Useful properties of Ivan tea, contraindications for use. Meet the medicinal plant called Ivan-tea: photos, useful properties and contraindications

Herb Ivan-tea occupies a special place among medicinal plants. It is chosen for its ease of preparation and numerous healing properties.

Medicinal properties of the herb Ivan tea

A drink prepared on the basis of the herb willow tea is effective in the treatment of benign and malignant tumors. It is also used for:
- normalization of immunity;
- increased production of thyroid hormones;
- treatment of colds;
- removal of heavy metals from the body;
- alkalization of the blood;
- treatment of prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system;
- rapid scarring of ulcers in the stomach and intestines;
- treatment of gout (regardless of the stage of the disease);
- strengthening blood vessels and normalizing the functioning of the circulatory system;
maintaining the health of teeth and oral cavity;
- decrease in body temperature;
- treatment of stress and nervous conditions;
- elimination of a pain syndrome at migraines;
- normalization of arterial pressure;
- hair strengthening;
- treatment of inflammatory processes;
- neutralization of food and alcohol poisoning;
- dissolution of stones in the bladder and so on.

In addition, such an herb is effective for short-term or persistent headaches. It can also be used to wash wounds, as it has an antiseptic effect.

Method for preparing herbs Ivan-tea

Preparing a healing drink based on this herb is extremely simple. It is necessary to take a teapot, pour boiling water over it and pour a few spoons of Ivan-tea. Then pour hot water into it, cover the container with a lid, wrap it with a warm cloth and leave to infuse for 15-20 minutes. Then mix the contents with a wooden spoon and leave for another 5 minutes.

Drinking Ivan-tea is required according to a special scheme. So, for the treatment of serious diseases, you need to drink 2 glasses of a drink before each meal. To increase immunity, it is enough to drink it 200 ml after meals. In other cases, drink this drink 300 ml three times a day. To enhance the healing properties, you can add mute lemon balm, mint or rose hips to it.

Please note that Ivan tea has a number of contraindications. It is not recommended to drink it for those who have the following diseases:
- cholelithiasis;
- degeneration of the kidneys;
- gastrointestinal disorder.

This herb should also not be used in case of individual intolerance, while carrying a child or breastfeeding.

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

Features of the medicinal plant Ivan tea

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

Growth area

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

Botanical characteristic

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

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

Propagated vegetatively and with the help of seeds that ripen in August-September.

Fireweed broadleaf.
Fireweed mountain.
Fireweed small-flowered.

Other medicinal types

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

Procurement of raw materials

How to harvest willow tea to keep all the beneficial substances in the grass? First of all, it is necessary to choose an ecologically clean area - away from roads and industrial zones, fields and crops that are treated with pesticides and other agricultural pesticides. It is also important to adhere to the rules for collecting and harvesting willow-tea.

• How to collect Ivan tea. The entire aerial part of the plant has medicinal properties - flowers, leaves, young shoots, stem. Therefore, the entire aerial part of the grass is cut off, thick stems are removed.
• When to collect Ivan tea. The best time is the flowering period. It can be in July or August, depending on the climate zone. Fireweed blooms for a month.
• How to dry. Drying in natural conditions is recommended, but without direct sunlight. Dry, ventilated attics and porches are well suited. The grass is laid out in a thin layer, ted from time to time. After complete drying, the flowers turn blue.

The beneficial properties of Ivan tea are preserved for 2 years. Grass is packaged in wooden boxes, closed glass containers, protected from excessive moisture and light.

healing action

Medicinal properties of fireweed:

• antitumor;
• decongestant;
• enveloping;
• antiviral;
• anti-inflammatory;
• anti-allergic;
• sedative;
• emollient;
• wound healing;
• diaphoretic;
• hematopoietic;
• anticonvulsant.

What are the medicinal properties of Ivan tea due to? It contains:

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

In the course of laboratory studies, such beneficial properties of fireweed (willow-herb) have been scientifically proven - antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. For example, in the USSR, in the laboratory at the Cancer Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, the anti-cancer drug "Hanerol" was taught from grass inflorescences.

