling and straining, take 2 spoons 3 times a day with meals.

For gastritis and enterocolitis: A spoonful of fireweed is poured into a glass of boiling water, taken 3 times a day, 30 grams. This drink relieves pain symptoms.

For stomach ulcers: Brew fireweed herb in the usual way (1:1), leave for 2 hours. Take 200 g daily before meals. The course of treatment is 21 days.

Remedies from fireweed tea are valued for their analgesic, anticonvulsant, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for treating diseases of the digestive tract.

Ivan tea for the liver

Fireweed has a good choleretic effect and is used to remove toxins and cleanse the liver. The use of healing herbal decoctions helps eliminate congestion and edema processes in the organ and normalize its functions.

In alternative medicine, decoctions and preparations of fireweed are recommended for liver dysfunction associated with alcohol intoxication and for removing kidney stones. The hot infusion is kept in a thermos for 2 hours, and then taken 1 spoon three times a day before meals. The drink perfectly relieves pain symptoms, energizes the body, and frees the liver from harmful radionuclides and toxins.

Ivan tea for the heart

Also, maintaining the functioning of the cardiovascular system can be ensured by consuming healthy decoctions from the herb fireweed. After all, they strengthen the walls of blood vessels, promote their permeability, and have a positive effect on the functioning of the myocardium. Decoctions of this plant help with heart rhythm disturbances and cardioneuroses. By drinking healing fireweed tea, you can lower blood pressure, weaken the effects of coronary disease and heart pain.

How is fireweed tea useful for those who have suffered heart disease? Its decoction helps in the recovery period after a heart attack or stroke. Taking it improves blood circulation, saturates tissues with oxygen and maintains normal functioning of the heart muscles. To tone up the heart, it will be useful to take a decoction of fireweed in combination with red rowan.

ADDITIONALLY

Ivan tea in cosmetology

Ivan tea has been used for beauty and health since ancient times. There are legends that in the old days girls rinsed their bodies and hair with water and a decoction of miraculous fireweed. The result was obvious: the skin became smooth and velvety, fine wrinkles disappeared, and the hair was healthy and strong.

At home, you can easily prepare masks for different skin types: oily, dry, anti-aging masks.

For dry skin

Warm olive oil + fireweed tincture (2 tablespoons each).
Fireweed infusion + 20 g peach oil + 10 g paraffin. Heat everything and apply it to your face for 15-20 minutes.
A spoonful of cream + a spoonful of fireweed infusion + yolk.

For combination skin

Cranberry juice + fireweed tincture (a spoon) + 1 yolk.
Chopped zucchini into small shavings + 3 tbsp. l. decoction of fireweed tea.
Ivan tea tincture + egg white + 5 drops of lemon juice + 10 g of honey.

Anti-aging masks

Young zucchini juice + fireweed infusion + yolk.
Honey + yolk + fireweed infusion + oatmeal.
Kefir (2 tbsp) + fireweed decoction + green clay + lemon juice.

Such masks based on fireweed tea tone the skin, relieve inflammation, and help remove oily shine. The recommended number of procedures is 2 times a week.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of fireweed have been studied throughout Europe, especially in Germany and Russia. The medicinal value of the herb is recognized in scientific medicine. In addition, it is also a fodder, food, ornamental, phytomeliorative, soil-protective, fibrous plant. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the famous Koporye tea (Ivan tea) was drunk everywhere in Russia; it was used as tea leaves after fermentation and drying, and exported to European countries. In the old days, fireweed was used to grind flour, bake bread, and prepare alcoholic drinks. Salads were prepared from spring leaves and stems, they were added to first courses, strong twine was made from fibers, and yarn was made from fluff.

Features of the medicinal plant Ivan tea

What is the botanical description of the herb? Where to look for it, how to collect and dry it? For what diseases is this medicinal plant most effective? Are there any contraindications for Koporye tea?

Habitat

Fireweed is a herbaceous plant of the Eurasian continent, although some species are found in North America. It grows in different parts of Europe, in the forest-steppe and steppe zones. It often grows in coniferous forests, loves clearings and fires, but after the appearance of shrubs it gradually disappears. Prefers moist soils in the forest-steppe zone, develops and reproduces well on sandy soils in coniferous forests. In Russia, this plant is well known not only to residents of the middle zone, but also to Siberia.

