Narrow-leaved fireweed, a photo of which you have the opportunity to see in the article, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Cyprian family. People call it Ivan-tea or Koporye tea. In ancient times, the plant was called "fire grass" due to the fact that the fireweed first sprouted in places of fire. Some people called the plant “willow grass” because they saw in it a similarity to the willow tree. The fireweed was also called “violin”, because during pulling the plant makes a corresponding creaky sound.
The properties of narrow-leaved fireweed are so diverse that it has been 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, harnesses, twine and the like. Craftswomen weaved the threads from the fireweed into the fabric, thereby increasing the strength of the fabric and increasing its performance. The root of this plant was also greatly appreciated. It was dried, crushed and added to baking. His taste is a little sweet, so he perfectly replaced 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, stuffed with pillows, mattresses, made a variety of blankets and bedding. Also, fireweed was 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.
Habitat and botanical features
The main area of growth is the Northern Hemisphere. The plant especially loves sandy places near coniferous forests (light zone). Very often fireweights can be found in places of massive logging, near railway tracks, in ditches, on cliffs, near embankments, by the water. On the territory of Russia it is found in the Urals and Siberia. Fireweed gained the fame of a diagnostic species, as it begins to grow first in places of deforestation or in ashes. When shrubs and trees grow again in these areas, the plant dies or moves to a 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 stalk is tall, simple, bare, and in some places with dense foliage. The root is massive, 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. A medium-sized flower with two perianths. In diameter, it reaches 2.5-3 cm. Petals are rarely planted, painted in pale pink, less often white. Flowering occurs in the second half of July and lasts three to four weeks. During flowering, the fireweed produces a large amount of yellow-green pollen. The fruit resembles, most likely, a pod or curved box, slightly pubescent. Seeds have an oblong shape, slightly elongated, on the one hand there are several hairs. Ripen 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 is from 10 to 20. The leaves contain up to 15% of the mucus, and the remaining parts of the plant are rich in plant fibers, which determines their mechanical strength. The plant is also rich in vitamin C, lectin, sugar, pectin, organic acids. Ivan tea contains many trace elements, among which the main ones are worth mentioning: copper, iron, manganese, titanium, molybdenum, potassium, calcium, lithium, boron. Brewing tea from fireweed, you can get an excellent anti-inflammatory drink, especially since it produces an enveloping effect.
Narrow-leaved fireweed: application and importance in the economy
At the beginning of the 20th century, when mass construction of railroads began, grass was specially planted along the sidelines. Fireweed perfectly strengthened and supported the soil, he also "clogged" 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 place among plant honey plants. The productivity of the fireweed is very high: about 600 kg of honey can be obtained from one hectare of plantings. 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 lasts a long time, but crystallizes quickly enough and turns into small white grains.
For example, in the Caucasus, flour from Ivan tea is added to baking even now. Young leaves and shoots are used for the preparation of vitamin salads. A bit of boiling greens, you can use it as a complex side dish to the main dish. Black tea in Russia appeared relatively recently. And what did our ancestors brew before that? Of course, this is Kopor tea. It was named in honor of the village of Koporye in the Petersburg province. During the growing season, willow-tea leaves were collected, fermented and dried.
What alternative medicine says
In folk medicine, the use of narrow-leaved fireweed herb has been practiced for a long time, its spectrum of action is very wide. The plant is able to fight with inflammatory processes of any complexity and is effective for all organs and systems. There is also evidence that ivan tea is able to stop the development of cancer in the early stages. And in the later stages, it can relieve suffering and dull the pain. Especially fireweed helps men in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system. Excellent results are also noted in patients who have problems with adenoma and prostate. This feature back in 1983 was noted by the famous 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 broth was used to gargle with angina and as lotions for otitis media. In case of ulcerative gastric manifestations, alcohol tinctures were recommended, which helped to tighten the wounds on the walls of the stomach.
But before you start taking medications based on narrow-leaved fireweed, the beneficial properties and contraindications are not enough to study on your own. It is necessary to consult with a specialist in order to prevent the unpleasant consequences of self-medication.
Phytotherapy
We have known for a long time that the decoctions and tinctures from the grass of the narrow-leaved fireweed have a calming effect. It is especially effective for migraines and neurosis, it even surpasses the well-known valerian in healing qualities. If valerian simply calms and relaxes, then Ivan-tea is able to change for the better human activity 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 help wounds heal faster. For example, decoctions showed excellent results in the treatment of eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis. Ivan tincture tinctures are also used in the treatment of peptic ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases.