List of indications

With what symptoms and diagnoses do they drink Ivan tea, given its contraindications?

• Colds, SARS, influenza. For colds, viral infections and flu, the herb acts as a diaphoretic, antipyretic. In addition, the effectiveness of fireweed angustifolia in the herpes virus has been proven.
• Genitourinary sphere. Why is the herb so popular in urology and nephrology? This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties, the most powerful of all medicinal plants. Therefore, the herb is prescribed for prostatitis, prostate adenoma, inflammation of the kidneys, ureters, urinary tract. With these diagnoses, another effect is important - antitumor, absorbable and analgesic. Fireweed is a radical folk remedy for male ailments, which scientific medicine believed in. Traditional healers believe that venereal diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea) can be treated with grass. However, in this case, traditional medicine does not believe in a miracle cure and calls for a full course of therapy with a venereologist.
• Nervous system . Grass affects conditioned reflex activity. Beneficial for functional disorders of the central nervous system - neuroses, insomnia, headaches, migraines, depressed mood, apathy. The remedy relieves emotional and muscular tension, has a moderate sedative effect, but enhances the effect of other sedative and narcotic drugs. The herb is also prescribed for epilepsy. Healers claim that fireweed also saves from alcoholism, helps with alcoholic psychosis, and reduces aggression. However, using the herb on its own can be harmful. Treatment is possible only under the supervision of a narcologist.
• The cardiovascular system. There are positive reviews about the benefits of herbs for hypertension and anemia. Fireweed stimulates blood circulation, has a beneficial effect on the state of blood vessels, heart function, blood formation.
• Digestive system. Useful herb for the liver, stomach and intestines, because it contains a lot of mucus and tannins. Ivan-tea infusions help with hemorrhoids, colitis, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, which are caused not only by the inflammatory process, but also by psychosomatic causes.
• Endocrinology. In the form of an aqueous infusion, the herb is drunk against diabetes, to restore hormonal levels, metabolic processes in the body, and for weight loss.
• Gynecology. It has been proven that the herb is useful for women's health: it relieves inflammation, resolves benign tumors of the ovaries and uterus, adhesions in the fallopian tubes, and stops uterine bleeding. Most often, Koporye tea is prescribed in the premenopausal period to harmonize the psycho-emotional background.
• Dermatology. The medicinal properties of Ivan-tea herb are widely used in modern dermatology. It is useful to drink infusions from psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, scrofula and other allergic skin problems. Also, the affected skin is treated with aqueous solutions.
• Local treatment. Indications for use - otitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, inflammation of the nasopharynx. Burns, frostbite, ulcers, boils, eczema, psoriasis are also treated with the remedy. In addition to aqueous solutions, dry powder is used, which is sprinkled on damaged areas of the skin. Lotions and compresses from alcohol tincture are applied to diseased joints.

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

Dosage forms and methods of preparation of fireweed angustifolia

What is the use of Ivan tea at home? What dosage forms can be prepared independently? What can you buy at a pharmacy?

Decoction and infusion

How to brew fireweed? There are two main ways - boiling (broths) and insisting (infusions). Decoctions can be boiled over low heat or kept in a water bath. In the season for decoctions and infusions, you can take fresh flowers and leaves of willow-tea.

decoction recipe

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. chopped dry herb.
2. Pour in a glass of water.
3. Hold in a water bath for 15 minutes.
4. Leave for 1 hour.
5. Strain.

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

Preparation of the infusion

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials.
2. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
3. Insist 2 hours.
4. Strain.

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

Preparation of infusion for external use

1. Take 3 tbsp. l. herbs.
2. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
3. Insist in a thermos for 5 hours.
4. Strain.

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

Tincture

Alcohol tincture can be prepared from fresh inflorescences or dry grass. Apply externally and internally. With local treatment (rinsing, compresses, lotions, baths), it is recommended to dilute the product with water.

