Narrow-leaved fireweed - beneficial properties and contraindications

Koporye tea

It is made from plant materials Ivan tea. This occurs by analogy with the production of black tea from green tea. The preparation of delicious and healthy tea begins with fermentation - 24-48 hours. The smell, color and taste of the product that will be obtained as a result of all manipulations depends on the time of fermentation and the current temperature. The color of the tea becomes different - green, yellow or completely dark. The black mixture has no competitors on the tea market! Fermentation will be discussed in more detail below.

How to drink fireweed?

The recommended dosage of fiddlehead is 3 glasses per day. More frequent use may cause gastrointestinal upset.

You can combine Ivan tea with other plants. What herbs are fireweed brewed with? It could be:

• chamomile,
• hawthorn,
• motherwort,
• horsetail,
• maryannik

The selection is carried out depending on the existing problem and the desired result, because each component has its own special properties.

Useful properties of fireweed tea

The taste of Ivan tea is distinguished by pleasant and aromatic characteristics, it tones the body, encourages and adds vitality. It has a healing effect on the entire body as a whole. In the heat, there is no better way to quench your thirst, regardless of the temperature of the drink. The main thing that makes this drink the most popular, especially for people leading a healthy lifestyle, is that its composition differs from various caffeine-containing drinks and black tea. It does not contain such negative elements as oxalic acid, purine bases and caffeine.

Fireweed has an excellent effect on the blood if it is used as a strong infusion or decoction of fireweed, subject to constant use (increases hemoglobin levels, restores the acid-base level in the blood)

Additional beneficial properties of Ivan tea:

• Its content includes elements such as B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, which support hematopoietic function;
• Helps normalize digestion and metabolism , improves all types of metabolic processes, especially lipid and carbohydrate;
• It has powerful antiphlogistic and antiseptic properties, and is effective as a healing and prophylactic drug in the overall treatment of infections and inflammations. In this regard, the leaves and flowers of this herb are significantly superior to such familiar powerful natural antiseptics as willow bark, oak bark and bear ears. This specific effect of the plant is associated with the content of flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, vitamin C, organic acids, triterpenoids, and trace elements;
• Prolongs the active life of the male body by supporting and improving the function of the “second heart” - the prostate gland. In addition, the state of men's health in general significantly improves: it increases potency and normalizes erectile function. It’s not for nothing that Ivan tea is called a “male” herb;
• Has a mild diuretic effect, normalizes water and electrolyte balance, while reducing blood pressure;
• Thanks to the magnesium, B vitamins, and flavonoids contained in fireweed, it is an effective non-synthetic hypnotic and sedative , normalizes the psycho-emotional state (reduces nervousness, excitability, relieves headaches, normalizes night rest);
• Since Ivan tea contains tannins, mucus, pectins, etc., it is able to improve and restore the functioning of the digestive system, eliminating constipation, heartburn, and dysbiosis . This is achieved through enveloping, anti-inflammatory and reparative effects;
• Due to the presence of organic acids in Koporye tea, in combination with magnesium and flavonoids, a choleretic effect is manifested;
• Acts on viruses and resists allergies;
• The reparative (that is, wound-healing) effect is achieved due to the presence in the herb content of elements such as chlorophyll, tanning mixtures, carotenoids, which accelerate granulation and epithelization of skin lesions;
• The gradual analgesic effect of Ivan tea occurs due to the alkaloids, mucus, flavonoids, and magnesium present in the flowers and leaves;
• Has lactation qualities, prolonging breastfeeding and thereby improving the health of babies;
• Flavonoids and pectins of Ivan tea leaves are natural adsorbents and cleanse the body of toxic elements and toxins;
• Endocrine organs work harmoniously and more efficiently;
• The herb has especially gained success as an antitumor agent due to the antioxidant effect of hangrol and other antioxidants - carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins, copper, organic acids, manganese, vitamin C, magnesium. During scientific research, it was found that angustifolia fireweed contains low-toxic and high-molecular substances that show “interest” in relation to cancer cells;
• Slows down early skin aging, making it elastic and firm. All this is thanks to substances that stimulate the natural processes of collagen synthesis (phytesterols, vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, organic acids and copper).

Contraindications for use

Ivan tea is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, with gastritis with low acidity, with increased blood clotting, varicose veins and thrombosis.

Ivan tea in any form is not recommended for pregnant girls

In the form of weak tea, fireweed is given to children from 2 years old, decoctions and infusions - from 6 years old.