Beneficial features
Taking into account the above, we can conclude that the fireweed has many advantages and is simply a miracle grass. Now we highlight the most significant healing properties of narrow-leaved fireweed:
- Just a huge amount of vitamin C. Ascorbinki in fireweed is several times more than in the famous rosehip.
- The unique ratio of vitamins and microelements allows the plant to be used as tea, for food, and used on the farm.
- 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 reduces the temperature, while bringing a general improvement, struggling with the inflammatory process.
- It normalizes the acid balance of the blood formula, that is, alkalizes it, and especially helps when the body is greatly weakened.
- It quickly reduces intoxication during the treatment of oncological diseases.
- In men, it increases the level of potency and relieves the inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system.
- It is quickly absorbed by the body due to the fact that it contains many protein components. It is loved by brewers, hunters, fishermen, travelers.
- Due to the strong enveloping effect, fireweed is prescribed for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, flatulence.
- Improves and renews blood serum.
- Tea from Ivan-tea perfectly copes with 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).
- It has a strong hemostatic effect.
- A small amount of essential oils helps brewed fireweed tea to last up to three days.
- Helps with vascular disease, normalizes blood pressure.
- Prevents food poisoning.
- It has a firming effect on the hair roots.
With regard to contraindications, it is advisable for pregnant and lactating women to take the grass of narrow-leaved fireweed with caution. It is also recommended to stop its use if an individual intolerance to the plant is noted. You can not often drink tea from fireweed, as diarrhea can develop. The narrow-leaved fireweed has contraindications for people with increased blood coagulation.
When to collect fireweed
The optimal time for collecting the plant is from July to September. As for vegetation, the leaves, shoots and stems are harvested during flowering. When the plant is pubescent, the harvest is stopped. First of all, you need to carefully examine the plant: it should not be sick, dusty or broken. Then the stem is gently clamped 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 suffice. Then you can go to a neighbor and so on. Usually, willow-tea grows in thickets, so that is enough for everyone. It is advisable to choose the plantings of fireweed away from the gassed territories and agricultural fields. Also, it is not necessary to 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 dry and ferment ivan tea
After the collection is made, dry the narrow-leaved fireweed, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we are considering, are recommended 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 ℃), the finished dead wood can be laid out in small containers after 3-4 weeks. Store preferably in paper bags, glass containers or linen bags.
Now separately we need to talk about the preparation of the root. It is best to dig it out 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 naturally dried for at least a month in the open air.
Withering of the leaves implies their washing and subsequent easy drying on a dry surface with a layer of not more than 5 cm during the day. In this case, all parts of the plant are periodically stirred. There is also a special technology for preparing fireweed - this is curling leaves. Each leaf is rubbed in the palms and give it the shape of a tube. At the same time, cellular juice is secreted, and all useful substances remain in the leaves. This is how you can get the most aromatic and healthy tea drink.
Now consider the technology of fermentation of tea. To do this, twisted leaves are laid out in a thin layer in enameled dishes and covered with a damp cloth. They are placed near a heat source with a temperature not exceeding + 26 ... + 28 ℃. Leave for about 8-10 hours. Thus, fermentation occurs, and the usual grassy aroma turns into a rich floral-fruity. It is important to prevent the temperature from rising, 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 place a baking sheet. Produce periodic mixing using a wooden spatula. It is important that the leaves do not crumble into dust, but break. The color of the leaves should be similar to that of a 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 independently 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 pass the stage of fermentation. Now consider some of the 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 don’t use all the boiling water, and pour the grass on 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, the proportion can be reduced: take 0.5 tablespoons of boiling water 1-2 tablespoons of dried leaves. What is noteworthy, you can add boiling water five more times in the teapot, and the drink will also be useful. Brewed tea can be stored for up to three days, while it does not lose taste, aroma and does not sour. In hot summer weather, you can drink chilled brewed tea. Sugar is not recommended, as in all herbal teas. The best complement to it will be honey, halva, raisins, dried apricots, that is, natural carriers of glucose. During 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 scope of narrow-leaved fireweed grass and contraindications to its use. Finally, a few interesting facts:
- In Russia there was a famous doctor - Petr Badmaev, who was engaged in a detailed study of the properties of willow tea. He drank decoctions and tinctures of this plant, lived up to 110 years and 10 years before his death he once again became a father.
- During the reign of Peter I, Ivan-tea occupied the second place in export to Europe.
- Tea from fireweed can become 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 ordered the destruction of an experimental laboratory for the study of fireweed near the village of Koporye. It was there that the lion's share of tea was dried and packaged for soldiers of the Soviet Army.