Blooming Sally, fireweed, or Koporsky is a perennial herbaceous plant of the cypress family. The type species of the genus Ivan-chai ( Chamerion), in many classifications included in the widely accepted genus Cyprus ( Epilobium).
Where does it grow
It grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere. On the territory of Russia, it is common in the coniferous forests of the European part and Siberia.
Grows in dry sandy places in light forests, often in clearings and forest edges, along railway embankments and ditches, near crops, near water, on damp soil.
It is typical for the community of clearings and burnt areas, where it is a diagnostic species; it dies out as shrubs and trees appear. Often grows with raspberries. Long-haired small seeds are carried by the wind over long distances, remain viable for several years. Fireweed blooms from mid-July, and in the south - in late June-early July.
Fireweed harvesting
It is recommended to collect fireweed in dry weather and before noon. When harvesting, either the leaves, or the top, or the whole plant are removed. In the latter case, the stem is cut 15 cm from the ground. It is also worth noting that there are other varieties that are forest and hairy and do not have healing properties. They have a purple color of flowers, and the height of plants is no more than 15 cm.
flowers have a bright pink hue. AT leaves contains tannins, a large amount of mucus, which has an enveloping effect, as well as tannin with anti-inflammatory properties
How to dry at home
There are several types of drying - using an oven, an electric dryer. But at the beginning it is necessary to do the fermentation; many do not do this, but in vain this tea is famous for.
So the process fermentation similar to fermentation. Many manage to do fermentation through a meat grinder, as well as freeze in the freezer. But we will follow a different path, as our ancestors did. To do this, you need to spread it out where there is no sun in a ventilated place, for about a day. Then you take the leaves in your hands and rub it, as it were, twist it so that the juice comes out, collect it in a bucket and leave it in a cool place for another day, or even two. At the end, the finest aroma will appear tea leaf. After fermentation, lay it out in a ventilated place or you can use an oven or an electric dryer, I recommend leaving it in a ventilated place, so there are more benefits.
It is important: do not use pans for drying, because at a temperature of more than 100 degrees fireweed deteriorates. Although the tea itself is no longer green, but black. So, in principle, I make all black teas, they dry the leaves at a high temperature, i.e. fry. But we all know that there is no benefit in heat treatment.
Well, for those who decide to dry using heat treatment, small recommendations:
— Ordinary drying in the oven. The fermented leaves are placed on a baking sheet on top of the parchment. During drying, it is recommended not to close the oven door tightly. Leaves should be kept at a temperature of 95 to 110 degrees for an hour.
- Russian stove. The heated oven should stand for at least an hour, after which you can lay out the herbal mass on a baking sheet, which is then placed on the coals.
- Electric dryer. The device is turned on at a temperature of about 90 degrees, the leaves are dried for at least 5 hours. It is important not to overdo it, because then the tea drink will have a taste of paper.
How to store
You can store it for 2 years or more, but for this, the fireweed must be hermetically sealed in a glass jar.
Before brewing fireweed should lie down for at least a month. It is believed that it becomes tastier and more aromatic.
How to brew
3 tsp for 150 ml of boiling water, leave for a few minutes, then pour another 300 ml into the kettle hot water. You can brew without using boiling water, for this you need 1 tbsp. pour one liter of plain water, preferably spring water, unless of course you have it and leave it overnight.
The healing properties of Ivan tea
Scientists believe that this plant is unique, as it contains a large amount of useful substances. First of all, it is vitamin C, which is several times more in fireweed than in citrus fruits. B vitamins, pectin, organic acids, gallic acid, lectins, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, tannins.
The leaves contain tannins, a large amount of mucus, which has an enveloping effect, as well as tannin with anti-inflammatory properties. Vegetable fibers have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. The seeds contain fatty oils. In addition, this plant does not contain caffeine and some acids that are part of ordinary black tea and coffee, which disrupt metabolism and cause addiction, and sometimes harmful addiction.
Fireweed perfectly helps in the treatment of various types of gastritis and enterocolitis, and also treats chronic diseases of the prostate, adenoma, affects the urinary tract, inflammation of the ureter. The plant is considered an excellent sedative and pain reliever. It has a positive effect on the whole body, affects the blood, is used for the gastrointestinal tract, is used in the treatment of infections and inflammatory processes, fights viruses and allergic reactions, is used to cleanse the body, prevent cancer, Ivan tea is useful for women and men.