Cooking

1. Take 3 tbsp. l. herbs.
2. Pour in ½ liter of vodka.
3. Insist 14 days in a dark place.
4. Strain.

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

herbal tea

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

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

honey plant

Ivan-tea is a plant with high honey productivity. Perhaps, among the herbs of the forest zone, he has no equal in these indicators. In harvest years, 600 kg of honey is obtained from 1 ha of grass. Fireweed honey has the same medicinal properties as the herb. Useful for adults and children, especially for SARS, flu, colds. It is famous for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, enveloping properties. It has a pleasant delicate taste, it is liquid, transparent, with a greenish tint, it crystallizes quickly, in the form of white grains. In the nectar of fireweed flowers, a high content of glucose and fructose was found, although their level largely depends on weather conditions.

Fireweed narrow-leaved (willow-tea) is a medicinal plant of the first choice for diseases of the urogenital area, especially in men with prostatitis and prostate adenoma. Also, the herb is used externally in otolaryngology, dermatology, and dentistry. It is prescribed as a sedative for neurosis, as an anti-inflammatory for stomach ulcers, colitis, gastritis. The herb's anticancer properties have been scientifically proven. It is included in the complex therapy of oncological diseases.

A wonderful drink Ivan-tea, the beneficial properties of which were well known to our ancestors, has now regained popularity. Before ordinary tea appeared in our lives, Russian people drank drinks collected on their own from medicinal and aromatic herbs growing in their places.

The name of this drink can be found in chronicles about Russia and its traditions. He was very loved both among the people and among the authorities, even emperors drank it. Fireweed was very popular not only for drinking. Because of the down that is in this grass, it was used to stuff pillows, for this reason in the old days it also had the name "down jacket", and sometimes this tea was called "Koporsky". For all the time of its existence, the fireweed has also had many other names.

Ivan tea: medicinal properties and contraindications

Useful properties, as well as contraindications of Ivan-tea herb, are obvious and confirmed, as they say, for centuries. Unlike the black teas known to us, it does not contain caffeine, oxalic acid and has many useful qualities. Vitamin C contained in the herb helps to strengthen the immune system. It turns out that in a properly prepared fireweed, there is more vitamin C than in wild rose. Its benefits can be summed up in several points:

• contains many trace elements: copper, magnesium, potassium, manganese, calcium
• is a powerful antioxidant, contributes to the preservation of youth
• soothes, tones, relieves irritability
• cleanses the blood, positively affects the processes of hematopoiesis
• relieves headaches and migraines
• has anti-inflammatory properties
• the use of Ivan-tea - prevention of cancer
• contains essential oils
• strengthens hair
• contains protein that gives strength and energy, promotes vitality
• normalizes pressure
• helps with weight loss
• perfectly quenches thirst, it can be drunk cold

The harm from Ivan tea is not comparable with the benefits. But still, some caution must be observed when drinking a drink, infusion or decoction of this healing herb. After all, this drink in large quantities, like any herb, can affect the body negatively. The active properties of a drink consumed in large quantities can be harmful. The liver, stomach and intestines will suffer from this in the first place. And do not try to treat serious diseases with grass.

An infusion of such tea is harmful to small children under 6 years old, pregnant, lactating. And also, if you drink antipyretics, it is better to leave it for a while. When taking laxatives, fireweed will also not bring you much relief.

What is useful fireweed for women

Ivan tea is extremely useful for women. Antioxidants and vitamin C, which is part of the composition, will help you stay young longer. A drink made from prepared fireweed at the end of the day will help calm the nerves and give strength.

The drink will become an assistant in the fight against periodic pain and pain during menopause. For women who want to lose weight, fireweed and the protein it contains, as well as a lot of nutrients, will help in achieving the goal.

And, of course, it will help girls and women to be more beautiful, favorably affecting the condition of hair and skin. Grass can not only be taken orally in a brewed form, but also make masks out of it.

The benefits of Ivan tea for men

In addition to the fact that a herbal drink will increase the vitality of men and provide the necessary energy, regular tea drinking with it will have a beneficial effect on potency. Tea is useful in the fight against male infertility, as well as impotence or impotence.