It is forbidden to combine fireweed remedies with medications that have antipyretic and sedative effects.

Medicinal properties of Ivan tea

With constant use, Koporye tea is used in the general and preventive treatment of the following diseases:

• Anemia (anemia);
• Gastritis, ulcerative formations in the duodenal bulb and stomach, enterocolitis, colitis, disorders of the biliary system, pancreatitis;
• Inflammatory diseases of the urinary system in men (prostate adenoma or prostatitis);
• Infertility, regardless of gender;
• Too high blood pressure of various origins;
• Urolithiasis, including foci of inflammation in the bladder and kidneys;
• Changes in the respiratory system and ENT organs: tracheitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, pulmonary tuberculosis. Thus, the positive effect of using infusions and decoctions is due to such qualities of fireweed as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing;
• Pathology of the spleen;
• For skin diseases;
• Herpes;
• Metabolic and inflammatory skin diseases.

The use of infusion and decoction of Koporye tea (Ivan tea decoction) is also recommended for:

• Poisoning and intestinal dysfunction;
• Disturbances in the nervous system - neuroses, alcoholic psychoses, hysteria, depression;
• Epilepsy;
• A general course of rehabilitation from alcoholism to relieve hangover syndrome;
• Increased psycho-emotional pressure and chronic stress;
• The effect of constant fatigue, overwork;
• In dentistry - in children during the appearance of milk teeth, in older age with looseness and inflammation of the gums;
• Endocrine disorders in women of various origins (problems with the menstrual cycle, existing uterine bleeding, menopause, premenstrual syndrome);
• As an adjuvant after manipulations to combat tumors and cancer (chemotherapy and radiation exposure) during the recovery period;
• In the treatment of blood diseases (leukemia or lymphogranulomatosis) as an adsorbent;
• With decreased immunity (immunodeficiency state);
• For vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C and group B.

Ivan tea

No matter how good Koporye tea is, the taste, smell, and color of the drink are largely determined by the quality of the water. Anyone who has ever drank tea with spring or melt water will never forget this taste. Ideally, there should be five grams of Ivan tea (dried tea leaves) per person per day. It makes four to five cups of concentrated drink. The tea leaves can be brewed several times, but please note that the concentration of beneficial properties will decrease, although the taste is retained in small quantities.

How to brew Ivan tea?

Proper brewing of fireweed leaves is one of the two main components that ensure the preservation of all medicinal properties.

• The first method of brewing fireweed tea
  2 teaspoons of dry herb are poured into 600 ml of boiling water (it is best to use natural or purified water). The container is tightly closed and left to infuse for 10–15 minutes, after which the infusion is stirred.

  The infusion contains essential oils, so the drink does not spoil for several days, but it is best to consume it freshly prepared. The concentration largely depends on your taste preferences.

  You can also drink the tea chilled. If you want to reheat, do not allow it to boil under any circumstances. The subtle aroma will disappear immediately. Drink without sugar, instead use raisins, dates, dried apricots, honey, halva.

• The second method of brewing fireweed tea
  Fresh fireweed leaves are placed in an enamel bowl with a layer of 3–5 cm, then poured with purified water at room temperature (up to 10 cm), after which the infusion is placed on low heat and heated. The next step is to infuse the resulting composition for 10 minutes.

  As a brew, you can also take a mixture of leaves and flowers: for half a liter of boiling water, a mixture of flowers and leaves of Ivan tea 2:2 (teaspoons).

  Read also:  Phosphorus in the human body: functions, what products it contains

Contraindications and side effects

Unfortunately, fireweed tea has not only beneficial properties. And it also has contraindications. This herb should not be used in the following cases:

• allergy to fireweed;
• problems with blood clotting;
• simultaneous treatment with sedatives or antipyretics.

People suffering from thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, and intestinal dysfunction should use fireweed preparations with caution.

After drinking fireweed drink for 2 months, everyone without exception should take a short break.

Most people, in reviews of the beneficial properties and contraindications of fireweed, note only the positive qualities of this plant. Preparations made from it extremely rarely cause side effects such as increased drowsiness, upset bowel movements or skin rashes. They are observed in those who exceed the dose or have an individual intolerance to this herb.

When to collect and how to properly dry fireweed?