Indications for use
poisoning and intestinal dysfunction;
disorders in the nervous system (neurosis, alcoholic psychosis, hysteria, depression);
epilepsy;
rehabilitation from alcohol addiction, for the relief of a hangover syndrome;
increased psycho-emotional pressure and chronic stress;
overwork; the appearance of milk teeth, inflammation of the gums;
problems with the menstrual cycle, uterine bleeding, menopause, premenstrual syndrome;
chemotherapy and radiation exposure (during the recovery period);
leukemia or lymphogranulomatosis as an adsorbent;
immunodeficiency state;
avitaminosis;
prostatitis and prostate adenoma.
Men are advised to use Ivan tea for such problems:
Acute prostatitis;
Decreased potency;
Chronic prostatitis;
BPH;
Operation on the prostate;
Stones in the adenoma.
Women are advised to use Ivan tea for such problems:
With profuse menstruation. Tea is prepared and drunk in a glass before meals and at night 0.5 hours before bedtime.
With menorrhagia. Fresh juice of the plant drink 1 tbsp. l., eating 1 tbsp. l. honey 4 times a day.
With whites. Fireweed roots (2 tablespoons) pour a glass of boiling water (200 ml) and boil for 10 minutes, then leave for 50-60 minutes. Drink 60-70 ml of decoction three times a day.
With a climax. Brew 50 g of grass and pour 0.5 l of 70% alcohol. Two weeks kept in the dark, periodically shaken. The finished tincture is filtered and drunk 15-20 drops up to 3 times a day. This tincture improves overall well-being.
Ivan tea contraindications
Useful and medicinal properties Ivan-tea is well studied and described. However, there are also contraindications of Ivan tea, which few people think about or are aware of. Before using Ivan-tea, a doctor's consultation is necessary, as, indeed, in the case of taking any medication.
Ivan tea is contraindicated for low blood pressure (hypotension). A person, using Ivan-tea, can lower it even more. At the same time, he will feel unwell, feel dizzy, nausea, fainting may occur.
At the time of using willow tea, antipyretic and sedative drugs are contraindicated, since the plant has potent anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. This can cause disruption of the nervous system.
Sometimes there is an individual intolerance to fireweed, as is the case with the use of certain medicinal plants.
As a rule, fireweed consumed in large quantities for more than a month can disrupt the function of the intestines and cause dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. But with the cessation of Ivan tea, all signs of indigestion will disappear.
Ivan tea is contraindicated for gastritis with low acidity, since theophylline contained in it accelerates the production of gastric juice, which exacerbates the disease. Therefore, even healthy people are not recommended to drink Ivan tea on an empty stomach.
With prolonged use Kopor tea coumarin (a toxic substance) accumulates in the body, which adversely affects the liver.
Ivan-tea is contraindicated in case of poor blood clotting: thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, as well as in case of problems in the hematopoietic system. In these cases, Ivan-tea can be consumed only in small portions. It must be remembered that it thins the blood, so it is advisable to get the advice of a doctor.
Pregnant and lactating women should carefully use Ivan tea to avoid undesirable consequences. Tea interferes with the absorption of vitamin B9. This is folic acid, which is involved in the development of the fetus. Therefore, a doctor's consultation will not be superfluous before using Ivan tea for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
The properties of Ivan tea are such that it acts as a laxative, so do not overdo it with its intake.
For children under two years of age, the use of Ivan-tea is contraindicated in any quantity.
Application Ivan tea
Ivan tea for prostatitis For the treatment and prevention of prostatitis, it is required to prepare Koporsky Ivan-tea from the fireweed plant. Ready dry grass is brewed like tea. Consume without sugar, up to 3 times a day. For prevention, the plant in question is recommended in combination with other herbs.
Willow tea for diabetes(reduces sugar) Now that Ivan Chai is gaining popularity, many are interested in how useful it is for diabetes and whether it reduces sugar. While this question remains open, since the data that this plant, in pure form, helps patients with diabetes - no. Fireweed is often available in mixtures that include herbs that lower blood sugar levels. Ivan-tea strengthens the body and raises the immune system, so it can serve as a dietary supplement.
Ivan tea raises or lowers blood pressure Healing herb has a good effect on the normalization of pressure. It can be used for both high blood pressure and hypotension.
The drink is useful for hypertensive patients, because: it has a slight diuretic effect, which is necessary to lower pressure; the drink, having a sufficient amount of B vitamins, has a positive effect on the entire central nervous system. People who suffer from pressure drops are not recommended to drink strong tea and coffee. In this case, Ivan-chai can help with its good taste and unique properties, which, with regular use for 3 weeks, brings blood pressure back to normal.