Possessing antitumor properties, fireweed prevents inflammation of the prostate. It will eliminate insomnia, often characteristic of men. Ivan-tea is also useful in the prevention (treatment) of kidney stones, a disease that men are more susceptible to than women.

Fireweed tea for children

For young children, Ivan-tea infusion will help reduce pain during teething, they need to wipe their gums. The infusion is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age. But here is an ordinary, weakly brewed drink, they can be given. A mug of this drink will calm an excited child before bedtime and help strengthen immunity. This is especially important during the school period, when children are prone to overload.

The herb helps with colds, having an antipyretic effect. It serves to prevent skin rashes and strengthens the endocrine system. A drink with fireweed improves digestion, which is so important for children.

How to ferment Ivan tea

The fermentation process is the transformation of only harvested willow-tea leaves as a result of their fermentation. After that, they acquire a special pleasant smell. Fermentation is a necessary step in the preparation of tea.

During fermentation, the leaves of the plant need to be crushed or twisted with the palms so that they give juice and darken. Then they are put in a container, pressing down, and put in a warm place. The fermentation process should take place at a temperature not lower than 25 degrees. Feeling the floral aroma, you can stop fermentation.

In this case, it is also important not to overexpose the fermented leaves, otherwise the drink from them will not be tasty. Such tea is dried in an oven at 90 degrees, stirring the leaves. It must be kept for 30 days and put into tightly closed containers. Fermented willow-tea leaves can be brewed and enjoy its taste and all the beneficial properties.

Where does Ivan Chai grow?

The advantage of fireweed is that it grows throughout Russia. This grass is quite tall (about 1.5 meters), blooms in July and August, that's when it needs to be collected. Koporye tea grows in Siberia and the Far East.

It is better to collect willow-tea in the forest, away from the tracks and roads. Its long leaves are used as a medicinal drink preparation. The seeds of the plant are fluff. This plant can be found everywhere: near roads, in forests, as a weed in vegetable gardens, in meadows, clearings. In the period from the second decade of July to mid-August, Ivan-tea is honey-bearing. Koporsky honey is very useful.

How to collect and dry Ivan tea

Collect the leaves of the plant in July and August, before the plant begins to fluff. For harvesting, only the leaves are plucked. It is better to collect more of them, because when harvesting tea and after fermentation, they will change a lot.

It is necessary to choose intact, not diseased, not dusty leaves. They are collected from different places. Sometimes the roots and stems are used to make medicines. When collecting leaves for tea, you can add some flowers of the plant to them.

You need to dry Ivan-tea in a draft. Flowers with leaves are stored in paper bags for 2 years, while the roots, which are dug up in autumn, cut and dried in the oven, are stored for 3 years. The most delicious drink is obtained from fermented willow-tea, prepared after harvesting the leaves.

How to drink Ivan tea

The tea ceremony is an art. Sincere conversations, pleasant pastime, relaxation: all this accompanies tea drinking. You can drink tea alone or in the company of guests. An important point in drinking tea is that sugar should not be added to this drink.

For those who like sweets, it is better to use dried fruits or other healthy sweets. From the time of brewing, tea retains its beneficial properties for 2 days. The nice thing is that this drink remains tasty and fragrant even after cooling. While drinking tea, you both enjoy and strengthen your body.

Contraindications for the use of Ivan tea

It is important to understand that infusion, decoction and tea brewed in a teapot have different concentrations of active substances. With more caution, you need to treat the infusion and decoction. Children can drink tea, but you can not use infusion and decoction until 6 years old.

If you are in an interesting position, then it is better to consult a doctor about whether it is worth drinking Ivan tea. Nursing mothers should also take it with caution. If fireweed is taken for a long time, it can adversely affect the functioning of the liver, stomach, and intestines. Thrombosis, increased blood clotting, thrombophlebitis are a contraindication to the use of infusions and decoctions of fireweed.

I hope you are interested in the beneficial properties of Ivan tea. But before proceeding to constant use, nevertheless, take into account contraindications and it will not be superfluous to consult doctors so as not to harm yourself.