When to collect

Ivan tea is collected during the flowering period ; it is important to collect the grass at a time when the flower cluster has not yet fully blossomed. Flowering begins at the end of June and continues until autumn. In August, beans ripen on the lower branches of fireweed, containing unpleasant fluff inside. This fluff should not be collected. It is recommended to collect in dry weather ; do not start immediately after rain. Dusty, dirty, diseased and damaged plants are not suitable for collection. Ivan tea, growing along busy roads, is not intended for medicinal preparations. The above-ground part of the plant is suitable for preparing medicinal infusions and decoctions, so during collection it is cut or broken in the middle, sometimes closer to the ground. Flower brushes are carefully spread on the floor in a thin layer (about 5 cm), after which they are rolled into a roll and squeezed to release the juice. The roll is left for 8–10 hours in a room where the air temperature is 20–25 degrees.

The fermentation process can also be carried out in a wooden box, placing crimped flower brushes in it and, to save moisture, covering it with a damp cloth. After the time has passed, the herb is dried in the oven at a temperature of no more than 50 °C. In early May, you can collect the tops of young shoots , from which you can make tea of ​​excellent quality. This tea has an amazing ability to restore strength and restore energy reserves.

Fireweed seeds

Fireweed seeds are collected in a small box and ripen between July and August. Up to 20,000 seeds can ripen simultaneously on one plant, the distinctive feature of which is the presence of a white tuft (down). The pappus helps the seeds to scatter a considerable distance from the plant; For this, a light breath of wind is enough. Another distinctive feature of fireweed seeds is their ability to grow even several years after ripening and falling on the soil.

In folk medicine , fireweed seeds are not used and therefore are of no value . Seeds are used exclusively for sowing a plant in a specific area.

Collection and storage

In order for angustifolia fireweed to retain all its medicinal properties, it must be properly harvested. The grass is harvested in several ways:

• withering,
• twisting
• fermentation,
• drying.

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

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

Fermentation of fireweed tea

• 1. Simple fermentation method
  Plant material is collected in the morning after the dew has dried. The topmost flowers are picked, without seeds or leaves. If it is very hot, then you cannot collect the grass, because the leaves will deteriorate and “burn.” Carefully monitor what you put in the basket, as a forest bug that gets into the raw materials can ruin the entire harvest.

  The leaves and flowers need to be dried a little in a place where there is no direct sunlight, rubbed in the palms of your hands and compactly placed in a three-liter bottle. Cover with a wet cloth and leave in a cool, dark room (up to 25 degrees) for 36 hours. After the specified time, the fermentation process is considered complete. The prepared mixture is loosened and dried at degrees +95 – +110. You can use both an electric and gas oven.

  During the drying process, the plant mixture is constantly stirred or turned over in the form of a dense layer. Gradually the tea becomes the desired color, which varies from light brown to dark. Drying of loose tea occurs differently over time, this is determined by the moisture content of the herb at the time of collection. Readiness is recorded visually, that is, “by eye”. The drying period for round tea is determined by the weight of the dried tile. The raw mixture and finished dry tea have a 5:1 ratio. The finished tea is stored in a dark, dry place, in a tightly closed container, preferably glass, but a plastic jar will do. If stored properly, the shelf life is three years.

• 2. Forgotten method
  A leaf of Ivan tea is laid out on a moistened linen cloth, a layer no more than 3 centimeters thick, rolled up as tightly as possible in the form of a roll (twist). The size of the fabric depends on the volume of the grass. Remember to moisten the fabric with clean water. This can be done from the most ordinary spray bottle. Otherwise, the napkin will absorb the most valuable juice from the leaves of the fireweed grass.

  The twist is tied with a rope, for which a rubber cord is also suitable. We carefully rub the grass in our palms, making flexion and extension movements for about half an hour. It is advisable that two people participate in this event. In this process, the structural cells of the plant are destroyed and the plant material is soaked in juice. Then primary fermentation takes place for two to three hours. The twisting temperature is checked with the palms. If it feels warm (approximately 37-38 degrees and above), the initial fermentation process is complete. The mass has a delicate smell, reminiscent of sour pear compote.

  The young tops of plants, collected in May, are so fragile and sensitive that structural changes begin even during compaction in the container.

  Read also:  YOHIMBINE HYDROCHLORIDE: reviews

  If you press on the raw material, you can hear a characteristic sound similar to crunching. The mass is placed tightly in a container (plastic bucket or glass jar) and closed to complete fermentation for 36 - 40 hours. In order not to spoil the final product, it is best to write the date and time of filling and the end of the process on the lid of the container. If necessary, you can give the tea a more refined taste by extending the fermentation time in a refrigerated place. For the late harvest of Ivan tea in July - August, we carry out additional fermentation.

  Important!