Botanical characteristics

What does the herb Ivan-tea look like? Depending on climatic conditions, soil, age, the plant can be from 50 cm to 2 m in height.

Root. It develops vertically and horizontally, and is distinguished by a thick, creeping rhizome with many buds (for vegetative propagation).
Stem and leaves. The stem is weakly branched, bare, erect. The leaves are sessile, alternate, pointed, with matte veins, jagged along the edges, dark green above, shiny, and below are glaucous, light pink or purple.
Flower . Four-membered, wide open, can be up to 3 cm in diameter, can be purple, bright pink, less often pale pink. The inflorescence is a conical raceme.

It propagates vegetatively and with the help of seeds, which ripen in August-September.

Fireweed broadleaf.
Mountain fireweed.
Fireweed small-flowered.

Other medicinal types

There are about 220 types of fireweed. The most famous among them are narrow-leaved willowherb (fireweed), broad-leaved, mountain, pink, shaggy, glandular. The distribution area of most species is the entire European part. Some are found in Kazakhstan, the Caucasus, Altai, southern Siberia, and North America. Most often, small-flowered fireweed is used for medicinal purposes. For example, in Germany, since the 70s of the twentieth century, this plant has been registered in the pharmacopoeia. The herb is useful for men; it is prescribed for prostate diseases and to increase potency. Some healers claim that the herb prevents the development of malignant prostate tumors. Also, small-leaved fireweed is used instead of tea with a calming effect.

Procurement of raw materials

How to prepare fireweed tea to preserve all the beneficial substances in the herb? First of all, it is necessary to choose an environmentally friendly area - away from roads and industrial zones, fields and crops that are treated with pesticides and other agricultural pesticides. It is also important to adhere to the rules for collecting and preparing fireweed.

How to collect fireweed. The entire above-ground part of the plant - flowers, leaves, young shoots, stem - has medicinal properties. Therefore, they cut off the entire above-ground part of the grass and remove thick stems.
When to collect fireweed. The best time is the flowering period. This may be in July or August, depending on the climate zone. Fireweed blooms for a month.
How to dry. Drying in natural conditions is recommended, but without direct sunlight. Dry, ventilated attics and verandas work well. The grass is laid out in a thin layer and turned from time to time. After complete drying, the flowers turn blue.

The beneficial properties of Ivan tea last for 2 years. The grass is packaged in wooden boxes, closed glass containers, and protected from excess moisture and light.

Healing effect

Medicinal properties of fireweed:

What are the reasons for the medicinal properties of Ivan tea? It contains:

flavonoids;
tannins (many tannins);
alkaloids;
plant fibers (cellulose);
proteins (lectins);
slime;
high content of vitamin C and rich mineral composition;
pectins;
tannins;
Sahara.

Laboratory studies have scientifically proven the beneficial properties of fireweed (willowherb) - antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. For example, in the USSR, in the laboratory at the Cancer Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, the anti-cancer drug “Hanerol” was prepared from grass inflorescences.

List of indications

For what symptoms and diagnoses do they drink fireweed, taking into account its contraindications?

What are the contraindications of fireweed? The official instructions indicate that fireweed is prohibited during pregnancy, lactation, and individual intolerance. Despite the absence of strict and extensive contraindications, medical consultation is required for any chronic diseases. Koporye tea, in overdose and long-term use, produces a number of digestive side effects.

Dosage forms and methods of preparation of angustifolia fireweed

What are the uses of fireweed tea at home? What dosage forms can you prepare yourself? What can you buy at the pharmacy?

Decoction and infusion

How to brew fireweed? There are two main methods - boiling (decoctions) and infusion (infusions). Decoctions can be boiled over low heat or kept in a water bath. During the season, you can use fresh flowers and leaves of fireweed for decoctions and infusions.

Decoction recipe

Take 1 tbsp. l. chopped dry herbs.
Pour a glass of water.
Keep in a water bath for 15 minutes.
Leave for 1 hour.
Strain.

Take 1-2 tbsp before meals 4 times a day. spoons.

Preparing the infusion

Take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials.
Pour a glass of boiling water.
Leave for 2 hours.
Strain.