Correct Ivan tea, video

A video on how to make your own delicious and healthy drink - Ivan-tea. As well as the timing of the collection of this healing herb, the secrets of harvesting and fermentation.

If you are preparing this miraculous drink, collecting and harvesting Ivan-chai grass yourself, please write what subtleties those who have just started doing this should know. Share how to make Ivan tea at home.

Your feedback and additions will help beginners figure out what medicinal properties this drink has, how to properly collect and how to store this healing herb.

Even from the name it is clear that the plant is possible. This was done in Russia until the 20th century. Moreover, the grass was not only dried, but also fermented, as happens with tea leaves in India and China. After such processing, the drink acquired a delicate fruity taste and bright aroma. Ivan tea was used not only within the country, but also exported to Europe, where it was highly valued.

Our ancestors called Ivan-tea "the elixir of youth", which can cure almost all diseases. To date about 70 microelements were found in it, which is 2/3 of the periodic table. The herb can be brewed up to 5 times without sacrificing taste and nutritional qualities.

It is a pity that today only herbalists and pharmacists remember about the medicinal plant. For the most part, we don’t even know what Ivan tea looks like. Well, let's get to know each other again.

Fireweed narrow-leaved, aka Koporye tea: description of the plant

In botanical circles, willowherb is better known as narrow-leaved fireweed (Epilóbium angustifolium) from the fireweed family.

It is a herbaceous perennial, 0.5–1 m high.(some specimens can reach up to 2 m).

Dense, stiff stems are densely covered with narrow, lanceolate leaves, reminiscent of willows. Hence one of the popular names of the plant - "willow-grass" or "plakun". The stem is crowned with a brush of large, light cherry (occasionally white) flowers, which are recognized as one of the best honey plants.

Thanks to the developed root system with a large number of additional buds, Ivan-tea reproduces rapidly in a vegetative way, covering large spaces. Fireweed meadows can be seen from afar - among the green grasses they seem to burn with a living, purple glow.

History pages

In Russia, since ancient times, healing infusions have been prepared from fireweed angustifolia. And in monasteries, it was used as an alternative to imported Chinese tea, which, as you know, has strong tonic properties. The advantage of fireweed is that it does not contain caffeine.

In the XVIII century, the landowner Savelov, through his man, who served at the Russian embassy in China, learned the secret of fermentation of tea leaves. And he organized home production in his own estate near Koporye near St. Petersburg, where fireweed was processed in a similar way. Ivan-tea leaves were also withered, rolled by hand until juice was released, and then dried in Russian ovens.

The product was called "Koporsky tea" (koporka).

I must say that the places where Savelov's estate was located were unusually rich in fireweed. In the 13th century, the Koporskaya fortress was located here, which was liberated from the German knights by Alexander Nevsky. Resting after exhausting battles, the great commander reinforced his strength with healing tea from fireweed, collected by local monks. According to legend, the prince liked the fragrant drink so much that he turned to the inhabitants of the fortress with a request to further develop the herbal trade here.

It turns out that Savelov's tea factory did not appear out of nowhere. And although later the production was expanded and moved to Moscow, the former name for tea was preserved. Koporka was not inferior to Chinese counterparts in taste and aroma, but it cost several times cheaper. Often, fireweed was used to falsify expensive tea from the Middle Kingdom, and few gourmets discovered a substitution.

In the middle of the 19th century, the popularity of the koporka began to wane. Although it was still in demand among Europeans, in Russia, suppliers of real Chinese tea achieved significant restrictions on the production of fireweed drinks.

Where does it grow

Today, we are gradually reviving interest in Ivan-tea. This plant is so widespread in the European part of Russia, Siberia, the Caucasus and the Far East that it would be simply unreasonable not to use its healing properties.

Most often, fireweed can be found in light pine or deciduous forests, floodplains, along highways and railways, in clearings. Grass also grows next to cultivated crops, as well as around summer cottages. Ivan-tea appears first on forest fires, “revitalizing” the earth for other plant species. Only its seeds can withstand the excessive heat and depletion of the soil, which is typical for areas affected by fire. For this property, Ivan-tea was nicknamed "fireman", "garevik" and "fiery grass" among the people.

