Although from the point of view of science it is not entirely correct to call fireweed with a word like “fireweed” (this is a generic name for a completely different family of plants), people have forever connected both names together.

In Russia, this grass stretches up to two meters in height and grows mainly in coniferous forests. You can often find it where fires raged or felling was going on not so long ago. Fireweed blooms with beautiful pink petals, and the leaves of the plant are green on top and pinkish below.

Preparing fireweed on your own is the lot of those who are not afraid of long walks in places far from civilization. Plants that decorate roadsides are unsuitable for collection due to constant contact with dust and exhaust fumes. That is why we recommend that residents of cities and towns purchase fireweed tea in pharmacies in the form of bags or loose raw materials.

Rich composition of fireweed tea

Fireweed (fireweed), the healing properties and rules of use of which we reveal, is a herbal preparation with a wide spectrum of action - with a minimum of side effects. Let us describe in more detail the substances that make up this wonderful plant.

Vitamins and minerals

• B vitamins (B 1, B 2, B 3 (PP), B 5, B 6, B 9) important for a huge number of metabolic processes in the body, participate in the production of energy inside cells and are especially healing for the nervous system, including the brain. The effect of various B vitamins is enhanced when combined with each other, so fireweed, which contains almost their entire set, has an enhanced effect on nerve cells.
• Vitamin C strengthens and protects against oncological degeneration of tissues. Fireweed contains gigantic reserves of this antioxidant - six times more than the same amount of lemon. Vitamin C blocks the body's production of histamine substances, which prevents the occurrence of allergies and can be useful in situations where you do not know which irritant your body reacts to with a rejection reaction.
• Calcium– is necessary not only for strong bones, but also for normal blood clotting and hormone production.
• Iron– helps in oxygen absorption and is important for DNA synthesis.
• Magnesium– necessary for the health of the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, important for heart function.
• Phosphorus– important for bone health and essential for the brain.
• Potassium– without it, normal muscle functioning and regulation of blood composition are impossible.
• Sodium– participates in maintaining the body’s water balance.
• Zinc– important for skin health, thyroid gland and quality digestion.
• Nickel– necessary for work, is part of many enzymes.
• Manganese– needed by the nervous system and is involved in the functioning of the gonads.
• Molybdenum– strengthens the immune system, has antioxidant properties.

Interesting fact: Ivan tea also contains titanium - a rare example of a metal that is not absorbed by the body and is completely eliminated from the body.

Complex organic compounds

• Tannins– have an astringent and antiseptic effect.
• Lectins– participate in the binding of carbohydrates, help with work.
• Pectins– normalize intestinal function, help the body get rid of poisons and toxins.
• Flavonoids– have pronounced antioxidant properties, protect cells and DNA from the action of free radicals, and inhibit tissue aging.

As you can see, fireweed has a complex composition, thanks to which it can have a beneficial effect on a variety of organs and systems. It can be drunk as a general tonic to prevent disease. There are, however, a number of conditions in which fireweed demonstrates particular effectiveness - we will tell you more about them.

Fireweed will help you if:

• You suffer from loose stools, intestinal disorders, abdominal pain, or poisoned by poor quality food.
• You have been identified intestinal dysbiosis with the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms and fungi that displace beneficial bacteria.
• You , stomatitis, pharyngitis.
• You are suffering runny nose, or flu.
• You worry a lot, you can’t sleep, you’re worried, you’re overloaded with things to do, and you have a lot of work to urgently do.
• Do you feel prostration, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, decreased performance.
• You increased blood pressure, frequent headaches.
• You have skin rashes, sores, pimples, burns, scars, wounds and ulcers.
• You suffer (especially if its nature is unknown to you).
• You're struggling with the consequences anemia– this problem is acute for every fifth woman.
• You became get sick often or you have to go through the “flu season” - the end of autumn-winter.
• You problems with bile flow and liver function, the pancreas worries.

We especially note that in folk medicine fireweed (fireweed), the healing properties and rules of application of which are included in a long list of ailments, are most often used in the treatment of other pathologies of the prostate gland. It is indispensable for reducing male strength and fading libido in fathers of the family. According to one version, this special usefulness of fireweed for the stronger half of humanity was the reason why it received a “male” name - fireweed.