The dosage is the same as when taking a decoction. Weak infusions and decoctions are taken orally for all of the above symptoms and diagnoses.

Preparation of infusion for external use

Take 3 tbsp. l. herbs.
Pour a glass of boiling water.
Leave in a thermos for 5 hours.
Strain.

With this infusion you can gargle, treat the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, make compresses and lotions from it for joint and muscle pain, and for resolving tumors. A strong infusion is also used in cosmetology for hair and facial skin care. Fireweed is used as a natural anti-inflammatory lotion: it relieves irritation and inflammation, disinfects pimples, acne, boils, and improves complexion.

Tincture

An alcoholic tincture can be prepared from fresh inflorescences or dry herbs. Apply externally and internally. For local treatment (rinses, compresses, lotions, baths), it is recommended to dilute the product with water.

Preparation

Take 3 tbsp. l. herbs.
Pour in ½ liter of vodka.
Leave for 14 days in a dark place.
Strain.

Take 1 tsp. 3 times a day before meals. The tincture is especially useful for women during the premenopausal period, and for men with inflammation and tumors of the prostate gland.

Herbal tea

The package contains 20 filter bags of 1.5 g each. It is useful to drink to normalize metabolism, with ulcers, inflammation of the stomach, intestines, kidneys, urinary tract, prostate gland, as well as with high blood pressure. How to brew and take herbal tea?

Universal dosage: take 1 glass of boiling water for 1 tea bag.
You can prepare a concentrated drink: 2 tea bags per 1 glass of boiling water.
Infuse tea for 15 minutes.
Take 1 glass 2 times a day, with meals.
The course of treatment is 30 days.

Honey plant

Ivan tea is a plant with high honey productivity. Perhaps among the grasses of the forest zone it has no equal in these indicators. In good years, 600 kg of honey is obtained from 1 hectare of grass. Fireweed honey has the same medicinal properties as the herb. Useful for adults and children, especially for acute respiratory viral infections, flu, and colds. It is famous for its general strengthening, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, enveloping properties. It has a pleasant delicate taste, it is liquid, transparent, with a greenish tint, and crystallizes quickly, in the form of white grains. The nectar of fireweed flowers contains high levels of glucose and fructose, although their levels largely depend on weather conditions.

Angustifolia fireweed (fireweed) is the medicinal plant of first choice for diseases of the genitourinary system, especially in men with prostatitis and prostate adenoma. The herb is also used externally in otolaryngology, dermatology, and dentistry. It is prescribed as a sedative for neuroses, as an anti-inflammatory for stomach ulcers, colitis, and gastritis. The antitumor properties of the herb have been scientifically confirmed. It is included in the complex therapy of oncological diseases.

Ivan tea is that rare case when something tasty also turns out to be healthy. The fireweed plant has simply a huge range of healing properties. But you need to know the indications and contraindications for taking fireweed in order to carry out effective treatment.

Indications and contraindications for taking fireweed

The plant was and is used to alleviate the condition of patients who need the following:

stimulation of hematopoietic function. Occurs due to the high content of iron, vitamins B and C;
improving metabolism, accelerating metabolic processes, normalizing the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates;
fight against inflammatory reactions, including those of an infectious and viral nature. Ivan tea is the most powerful herbal antiseptic among the flora of our country;
toning the prostate, improving sperm quality and increasing male libido, getting rid of infertility;
diuretic effect and normalization;
a general decrease in nervous tone, which manifests itself in improved mood and sleep, less frequent manifestations of aggression, and relief of headaches. This occurs due to the presence of magnesium, flavonoids, and B vitamins;
restoring the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, combating constipation and dysbiosis, treating peptic ulcers. This is facilitated by a high concentration of tannins, pectin and mucus;
reducing the activity of manifestations of various allergic reactions;
prevention of bile stagnation and the formation of gallstones;
rapid healing of wounds. Carotenoids and tannins help;
increased lactation;
harmonization of the endocrine system;
antioxidant, that is, anti-cancer effect;
binding and removal of toxins, including salts of heavy metals;
rehabilitation of the body after being in the nuclear radiation zone;
mild pain reliever;
slowing down skin aging, increasing its elasticity, fighting skin diseases - eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis.

Like any medicinal plant, fireweed has both indications and contraindications. But the latter are very few.