If we talk about harvesting, then it is best to collect a valuable plant in meadows near water bodies or on open hills, away from roads and industrial enterprises.

When it blooms

It is known that Ivan tea harvested during the flowering period, when the concentration of nutrients in it reaches its peak.

This happens from about mid-July to the end of August - the timing may vary, depending on the region of growth.

Why did it get such a name or in the footsteps of legends

The popular name of the narrow-leaved fireweed is so unusual that involuntarily there is a desire to learn more about it. So, why Ivan-tea? There are several answers to this question, but only one of them seems really plausible.

Koporye tea, which we talked about above, was exported to many European countries, in particular England, Denmark, Prussia and France. Maybe, the name "Ivan-tea", as a synonym for Russian tea, came from there. This assumption is supported by the fact that in Ancient Russia the fireweed had completely different names, for example, “Red Color”, “Stepnik”, “Khmyzok”, “Yarovnik”, “Petushkovy apples”, “Bogoroditskaya grass”.

According to the second, less common version, they tried to isolate the popular fireweed drink in this way from real tea supplied from China so that there would be no confusion. After all, the properties and cost of the product were completely different.

Some etymologists suggest that "Ivan" comes from "willow", and the letter "n" was added later. Well, it could very well be. After all, "willow-tea" is one of the ancient Russian names for fireweed.

There is also a less realistic story of the name of the plant, which is more like a fairy tale.

The legend of the missing Ivan

There once lived a young herbalist in one of the Russian villages. His name was Ivan. The young man knew a lot about medicinal plants and often wandered around the area, preparing the raw materials he needed. He wore a shirt of a beautiful purple color, which stood out brightly against the background of a green meadow. Seeing this "light" from afar, the villagers said to each other: "Ivan, the tea went for herbs again."

After some time, the young man disappeared without a trace. What happened to him, the legend is silent. But in those places where he often wandered, beautiful purple flowers grew, which they called Ivan-chai. Plants proved to be difficult and could heal many ailments. This is the mark left by the young herbalist Ivan.

Other plant names

The Russian people gave the narrow-leaved fireweed a lot of colorful names that best reflect its beneficial properties and characteristics.

We have already listed some of them. And here is the continuation of the list:

• mother liquor- fireweed helps with "female" diseases, stops uterine bleeding, eliminates the pathological processes of the reproductive system.
• Drymukha The plant was named for its pronounced sedative effect.
• Khlebnitsa (Melnichnik) speaks of a connection with the bakery industry. Indeed, a powder was made from the roots of the plant, which was added to flour to saturate it with trace elements and vitamins. As a result, bread and other pastries were more fragrant and tasty. In addition, sweetish roots replaced sugar.
• Wild hemp (flax)- the stems of Ivan-tea were processed and made into coarse yarn or weaved ropes. Fireweed cloth was considered healing, they tied the head with migraines or the lower back during bouts of sciatica.
• Down jacket also an apt name. Cotton wool was made from the numerous soft fibers that surrounded the seeds of the plant, replacing traditional cotton. Also, the abundant fluff of fireweed was used for stuffing featherbeds and pillows.
• Vinohod- the ground root of Ivan-tea was used for the manufacture of light alcoholic beverages.
• Boron potion the plant was called healers, thereby emphasizing its exceptional healing properties.
• Skripun, violinist (plakun)- when it is plucked, fireweed makes a characteristic groaning sound.

Where else is fireweed used

An aromatic tea is brewed from the leaves of the plant, the root is dried and ground into flour. What other parts of the plant are edible?

Salads are prepared from young shoots and leaves., and when boiled, they successfully replace delicacy asparagus. Fresh roots are used to make vegetarian soups.

Flowers are added to tea. In addition, fireweed gives excellent honey, which retains all the healing properties of the plant.

But Ivan tea is used not only in cooking. It is beautiful and can be planted in gardens or flowerbeds as an ornamental plant. The branched root system makes fireweed suitable for fixing railway embankments and quarries.

It is also an excellent livestock silo.