You can find many statements that fireweed helps stop the progression of cancer, however, with such serious diseases, unconditional priority must be given to traditional medicine and drugs that have undergone clinical trials. However, fireweed tea helps patients better tolerate the unpleasant effects of chemotherapy. Let us repeat: if the body faces any difficult test, fireweed will come in handy.

Medicines from fireweed

Although the name “willowherb” itself suggests that in folk medicine the infusion of this medicinal plant is most often used, fireweed serves as the basis for many medicinal forms - decoction, infusion, oil, alcohol tincture and concentrated infusion for cosmetic needs. Below we describe in detail the rules for the preparation and use of all forms.

Tea

Depending on the available material, Koporye tea is brewed in different ways. We invite you to choose for yourself which method suits you best:

• Dry herb from the package: For two teaspoons of dry fireweed leaves, you will need half a liter of boiling water (or a little more if the drink is too thick). Infuse the tea for 15 minutes in a sealed container, which can be covered with a towel on top. The drink is poured into cups; there is no need to dilute it with additional water.
• Fresh leaves: An ideal recipe for a camping trip or a country trip. Fill a small saucepan or kettle with fresh fireweed leaves so that you get a three-centimeter layer. Fill the top with water so that its top mark is five centimeters above the level of the leaves. Place on low heat and wait until it boils, remove from heat and let simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.

Although sugar is often dissolved in regular black tea, the fireweed drink is traditionally not sweetened, but is drunk as a snack with something sweet. Honey, dried apricots, raisins or are suitable as an accompaniment. We do not recommend eating Koporye tea with halva because of its high fat content - it is not good for every stomach.

They drink fireweed tea up to three to four times a day as a preventative measure and for all the ailments described above.

Infusion

The infusion is distinguished from tea by its higher concentration. It has a stronger effect and is taken in smaller doses.

• Pour a tablespoon of fireweed into a cup and pour a glass of boiling water. We insist for at least twenty minutes. We drink one or two tablespoons four times a day.
• The infusion is used for diseases of internal organs: stomach, liver, gallbladder, prostate gland. It is also used to gargle a sore throat and wash out the nose.

Cosmetological decoction and mask

• Use a glass of water for two tablespoons of dry material. Bring to a boil and leave on low heat for 25-30 minutes. This drug cannot be taken orally: it is too rich and thick. The decoction is used to wipe the skin of the face from inflammation and redness., used as a base for a steam mask and applied as lotions to problem areas.
• If you prepare about a liter of decoction, it can be add to bath water– it softens the skin and makes it velvety to the touch. You can also rinse hair with broth After washing with shampoo: this natural conditioner will take care of the strength and shine of your hair and help with split ends.
• If you add a small amount of starch to the broth and stir until a thick mass appears, you will get base for a great face mask. Apply it to the skin for 25-30 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Oil

• To prepare the oil, we need one glass of fresh fireweed flowers - we can’t do without a trip out of town. Pour it into a narrow container and add oil. Traditionally, the more affordable sunflower oil was used, but we recommend olive oil. We place the vessel in a cool, dark place for three to four weeks; daily shaking will help the oil to better absorb the healing substances from the flowers. Strain and store in the refrigerator.

This oil is valued for its mild, gentle effect. It is applied to dry areas of the skin and used to rub hands in the morning and evening.

Tincture

Historically, fireweed tincture was prepared with strong moonshine, so we recommend using alcohol with a strength of 70% or higher to make it. If regular vodka is used, then the duration of infusion should be one and a half to two times longer than in the traditional version.

• Ten tablespoons of fireweed are poured with half a liter of alcohol. Place in a cool, dry place and shake daily. Infuse for four to six weeks and filter.

Fireweed tincture is traditionally used by men for problems with potency. We drink a tablespoon of tincture three times a day before meals. To make it easier to use, it can be dissolved in a small amount of water. The average duration of one course of therapy is one and a half to two months, then a two-week break is required.

The tincture can also be used as a general tonic - in this case it should be drunk in the amount of a teaspoon.

In times of unproven medicine, when there were no modern medicines, many diseases were treated with medicinal herbs. Traditional healers know many representatives of the kingdom of medicinal plants, compositions and preparations from them. These include such a wonderful herb as fireweed. It is also called Fireweed, Koporye tea, male herb. All of them are synonymous with this unique gift of nature. Ivan tea is still used with success today.