For whom is Ivan tea contraindicated? The effect on children has not been studied, so it is better to refrain from infusions of this herb until they are 6 years old. No negative effects have been recorded for pregnant women, but it is better to consult a doctor before taking it. It is better for people with high blood viscosity to avoid fireweed.

In Rus', the tea ceremony was a tradition. A huge number of guests were always present at the feasts, and such festivities always ended with tea drinking. In those days, as a rule, medicinal herbs were brewed, but Ivan tea was the most popular.

There were legends about its medicinal properties, and the herb itself found wide application in the field of traditional medicine. And today this plant has not lost its relevance. In order for the decoction to bring maximum benefit, you need to know the basic rules for preparing raw materials and the secrets of preparing a miraculous drink. This will be discussed in this article.

How to recognize fireweed?

Ivan tea or angustifolia fireweed is a herbaceous plant reaching a height of 2 m. Its root system has numerous shoots, creeping, thick, about 1 meter long. The stems of this plant are round, slightly branched, and bare. The leaves, as the name suggests, are narrow and long, on short petioles, with pointed tips.
The photo below shows the inflorescences of fireweed, they are a conical raceme that can reach 40 cm in length. The flowers themselves are large in size and colored purple-pink. After drying they turn blue.

This plant is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In Russia it can be found in a strip of coniferous forests. It grows mainly near water bodies, along ditches and railway embankments.

Procurement of raw materials

The most favorable time for harvesting the herb Ivan tea is the period from July to September, when the inflorescences have not yet had time to become pubescent.

Advice! It is very important not to damage the leaves of this plant during collection - to carry out this procedure as carefully as possible, you should hold its stem in your palm and slowly move your hand from top to bottom.

When choosing grass, always pay attention to its appearance - diseased, dirty or dusty castings are not suitable. It is recommended to collect fireweed tea in the morning in dry weather. And never pick all the leaves from one bush; it is better to take several pieces from different plants.

It is advisable to prepare Ivan tea in a shaded place. As a rule, it is dried under a canopy in the open air or in a well-ventilated area where direct sunlight does not penetrate. The roots of this plant are dug up only in the fall, after which they are thoroughly cleaned of adhering soil, washed in plenty of water and laid out in a thin layer to dry. The process of harvesting rhizomes is completed in a stove or oven. In this case, the temperature should be minimal - no more than 20°.

Dried fireweed leaves and flowers are placed in paper bags. They can be stored for no more than 2 years, roots - about 3 years.

Fermentation

Now let's look at how to ferment Ivan tea.

Rinse fresh leaves under running water.
Spread in a thin layer and leave for a day.
After the specified time has passed, it is necessary to properly process the leaves. Place the sheet between your palms and roll it into a tube or ball. This procedure must be carried out until the leaf darkens from the released cell sap.
Place the resulting balls or tubes in an enamel container, spread out in a thin layer and cover with damp cotton cloth or gauze folded in several layers.
Transfer the tray with leaves to a warm place, where the air temperature should reach 26°, and leave for 12 hours.
Important! Remember that too high a temperature will spoil the taste and aroma of the plant. The brewed drink will look like low-grade tea. After properly carried out fermentation, the herbaceous smell should be replaced by a pleasant floral and fruity aroma.
Cut the fermented Ivan tea with scissors.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment and place prepared leaves on it in a thin layer.
Preheat the oven to a temperature of 50° and place the leaves in it to dry, while leaving the oven door ajar.
While drying, turn the leaves over several times using a wooden spatula.

The readiness of the raw material will be indicated by the intense dark shade of the leaves; when you press on the tea leaf, it should break, but not crumble into powder.

Important! Do not overcook the Ivan tea in the oven, as it will acquire a papery smell. Focus on color and structure.

Preparing the drink

So, let's look at how to brew Ivan tea. For a healing drink, you can use only fireweed or combine it with other herbs - black currant, rose hips, mint, etc.

Advice! It is healthier to brew not just dry, but fermented herbs.

The preparation procedure is as follows:

rinse the kettle with boiling water;
put 3 teaspoons of raw material into it and pour in 150 ml of boiling water;
leave for five minutes, then add another 300 ml of boiling water;
Infuse the drink for 10 minutes.