  To make the cooking process easier, you can pass the plant material through a meat grinder (remove the knives first), but keep in mind that both the medicinal properties and the taste will be much worse, weaker.

  To do this, remove the plant mass from the bucket and rub it thoroughly with your hands until the juice appears.

  Then we collect the processed mass into a pile and leave it for 6-8 hours at room temperature, covering it with a wet cloth. And when the mass under the fabric resembles soft rubber when pressed, it’s time to go into the oven to dry. The future tea laid out on a baking sheet is dried at an average temperature of 100 degrees, before drying is completed the degrees increase. This calcination, like that of coffee beans, will improve the taste and make the tea more fragrant and beautiful.

  Don't forget to stir the mixture frequently. The oven should be slightly open. Red bricks or ceramic tiles are placed under the baking tray so as not to dry out the tea. This device works like a Russian oven and normalizes the temperature in the oven. This is a very important point, since it determines how healing the drink will be.

  Making Koporye tea in the oven takes one and a half to two hours. In one day you can get 300-400 grams of the finished product in dry form. The mixture in tiles must be wrapped in thick paper. Tea that has a loose structure can be stored for 3 years, while tea in the form of bars can last for decades!

• Fermentation under pressure in its own juice
  We divide all raw materials into two parts (this includes the top of the plant and its leaves). Juice is squeezed out of one part using a press juicer. Very little liquid is obtained, even if it is a modern “Angel” type juicer. Place the second half of the raw material in a metal-ceramic pan and pour the juice there. Press down on top with pressure. It is a wooden circle with a load of at least 20 kilograms. The weight can be replaced with a weight of two pounds, wrapped in polyethylene to prevent metal contact with the juice. After 72 hours, fermentation ends, drying and final tea production occurs at a temperature of 90 degrees.

Application of fireweed tea

Healing infusions and decoctions have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic and enveloping effects. Ivan tea has a pronounced sedative effect on the body (according to the mechanism of action and therapeutic effect, the infusion of this plant is close to the effect of valerian officinalis). It is used for neuroses, increased excitability, aggression, insomnia, frequent awakenings at night, anxiety and sudden mood swings. The water infusion is used as an anesthetic for headaches, as an enveloping agent for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, colitis, gastritis, dysbacteriosis, etc.). The anti-inflammatory effect of fireweed is successfully used in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, including chronic and acute cystitis and inflammation of the urinary tract. For men, the use of medicinal infusions will help cope with chronic prostatitis and prostate adenoma. The antibacterial effect of the medicinal plant is used for diseases of the oral cavity - sore throat, stomatitis and gingivitis. The chemical composition of fireweed tea includes ascorbic acid, manganese and iron, which make it possible to use the plant infusion as an adjuvant in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

Use of Ivan-tea Ivan-tea during pregnancy

Ivan tea is a plant for which no contraindications have been identified to date, so pregnant women can take it if necessary. Tea prepared on the basis of fireweed is a natural remedy for the treatment of hyperacidity gastritis, colitis, and stomach ulcers. The plant has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps overcome headaches, nasopharyngeal diseases, and sore throat.

Borovaya uterus is the best remedy for infertility!

The vitamins and other beneficial substances that make up fireweed have a positive effect on wound healing and contribute to the normal course of pregnancy, which further confirms the safety of its use for pregnant women.

Ivan tea for children

Ivan tea is recommended for infants at the time of teething. Possessing excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it greatly facilitates this difficult process.

The plant has antiviral properties and is used as a prophylactic agent during exacerbation of seasonal diseases (influenza and ARVI).

Ivan tea for prostatitis

To use the infusion for prostatitis and prostate adenoma, use the following recipe: 15 g of crushed medicinal raw materials (aerial and underground parts of the plant) are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 1 hour, after which the resulting infusion is filtered and taken 15 ml (1 tablespoon ) 3 times a day.

Natural composition

The presence of a huge number of medicinal properties of narrow-leaved fireweed tea is due to its extensive natural composition. The plant is rich in various vitamins and microelements, which make its use especially useful and effective.

The chemical composition of fireweed is presented:

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

It is important to note that all parts of the plant are rich in beneficial microelements: its flowers, leaves, stems and roots.

The use of fireweed in cosmetology

• Recipe No. 1 – infusion
  of fireweed flowers (1 tablespoon) should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water. Used as a steam bath before a cosmetic massage. The procedure is carried out every 10 minutes every day for 1-2 hours a day.
• Recipe No. 2 – anti-inflammatory mask
  To prepare the mask, you need to take 10 ml of tincture of fireweed flowers in vodka, a pinch of “Extra” salt and oatmeal. Mix the ingredients (you should have the consistency of liquid sour cream). The mask should be applied to the face for 10 minutes.