Botanical certificate

Despite the fact that the plant is quite tall (can reach a height of 2 m), it is considered to be grass. Scientifically it is called Fireweed or narrow-leaved fireweed tea. At the bottom of the plant stem there are narrow leaves that are light green in color. In the upper part you can see whole clusters of lilac flowers and long stamens.

You can meet it in almost any region of our country. It grows on forest edges - where sandy soils predominate. You can even see it along railway embankments. It often appears in forests after a fire. But as trees grow in these places, it disappears.

Compound

The plant received close attention due to its healing properties, and they, in turn, are due to the unique natural chemical composition. Nature clearly did not skimp and rewarded Ivan tea with many chemical components:

1. The composition is distinguished by the content of a large number of flavonoids.
2. The group of substances belonging to alkaloids is represented in sufficient quantities.
3. The vitamin set of the plant is very diverse. In this regard, nature has placed emphasis on ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and B vitamins.
4. The plant contains a lot of carotenoids and pectin substances.
5. The plant contains a special substance called hanerol. Antitumor properties are attributed to it.
6. The mineral composition in the grass is represented in a wide palette. It contains quite a lot of iron, copper, potassium, sodium, titanium, and other trace elements.
7. Nature has not deprived the plant of tannins.
8. Particular attention should be paid to flavonoids. These substances can be classified as vitamins that are part of group P. Under their influence, the vascular wall is strengthened and its permeability decreases. This certainly leads to normalization of blood pressure and improved blood supply to tissues and organs.

Fact! Almost everyone can use fireweed, except for cases of severe allergic reaction to pollen and individual intolerance.

Useful properties of fireweed tea

The benefits of the plant were appreciated thanks to the brilliant scientist Pyotr Alekseevich Badmaev. All the beneficial properties of the herb became known to a wide range of users through his own experience. He consumed a drink of this herb with enviable regularity. Proof of its benefits was the fact that the scientist lived for 110 years. On his 100th birthday, the best gift for him was that his wife gave birth to a child.

The plant exhibits the following actions:

1. Calming effect. The drink has a pleasant rich taste and attractive appearance. It can bring benefits to the body that even the famous seaweed cannot provide. Experts recommend drinking tea after sunset. At the same time, the heartbeat calms down and blood pressure decreases to a certain extent. The body seems to be preparing for sleep. After it, the next day there is clarity and smoothness in the work of all organs.
2. General effect on the body. Drinking the drink is indicated during extreme heat. This will help give vitality. The person becomes active and feels great.
3. Blood condition. Drinking a drink made from fireweed tea increases hemoglobin, restores the acid-base balance, and improves the overall composition of the blood formula.
4. Digestive tract. Ivan tea helps normalize digestion processes. Metabolism improves. Phenomena associated with heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea go away. There is a restoration of normal intestinal microflora in case of dysbacteriosis.
5. Influence on inflammatory processes. The plant exhibits its anti-inflammatory effect because it is a powerful natural antiseptic. It is often prescribed for various infections. You will not find such a set of components with an anti-inflammatory effect as in Cyprus anywhere else. Even oak bark and bear ears cannot boast such an intense antiseptic effect.
6. Ivan tea has a diuretic and choleretic effect. This ability causes the normalization of water-salt balance, which leads to an improvement in the overall well-being of a person.
7. The herb has an antiviral agent and inhibits the development of allergic reactions. Even an analgesic effect was noted.

Ivan tea: benefits for women

The benefits of herbs for the female body have been noted for a long time. During hormonal changes, it helps relieve nervous tension. If used in combination with oregano, it will become a faithful assistant in the fight against female genitourinary disorders. Regular use of the plant will help improve a woman’s psychological health. Moreover, it will help make a woman's appearance more attractive.

If you brew and use the herb correctly, it will help with the following conditions:

• Abundance of menstrual flow.
• Useful during menopause.
• Effective for hormonal disorders.
• Ivan tea will help against infertility.
• Can be used for conditions associated with endometriosis and cystitis.

In order for the therapeutic effect to manifest itself to the maximum, you need to learn how to brew the herb correctly. Take a teaspoon of dry medicinal plant per glass of boiling water. You can brew in large quantities, since the prepared drink will not lose its properties within 2-3 days. You can use the herb for brewing several times.