These proportions are optional. You can adjust the strength of the drink based on your taste. After the first portion of tea is drunk, the tea leaves can be poured with boiling water 5 more times, while all its beneficial properties will be preserved.

Brewed fireweed or fireweed tea can be stored for no more than 3 days. It is recommended to drink it without sugar, but if you do not have enough sweetness, then it is best to eat halva or honey with the drink.

About the benefits of the drink

Ivan tea has the following properties:

Due to this effect, this plant is widely used in folk medicine. It contains essential microelements and vitamins, and it contains more ascorbic acid than rose hips. Fireweed is rich in protein, which is easily absorbed by the body, which is why it is preferred by people leading an active lifestyle.

The beneficial properties of fireweed tea include its ability to alkalize the blood, due to which lost strength is quickly restored. It has an enveloping effect, which helps treat gastritis, colitis, gastric ulcers and helps eliminate flatulence. A drink made from this plant is highly effective for nervous conditions, reduces anxiety and relieves depression.

Being a powerful natural cleanser, Ivan tea helps to normalize the blood formula, removes toxins and toxic substances from the body, and also reduces intoxication due to cancer.

The healing properties of fireweed tea also extend to the field of cosmetology. Decoctions and infusions of this plant help strengthen hair roots, significantly improve the health of curls and heal wounds on the scalp.

Application of Ivan tea

A drink based on fireweed is good both hot and cold. It perfectly tones, refreshes, gives strength and energizes. But this is not all of his qualities. Possessing a wide range of health benefits, Ivan tea can be recommended for use in the following cases:

low level of hemoglobin in the blood;
infectious and inflammatory diseases;
to improve hematopoietic function;
dysfunction of the prostate gland;
diseases of the genitourinary system;
fluctuations in blood pressure;
sleep disorders;
headache;
psycho-emotional stress;
inflammatory and ulcerative processes of the duodenal mucosa;
imbalance of intestinal microflora;
disruption of bile formation processes;
to enhance lactation and improve the quality of mother's milk;
disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
respiratory tract diseases;
spleen diseases;
neurocircular dystonia;
gout;
herpes;
epilepsy;
food poisoning and dysentery;
chronic fatigue syndrome;
period of teething;
menstrual irregularities;
after a course of chemical and radiation therapy;
immunodeficiency states;
C-vitaminosis;
wounds, ulcers, bedsores;
otitis, rhinitis;
sinusitis;
diseases of the larynx, pharynx and oral cavity;
lymphogranulomatosis.

Pregnancy period

A separate chapter should highlight information about the benefits and harms of using Ivan tea during pregnancy. As for its magical multilateral effect on a woman’s body during the period of bearing a child, we can highlight the following:

supports the immune system;
due to the presence of vitamins B and A, it takes an active part in the normal formation and development of the fetus;
improves metabolic processes and blood circulation, preventing oxygen starvation of the fetus;
gives energy and gives a great mood;
normalizes sleep;
removes harmful substances from the pregnant woman’s body;
helps overcome gastrointestinal problems - nausea, vomiting, constipation.

Ivan tea during pregnancy serves as an excellent prevention and treatment, and is also an excellent tonic for the body as a whole.

If we talk about contraindications for fireweed during pregnancy, it does not have any as such. You just need to rule out individual intolerance to the drink and not drink more than 3 cups a day.

Drink Ivan tea during pregnancy, based on the following recommendations:

first of all, its use should be agreed with your doctor;
During this period, it is quite difficult to prepare the grass yourself, so it is worth purchasing a pharmaceutical preparation;
brew the drink at the rate of 2 teaspoons per 2 cups of boiling water;
You can use it in the morning and evening, 200 ml before meals, or three times a day, 150 ml.

Recently, fireweed tea, a drink made from the leaves of the fireweed angustifolia, has become increasingly popular in Russia. A large selection of fireweed tea with various flavoring additives has appeared in stores. Many people collect and dry fireweed leaves on their own and completely replace black tea and coffee with fireweed tea. The beneficial properties of this plant - myth or reality? What exactly does fireweed and tea made from it give to a person? “Culinary Eden” has collected information about the beneficial properties of fireweed and shares it with readers.