Ivan tea for weight loss Fireweed drink without harm to the body helps to reduce excess weight. The main properties of tea that help to lose weight: Grass is a mild diuretic and laxative. As a result, excess toxins are removed from the body. Beta-sitosterol improves lipid metabolism, which normalizes cholesterol levels. The presence of tannins reduces appetite. Promotes rapid digestion of food.
The long-forgotten miraculous herb willow-chai, thanks to enthusiasts and lovers of Russian nature, is reborn again. Herbal teas from Russian fields are gaining prestige not only in their homeland, but also abroad.
Ivan-chai is a perennial plant that can be found in wastelands, near pine forests, along country roads. Purple-red flowers attract travelers from afar, standing out from the rest of the landscape. This plant has many names. In a scientific way - narrow-leaved fireweed, the people affectionately nicknamed "Ivan-tea". They are also called "fireman" because of the unique ability to grow on the ashes, "willow grass" because of the resemblance to willow. Ivan tea has both medicinal properties and contraindications. It also has a sleepy effect. For this, people call him "dremukha".
In Russia, the plant began to be used to brew a fragrant, tasty drink as early as the 12th century. Due to its availability, commoners drank Ivan tea more often, but representatives of the Russian nobility did not disdain to drink a cup of delicious herbal tea. In the 13th century, in the settlement of Koporye in the St. Petersburg province, local monks began to produce tea from fireweed, which was called "Koporsky tea". Later it began to be harvested in other provinces. O delicious drink learned in Europe where tea was brought by English sailors. enjoyed great popularity in England, Prussia, France. Many preferred it, so Ivan-tea occupied an honorable place in Russian foreign trade until the 19th century. After the October Revolution, Ivan Chai was undeservedly forgotten for many years. Now it is worth remembering Ivan tea, medicinal properties, its use in medicine and everyday life.
The composition of Ivan tea
The leaves and flowers of the plant are rich in various nutrients. They contain:
- Chlorophyll.
- organic acids.
- Tannins represented by tannin. Promote the removal of toxic metals, have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Carotenoids, which are important for the synthesis of vitamin A.
- Flavonoids. Substances that strengthen blood vessels, protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Pectin. This substance, like tannin, helps to eliminate toxins, normalize metabolism, and improve digestion.
- Vegetable fiber, which is very important for bowel function.
- Mucus (polysaccharides). They are easily hydrolyzed, due to sufficient intake into the body, a person becomes more energetic.
- protein substances.
- Coumarins.
- Phytosterols.
- Lignin.
- Alkaloids.
Fireweed is rich in vitamin C, which is more in the ground part of the plant than in citrus fruits. This vitamin is very useful in preventing the development of oncological processes and signs of aging. Vitamins of group B are presented in Ivan-tea with vitamin B2, B6, thiamine, nicotinic and folic acid. These vitamins improve the functioning of brain cells, optimize the metabolism of fats and proteins, and normalize digestion.
Leaves and flowers contain a lot of iron, which can raise hemoglobin, stabilize the nervous and digestive systems. Elements important for the work of the heart, muscles, bone structure: molybdenum, magnesium, nickel, potassium, boron, lithium, calcium, also contains this medicinal plant. Ivan Chai includes copper and manganese to support growth, bone structure, and liver and spleen function.
This plant contains almost all known amino acids: glutamic, aspartic acids, isoleucine, lysine, arginine, threonine, leucine, tyrosine, cysteine and others. The rhizomes of the plant are not inferior to the leaves and flowers. They contain starch, calcium and phosphate salts, proteins, polysaccharides, tannin, cobalt.
The benefits of Ivan tea
Koporye tea has a positive effect on the endocrine and immune systems. It is effective in various inflammatory processes, the fact that fireweed has the highest coefficient of anti-inflammatory action has been proven. Ivan-tea is effective in cleansing the body of toxins, increasing immunity, and working capacity. Regular consumption of tea relieves depression, calms, reduces tension and anxiety. Due to the fact that Ivan-tea contains a whole complex of microelements, it improves the process of hematopoiesis, stimulates metabolism, improves blood composition, purifying it.