During this period, the infusion of fireweed tea is taken with extreme caution. If a woman’s body is weakened during pregnancy, and for some reason other medications cannot be taken, Ivan tea will help out. It will have the following effect:

1. Eliminates heartburn, which often accompanies a woman during pregnancy.
2. It will help normalize sleep, having a mild calming effect on the nervous system.
3. Eliminates constipation, which is quite often observed in young mothers.
4. With this drink you can fight toxicosis. Consuming it in combination with honey will help increase a healthy appetite.
5. When drinking the drink, the level of hemoglobin increases. It may decrease with the development of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

Ivan-tea and nursing mothers

During breastfeeding, this herb is prescribed quite often. This is due to its positive effect on metabolic processes. This helps saturate the young mother’s body with vitamins and minerals. With the consumption of the drink, toxins are removed from the body and digestion is normalized. With moderate consumption of tea, breastfeeding proceeds safely and prolongs. This is achieved by minimizing stress conditions and saturating the body with useful components.

Ivan tea will help with infertility, which is caused by obstruction of the fallopian tubes. This is often caused by adhesions. During treatment, in addition to fireweed, plantain and meadowsweet are added to the composition. The action is associated with anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Strengthening men's health

Men often face problems related to men's health. They can occur with prostatitis, prostate adenoma, urolithiasis, and in the postoperative period after surgery on the prostate. For such problems, a decoction of fireweed tea will help. It will relieve inflammation, calm and cleanse the body.

You should adhere to a specific dosage regimen. If potency is reduced or there is infertility, a tablespoon of dry herb is brewed in a glass of boiling water. The composition is infused for 60 minutes. This dose is taken throughout the day before meals. The course of treatment is long. After drinking the composition according to this scheme for 1.5 months, a break is taken. Then a repeat course is carried out.

If a man is accompanied by prostate adenoma, then he should drink two glasses of a decoction of this herb daily. If a man is over 50 years old, then such a drink should be included in the daily diet.

After prostate surgery, a drink like this will help you recover and get in shape much faster. In this case, a more concentrated drink is required.

In the presence of acute or chronic prostatitis, the drink is prepared in a water bath. Chronic prostatitis involves treatment according to the Ogarkov scheme. A tablespoon of dry herb is poured into one glass of boiling water. You need to insist for a third of an hour. Then the composition is filtered. You need to drink warm tea three times a day, before meals.

A good alternative to regular teas or sweet carbonated water is a decoction of fireweed. It does not contain caffeine, and therefore is harmless for children. In addition, the drink contains a lot of vitamin C, which is undoubtedly beneficial for the child’s body. Doctors recommend this drink for excitable and often ill children. The positive thing is that the drink has virtually no contraindications. The only condition is its moderate consumption. When honey is added to it, children drink it with pleasure.

Losing weight with Ivan tea

By consuming the drink, blood sugar levels are regulated. In this regard, it is useful for diabetics. It will also benefit those who decide to lose weight. It helps normalize digestion, and this is an essential condition if you want to lose extra pounds.

Treating gastritis with fireweed tea

Among many diseases, this herb is indicated for correcting problems associated with digestion. This is achieved due to the presence of an enveloping and analgesic effect on the gastric mucosa. For treatment and prevention, it is consumed in the morning and evening hours on an empty stomach. You should take no more than 150 ml at a time.

Pancreatitis

A good addition to the main treatment would be to drink fireweed tea for inflammatory processes in the pancreas. Treatment is carried out in combination with other medicinal herbs while following a diet. However, you should consult your doctor before use.

Cold

You can fight colds with fireweed due to the large amount of vitamin C it contains. Like raspberry jam, the herb helps fight fever. Sufficient ascorbic acid content helps improve immunity. In this case, the herb can be combined with other medicinal plants and honey can be added to the drink. This composition should be consumed warm.

Kidney pathology

With the help of this herb, many urological diseases can be treated. But we should never forget that the drug should be used only as an additional treatment, without replacing the main medicinal corrective measures. It will help well in a situation in which cystitis has worsened. The use of a decoction helps alleviate symptoms. There is no need to use strong antibiotics. The mineral composition of the plant has a beneficial effect on the bladder mucosa. The drink helps reduce inflammation. It can be used not only for treatment, but also for preventive purposes.