First of all, Ivan tea is a very tasty and aromatic drink. Properly brewed tea from properly fermented young fireweed leaves has a soft floral-fruity-herbal aroma and aftertaste. The taste and aroma of fireweed is very similar to high-grade Chinese oolongs; it is not surprising that in the 19th century fireweed was used as a counterfeit of Chinese tea and sold abroad.

Useful properties of fireweed tea

It is believed that fireweed has no contraindications. It can be drunk by pregnant and lactating women, children, exhausted and sick people. However, everything needs moderation, and it is important to monitor the individual reaction of the body.

Ivan tea does not contain caffeine, so you won’t get a powerful boost of energy from it. It's a gentle pick-me-up when you need it and a good calmer when you need it. It's all about the concentration of the drink: brew Ivan tea easily and you will feel a surge of strength, but to relax and fall asleep you need a strong, well-infused drink. Fortunately, even in high concentration, fireweed tea does not have a bitter taste, like coffee and most teas, so you can drink it without sugar and without eating sweets, which in itself will only benefit the body.

Ivan tea can well be called a universal home remedy and even an elixir of youth. As you know, all diseases are caused by nerves, and this plant helps to cope with stress and neuroses. Other diseases are caused by poor ecology, and fireweed tea helps remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. It can even cope with poisoning and hangover. Ivan tea helps to recover faster after a serious illness; it is useful for anemia and poor nutrition.

With regular use of fireweed tea, blood vessels are strengthened and cleansed, blood pressure is normalized, resistance to infectious and viral diseases is increased, the skin is cleared of acne, dermatitis and other troubles, and the potency and overall tone of the body are enhanced. Lovers of fireweed tea can visit the dentist less often, since caries and gum problems develop much more slowly in them.

If you have a cold, a decoction of fireweed tea will help bring down the fever and get stronger faster. Weak fireweed tea is useful for ulcers of the stomach and duodenum - in some cases it can even heal them. Colitis, cirrhosis, cystitis, and internal inflammations are cured faster by drinking fireweed. There is evidence that thanks to fireweed, you can reduce the risk of the appearance and growth of tumors.

Composition of fireweed tea

It is believed that fireweed tea contains about 70 useful microelements, which makes up most of the periodic table. This plant contains iron, manganese and copper in high concentrations, and potassium, calcium, titanium, molybdenum, boron, nickel, and lithium in smaller quantities.

Ivan tea contains flavonoids, which have antispasmodic, choleretic and diuretic effects.

Tannins have an astringent, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effect.

Mucus provides enveloping properties. Thanks to them, fireweed tea relieves inflammation and cramps, relieves pain.

Alkaloids improve metabolism, blood circulation, the state of the nervous system, and also act as a pain reliever.

Chlorophyll stimulates wound healing, improves metabolism, and helps cope with malignant cells.

Pectin binds and removes harmful substances from the body.

As for vitamins, fireweed is rich in vitamin A, without which the growth and renewal of epithelial cells is impossible. This vitamin is responsible for the beauty of skin, hair and nails, helps fight infections. B vitamins in Ivan tea are necessary for many vital biochemical reactions, which is especially important for vegetarians and those observing Christian fasts. They participate in metabolism and regulate the functioning of the nervous system.
Ivan tea contains more vitamin C than lemon, but when brewed, most of it is destroyed.

How to use fireweed besides tea

To take full advantage of the vitamins and microelements contained in fireweed, you can follow the example of the American Indians and collect young leaves and shoots of fireweed without heat treatment. Until the leaves become tough and bitter, they can be used as regular greens: in salads or as a fresh side dish for meat and other dishes. When the leaves of the fireweed become hard, but the plant has not yet bloomed, the Indians use the upper parts of the stems and roots. They clean the stems and eat them raw, and fry the roots.

The peeled stem of fireweed can be used to disinfect and treat cuts and burns, if there is no other way to treat the wound in field conditions.

In Alaska, fireweed extract is used to produce sweets: syrups, jellies, candies and even ice cream.

Honey collected from fireweed flowers has a distinct taste and aroma of spices, and in terms of beneficial properties it surpasses many other types of honey.

It is important that Ivan tea definitely does not contain dyes or flavors, unlike some bagged teas, and is a completely natural product. It also does not contain caffeine, puric, oxalic and uric acids, which are dangerous in some diseases.

Oksana Medvedeva