Recipes for preparing infusion from fireweed tea

Infusions of fireweed leaves are recommended for treating and calming the nervous system, treating the reproductive system in women and men, and bleeding. Infusions are also used for headaches and insomnia.

• Recipe No. 1:
  For external use of the infusion (for otitis, stomatitis and sore throat): 2 tablespoons of dry medicinal raw materials are poured with 400 ml of boiling water (it is better to use purified water) and infused for 6 hours, after which the resulting infusion is filtered and used as needed .
• Recipe No. 2:
  For use in various diseases of the genitourinary system, including chronic cystitis and inflammation of the ureters: 1 tablespoon of dry crushed raw materials (leaves) is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left for two hours, then filtered into a clean container. Use 1/3 cup (50–60 ml) 3 times a day.
• Recipe No. 3:
  To use the infusion as an analgesic and sedative (including for insomnia): 1 tablespoon of crushed raw materials (root with rhizome) is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 45 minutes, after which the resulting infusion is filtered into a clean and dry container. Take 15 ml (1 tablespoon) 3 times a day.
• Recipe No. 4:
  1 tablespoon of raw materials (leaves and flowers) must be poured with 250 g of boiling water, left for an hour, then strained. Recommendation: 1 tablespoon 4 times a day between meals.

Use in cooking

Surprisingly, fireweed is also used in cooking. It is used in soups, salads and side dishes. A good start to the day is pancakes with fireweed . Step-by-step instructions will help you prepare pancakes correctly in order to preserve the beneficial properties of the herb:

• Take one egg and beat it with 2 tbsp. spoons of sugar, pour a glass of kefir.
• Add salt and a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• In a separate bowl, mix a glass of flour with half a teaspoon of soda.
• Mix the flour consistency with kefir until smooth.
• After this, finely chop the leaves and flowers of the fireweed and mix with the main mass.
• Heat the frying pan well and add oil.
• Fry for three to four minutes on both sides until golden brown.

You can prepare a nutritious salad with the addition of medicinal herbs. We prepare a green salad from spinach shoots and fireweed as follows: chop young shoots of fireweed, lettuce leaves, add young spinach leaves. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Fireweed porridge is a nutritious and healthy breakfast for the whole family. We follow the recipe:

• Grind the dry roots of fireweed in a coffee grinder.
• Pour into boiling milk.
• Mix well.
• Cook for 5 minutes.
• Add a spoonful of honey and mix well.
• Decorate the top with any berries (blueberries or raspberries) and sprinkle with grated chocolate.

To prepare fireweed soup, boil chicken broth. While it is boiling, take the leaves and stems of young fireweed, wash and boil. Then we pass them through a meat grinder or grind them in a blender. Fry one onion, carrot and one tomato in a frying pan. When the dressing is ready, grind it in a blender and mix with fireweed. Mix the resulting mass with 150 ml of broth. Before serving, garnish with a parsley leaf.

Ivan-tea - help out!

Large lilac-purple flowers of willowherb (fireweed) collected in a long brush enliven forest wastelands, clearings, embankments and roadsides of our huge country.

Ivan tea leaves contain significant amounts of ascorbic acid and tannins, flavonoids and pectins . In addition, fireweed leaves are famous for their rich microelement composition, and the iron, copper and manganese contained in large quantities are not only stimulants of hematopoiesis, but also increase the body's defenses.

Fireweed has an astringent, wound-healing, antiseptic, analgesic and hemostatic effect. In folk medicine, it has long been used to treat the stomach and intestines, since it contains mucus and has an enveloping effect. In addition, in rural areas, fireweed has long been used to treat headaches, insomnia, scrofula, and also for colds as an antipyretic.

Traditional medicine uses the antitumor effect of fireweed and successfully uses the entire plant to treat lung and prostate cancer. Men drink tea from its leaves for prostate adenoma.

Considering the availability of fireweed, we present recipes for traditional medicine using it.

• For gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, for colitis : 2 tbsp. spoons of fireweed leaves pour 1.5 liters of water, bring to a boil, leave for 30-40 minutes, strain. During the day, drink the entire infusion before meals.
• To improve metabolism : 2 tbsp. spoons of fireweed herb, pour 0.5 liters of water, bring to a boil, then leave for 30 minutes, strain. Drink 1/3 glass 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.