Any medicinal herb has restrictions on its use. It is important to note that in Ivan tea this list is limited to only one item. It should not be used if you are hypersensitive to the plant. Otherwise there are no restrictions.

Harvesting and storing grass

You can buy medicinal herbs in almost every pharmacy. But you can prepare the plant for future use yourself. When preparing, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Collection is carried out in the morning after the dew has disappeared.
• Only the upper part of the plant with the flowers on it is subject to harvesting.
• The collected material should be dried and rubbed with your hands to release the juice.

The resulting mass is placed in a 3 liter glass jar. Cover the top of the jar with a wet napkin. This is necessary for fermentation to take place. The mass is subject to periodic mixing.

The fermentation process takes about two days. Then the medicinal raw materials are placed in the oven for final drying.

Storage is carried out in a dark place without excess moisture in fabric or paper bags.

Video: how to brew Ivan tea

Ivan tea, prepared for the winter, is lovingly used by many residents of our country both for pleasant tea ceremonies (Koporo tea was served to the table of the emperors themselves!) and for medicinal purposes. In this article we want to talk in detail about fireweed, its medicinal properties and use in folk medicine.

Herbalists claim that all parts of the plant have healing powers: rhizomes, leaves, stems and flowers.

We talked about how the leaves of the plant are fermented and dried in order to enjoy the taste of Koporye tea, as well as how to properly collect the roots.

Healing properties of fireweed

The therapeutic effect of angustifolia fireweed on the body is due to its biochemical composition. Young shoots, flowers and roots of fireweed contain mucus, tannin (in the roots its concentration can reach up to 20%), tannins, proteins (up to 20%), plant fibers, flavonoids, pectin compounds, sugars, vitamins (B, C ), minerals and trace elements (copper, manganese, iron, boron, molybdenum, titanium, potassium, lithium), calcium, phosphorus and cobalt salts.

Photo: Ivan-chai

The medicinal plant fireweed angustifolia has the following therapeutic qualities:

• sedative (calming effect on the central nervous system, effective in the treatment of neuroses);
• wound healing;
• decongestant;
• analgesic (moderate);
• hypnotic;
• antiallergic;
• bactericidal;
• anticonvulsant;
• rejuvenating;
• antioxidant;
• cleansing;
• antipyretic;
• emollient;
• diaphoretic;
• antitumor;
• anti-inflammatory;
• enveloping;
• antiviral (in particular, inhibits the herpes simplex virus).

Ivan tea: use in medicine

1. Due to its medicinal properties, the use of fireweed tea is possible in complex therapy for the treatment of many ailments. Systematic consumption of drinks based on fireweed tea is of high quality improves blood composition,increasing hemoglobin levels,activates hematopoietic processes. This is due to the fairly high content of fireweed, iron, nickel, B vitamins, copper and manganese. Water extracts from fireweed tea significantly improve carbohydrate and fat metabolism, increasing the degree to which the body absorbs nutrients from the food consumed.
2. In its calming properties, fireweed is only slightly inferior to the roots. Angustifolia fireweed has a positive effect on the conditioned reflex activity of the body, making aqueous extracts from the plant very effective in treatment of neuroses. B vitamins, flavonoids and magnesium reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, improve sleep quality, contribute getting rid of migraines And relieve the effects of stress.
3. Unlike synthetic sleeping pills, fireweed is not addictive and is quite effective in helping with fight against insomnia. It should be borne in mind that the active components of the plant can enhance the effect of other antidepressants, sleeping pills and narcotic substances, so its use simultaneously with them is possible only under the supervision of a specialist.
4. Mucus, carotenoids, tannins, pectins, chlorophyll and flavonoids in the composition of fireweed tea have an enveloping, regenerating and healing effect on mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, healing everything digestive organs, normalize microflora, help with treatment peptic ulcer. This is why herbalists and herbalists successfully use fireweed to treat many diseases. Gastrointestinal tract, with a pronounced tendency to diarrhea.
5. It is advisable to use fireweed and actively use its medicinal properties for the prevention and treatment of various infections and inflammations. Thanks to its mild diuretic effect, fireweed helps in normalizing blood pressure. Traditionally, fireweed in folk medicine was considered a masculine herb that promotes increase potency, erectile function, quality of seminal fluid, improvement of the condition of the prostate gland and other genitourinary organs of the stronger sex.
6. Infusions and decoctions of fireweed tea help and dermatological diseases(psoriasis, acne, furunculosis, dermatitis, eczema), especially if they are accompanied by gastrointestinal disorders and neurotic manifestations. Preparations based on fireweed angustifolia have proven themselves well in folk medicine in the treatment of scrofula,epilepsy, alcoholic psychoses, some heart pathologies,sore throat, otitis, anemia,ARVI, tumors of various origins, infertility, both male and female.