Ivan-tea is recommended for restoring men's health, for the prevention of men's diseases. Koporye tea can help with reduced potency, acute prostatitis, prostate adenoma, chronic prostatitis. It is worth noting the healing properties of this plant: cleansing, anti-inflammatory, astringent, soothing effect. There is a positive effect with the regular use of decoctions and tea from fireweed at stages 1-2 of prostate adenoma, which avoids surgical intervention. Treatment with fireweed is carried out in parallel with other methods of treatment under the supervision of the attending physician.
Ivan-tea treats many women's diseases. Fireweed is recommended for women over 35 years of age to prevent the formation of gallstones. healthy drink promotes weight loss, helps reduce hunger, improves metabolism. Infusions and decoctions of willow tea help reduce menstrual pain, relieve discomfort during menopause, and relieve headaches. Ivan-tea is recommended for whites, endometriosis, infertility, cystitis, thrush, myoma. This plant does not contain caffeine, which makes it available for use during pregnancy if there are no contraindications.
The healing properties of Ivan tea
Unlike coffee and other energy drinks Ivan-tea does not contain caffeine, while it perfectly relieves fatigue and tones, providing a therapeutic effect.
A drink based on the herb Ivan-tea has the following effect on the body:
- Increases the absorption of nutrients.
- Restores the optimal balance of microflora in the intestines.
- Significantly reduces the development of malignant tumors.
- Eliminates signs of constipation.
- Shows antiviral activity.
- Produces diuretic and choleretic effect.
- It has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect.
- Cleanses the body of toxins and toxins.
- Increases potency and improves men's health.
- Improves thyroid function.
- With regular use, it improves immunity.
Ivan tea: properties and contraindications
If we consider Ivan-tea, medicinal properties and contraindications of this plant, it can be argued that the healing effect prevails. There are very few contraindications, they are insignificant. As with other medicinal plants, some people have individual intolerance. Fireweed should be used with caution when taking sedatives regularly. Do not use antipyretics and Ivan-tea.
With prolonged use of Ivan-tea, a slight laxative effect is noted. To avoid this side effect, tea should be consumed in courses of no more than two weeks. Women who are expecting a baby, nursing mothers should obtain a doctor's permission to take fireweed tea. People with thrombosis, increased blood clotting should use Ivan-tea decoctions with caution.
Some believe that fireweed is good for soothing gums during teething, they recommend giving it to infants. Others are against the intake of medicinal herbs by children under two years of age. The best option will approach this issue individually and clarify it with your pediatrician.
Features of harvesting Ivan tea
The key to the maximum preservation of all nutrients and vitamins is the competent collection, preparation and fermentation of willow-tea. To avoid toxicity, grass harvesting should take place in remote areas, away from roads, industrial enterprises. It is necessary to collect Ivan tea during the flowering period, but before the flower brush blooms completely, so that the fluff that ripens on the lower branches in August does not get into the workpiece. For the preparation of medicinal raw materials, the ground part of the plant is used, it is cut or broken. Then the raw material is dried in a room at a certain temperature.
Apply various ways fermentation, which make it possible to obtain high-quality medicinal raw materials for subsequent use in the preparation of drinks. The tops of young shoots for making tea are harvested in early May. This miraculous tea is able to restore energy reserves and restore strength. It is better to store Ivan tea in glass containers or paper bags. Medicinal raw materials are used for the preparation of decoctions, infusions, delicious tea, for cosmetic purposes.
Preparation of tea from fireweed
To prepare a wonderful drink, it is better to purchase dried willow tea in a pharmacy. To prepare one cup of tea, you need 2-3 grams of medicinal raw materials and 200 ml of boiling water. The grass is poured with boiling water, the container is closed and left for 10 minutes. After the drink is infused, you get an excellent tea of a beautiful golden color with amazing taste meadow grasses. It is better to drink the drink freshly prepared, but due to the content of essential oils, tea does not deteriorate for several days. To fully feel the bouquet of herbs, it is recommended to drink tea cold or warm. It is better not to put honey and sugar, they will worsen the taste of the drink.
A tea drink can be prepared from a mixture of leaves and flowers of Ivan-tea, which are used in a ratio of 1: 1. The mixture is poured into a container in the amount of 2 tablespoons, poured with water (500 ml). The mixture should be brought to a boil, then removed from heat, left for 15 minutes, it should be infused. The drink can be drunk throughout the day like regular tea.
Medicinal infusions and decoctions: preparation and use
Infusions and decoctions are used to treat various diseases, shown for outdoor and indoor use. To prepare infusions, you can use a thermos or other closable container.