Ivan-tea: traditional medicine recipes

1. Infusion of fireweed tea for healing gastrointestinal diseases. Pour a tablespoon of dry leaves into a glass of boiling water, cover the cup or jar with a saucer, leave to steep for 20 minutes, strain and take 20 ml 4 times a day.

2. A strong decoction of fireweed tea for external use. The remedy helps with burns, ulcers, wounds, ulcers, eczema, and other inflammatory skin diseases. Two tbsp. spoons of dried leaves and flowers pour a glass of cold water in an enamel bowl, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for about half an hour, cool, strain and use as compresses, rubdowns, lotions or for washing. The same decoction is frozen for cosmetic purposes, rubbing the ice on the face and neck as a rejuvenating agent.

3. Decoction of Ivan tea roots. 10 grams of dry crushed rhizomes are poured into a glass of hot water and boiled in a water bath for 20 minutes, cooled, filtered and taken 15 ml 3-4 times a day.

4. Freshly squeezed fireweed juice. Prepared in the summer from July to September. Squeeze the juice from the leaves, stems and tops of the plant. Take only fresh, immediately after spinning, 10-15 ml 4 times a day before meals, along with a tablespoon of bee honey.

5. Fresh or powdered willowherb leaves applied externally to problem areas of the skin to promote wound healing.

How to brew Ivan tea correctly

The drink obtained from the leaves of fireweed tea perfectly quenches thirst, and it can be drunk both hot and (if desired) chilled. In addition, it has a therapeutic and preventive effect on all systems of the body, heals, tones, relieves accumulated tension and fatigue, charges the body with energy and overflowing vigor. It should be especially noted that Koporye tea, unlike caffeine-containing drinks (traditional teas, coffee, energy drinks), does not contain substances undesirable for the human body, in particular purine compounds, oxalic acid and caffeine substances.

In order to get the maximum benefit and extraordinary taste of Koporye tea, in addition to its correct preparation, it is necessary to follow some rules when brewing:

1. It is advisable to take a ceramic teapot.
2. First of all, you need to rinse the container with boiling water, then add tea leaves from the leaves of fireweed at the rate of half a dessert spoon for every 250 ml of drink.
3. Pour in hot but not boiling water.
4. Wrap the kettle in a towel to steep for 20 minutes.
5. Pour into cups and drink hot.
6. Ivan tea goes well with natural forest or meadow honey.

Ivan-tea (fireweed) contraindications

This plant has virtually no contraindications, except for individual intolerance to individual components. However, as with the use of any herbal remedies, it is undesirable to overindulge and exceed the dosages recommended by the herbalist. Consult with a specialist observing you before starting systematic use of fireweed tea and treatment with drugs based on it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any chronic diseases.

Having understood the composition of the miraculous herb Ivan tea, its medicinal properties and practical application, all that remains is to wait for the summer season and go to the forest to harvest useful raw materials in order to always have aromatic tea leaves on hand and the ability to prepare medicinal elixirs for health.

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.

Contraindications for Ivan tea:

• 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 willow tea is an 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:

1. For a half-liter teapot, take 1 tablespoon of leaves.
2. The first water must be drained immediately - it cleans the grass of debris and dirt.
3. With the second bay, the fireweed is kept for 15-20 minutes.
4. 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 from 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

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

For combination skin

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

Anti-aging masks

1. Young zucchini juice + fireweed infusion + yolk.
2. Honey + yolk + fireweed infusion + oatmeal.
3. 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.

Ivan tea, also known as fireweed, is a plant that has long been widely used in folk medicine. The beneficial and medicinal properties of fireweed tea are widely in demand.

The peak of popularity occurred in the 19th century. In terms of export volume, fireweed leaves behind gold and expensive furs.

This grass grows throughout Russia, including areas with arctic and subarctic climates. The plant does not absorb harmful substances from the air, water and soil.

The maximum benefits of the leaves are found during flowering. The best time for collection is the end of July or the beginning of August. It is important that the weather on this day is dry. Yellow, holey, dirty, dusty, dried leaves should not be taken.

Beneficial features

Thanks to its composition, fireweed tea allows for effective prevention and fight against many diseases, solve problems with teeth and hair, and strengthen the body’s overall resistance.

What exactly does it contain?

Unlike most medicines, the infusion of fireweed tea has an excellent taste. There is no need to mentally prepare for each dose, and there is no instinctive desire to “forget” to drink the next portion.

By the way, the drink can also be consumed cold. The properties do not suffer at all from this.

You can also brew the herb not once, but 4-5 times.

The benefits of Ivan tea are not only that it heals:

Medicinal properties

The use of the healing properties of fireweed in folk medicine practically knows no bounds. Its best known uses are:

1. A mild antidepressant and mild natural sleeping pill. This remedy can be given even to hyperactive children. A portion of a not too strong drink with the addition of honey and lemon (optional) is drunk before bed.
2. Drugs that lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. It also helps to cope with sudden changes in pressure in those who react poorly to changing weather. For a glass of boiling water you will need a tablespoon of herb. You can drink the infusion after 15 minutes. But if the upper figure exceeds 160-170 mm Hg. Art., it is better not to self-medicate, but to call an ambulance.
3. A substance that improves blood composition and cleanses the walls of blood vessels from cholesterol plaques.
4. Mild choleretic. This is an effective prevention of gallstones.
5. Means for combating chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, colitis. Linden flowers, chamomile and fennel are infused together with fireweed tea.
6. Compress to relieve pain and alleviate the “weights on the legs” syndrome with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. Finely chopped leaves or a bandage soaked in a decoction of 5 tablespoons of leaves and 2 glasses of water are applied to the sore spot, bandaged and left overnight.
7. Wound healing agent. Plantain is widely known in this capacity. But Ivan tea is no worse. It resists infection, preventing scratches, abrasions, and cracks from becoming inflamed. It also has a good effect in the fight against bedsores.
8. Mild diuretic. Tea normalizes the water-salt balance, removing excess water from the body. It can be recommended to those who suffer from edema.
9. Means for increasing the quantity and quality of milk during breastfeeding. The complex of vitamins and minerals contained in the plant is beneficial for the mother’s body. From there they are passed on to the baby through the milk. A possible side effect is slightly looser stools than usual.
10. Means for the treatment of gynecological diseases. It is believed that fireweed tea helps with cystitis, thrush, leucorrhoea, and uterine fibroids. It can also relieve infertility, normalize irregular menstrual cycles, and make menstruation less heavy. Alcohol tincture makes the unpleasant symptoms of menopause no less pronounced.
11. A product that helps strengthen hair and prevent hair loss. Hair is rinsed with the infusion every time after washing, and a strong decoction is rubbed into the scalp.
12. Means for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Rinsing helps relieve toothache, dry out ulcers and wounds with stomatitis.
13. Means for the treatment of prostatitis and prostate adenoma.
14. Prevention of the occurrence of neoplasms of various etiologies, including malignant ones. It is believed that small tumors resolve on their own with regular use of the infusion.

Any allergic reaction is a reason to immediately stop drinking fireweed in any form, regardless of all the possible benefits

The very first contraindication is individual intolerance. Allergies can manifest as itching, redness or rash on the skin, difficulty breathing, swelling, cough, and nasal congestion.

An “overdose” can lead to nausea, stomach upset and diarrhea. You shouldn't drink 7-8 glasses every day.

Ivan tea contains coumarin. If the course of treatment continues for more than six months, it accumulates in the body and can negatively affect the functioning of the liver. Especially if there is a history of problems with it.
If you have any chronic diseases, before starting self-medication, ask for the opinion of your doctor.

Note: Throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, take fireweed and any other folk remedies only after consulting a doctor and under his supervision. The first trimester of pregnancy is a categorical contraindication.