For the treatment of inflammation of the urogenital area, chronic cystitis, a healing infusion is prepared. 200 ml of boiling water should be poured over 1 tablespoon of chopped dry fireweed leaves. Insist for two hours, strain. It is recommended to take 50 ml three times a day.
For the treatment of angina, stomatitis, the infusion is prepared in the following way: 2 tablespoons of raw materials are taken for 400 ml of boiling water. Insist until a saturated solution is obtained for six hours. After that, filter, use as gargles of the throat and mouth 4-5 times a day.
Treatment of varicose veins is carried out with the help of decoctions. 5 tablespoons of raw materials are poured into 500 ml of water, put on a slow fire and left for seven minutes. Then the broth is removed from the fire and it is cooled, filtered. Bandages or fabric are impregnated with the resulting agent, the resulting compress is applied to diseased limbs. Also, steamed slurry from willow-tea can be bandaged to the dilated veins for the night.
In cosmetology, masks and tinctures for alcohol from Ivan-tea are used. To prepare a face mask, “Extra” salt (2 g) and oatmeal (1 tsp) are added to the tincture (2 tablespoons). You should get the consistency of sour cream. Such a mask, made twice a week, will relieve inflammation, improve complexion and skin condition.
Fireweed infusion can be used for washing, for preparing homemade face and hair masks. The infusion will reduce itching and relieve inflammation if you are burned in the sun. Before carrying out cosmetic cleaning, massage, it is recommended to do steam baths with the addition of fireweed. For 1 st. a spoonful of raw materials is taken one glass of boiling water.
Try to prepare a healing drink, enjoy its amazing taste and aroma. Good mood, the rise of strength, a surge of energy and a charge of vivacity will allow you to appreciate the whole beneficial features a beautiful plant called Ivan-tea.
Ivan-chai is that rare case when something tasty is also useful. The fireweed plant has just a huge set of healing properties. But you need to know the indications and contraindications for taking willow tea in order to carry out effective treatment.
Indications and contraindications for taking Ivan-tea
The plant has been used and is used to alleviate the condition of patients who need the following:
- stimulation of hematopoietic function. Occurs due to the high content of iron, vitamins B and C;
- improvement of metabolism, acceleration of metabolic processes, normalization of the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates;
- fight against inflammatory reactions, including those of an infectious and viral nature. Ivan-tea is the most powerful herbal antiseptic among the flora of our country;
- toning the work of the prostate, improving the quality of sperm and increasing male libido, getting rid of infertility;
- diuretic effect and normalization;
- a general decrease in nervous tone, which manifests itself in improved mood and sleep, more rare manifestations of aggression, relief of headaches. This is due to the presence in the composition of magnesium, flavonoids, B vitamins;
- restoration of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the fight against constipation and dysbacteriosis, the treatment of peptic ulcer. This is facilitated by a high concentration of tannins, pectin and mucus;
- decrease in the activity of manifestations of various allergic reactions;
- prevention of stagnation of bile and the formation of stones in the gallbladder;
- rapid wound healing. Carotenoids and tannins help;
- increased lactation;
- harmonization of the endocrine system;
- antioxidant, that is, anti-cancer effect;
- binding and excretion of toxins, including salts of heavy metals;
- rehabilitation of the body after being in the zone of nuclear radiation;
- mild pain reliever
- slowing down skin aging, increasing its elasticity, fighting skin diseases - eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis.
Like any medicinal plant, or fireweed has both indications and contraindications. But the latter are few.
Who is contraindicated Ivan-tea. The effect on children has not been studied, so it is better to refrain from infusions of this herb until the age of 6. There were no negative consequences for pregnant women, but it is better to consult a doctor before taking it. It is better to avoid fireweed for people with high blood viscosity.
Since ancient times, many plants with healing properties were also endowed with miraculous powers, legends and beliefs were created and passed on from generation to generation. Ivan-tea (fireweed) is one of these plants.
Ivan-chai is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 2 meters in height, has lanceolate leaves and bright purple-purple inflorescences. Blooms from late June to September. Ivan-chai can be found on dry sandy places, along forest edges, in clearings, near rivers and stakes.
The Ivan-tea plant is unique - with many useful properties, it has almost no contraindications. We will discuss in more detail about the benefits and harms of Ivan tea, recommendations for its use for therapeutic and preventive purposes.
The composition and useful properties of Ivan teaAll parts of Ivan tea are used as medicinal raw materials - stems, roots, leaves and flowers. On their basis, various forms of drugs are prepared: alcohol tinctures, water infusions, decoctions, ointments and powders.
Rich and varied chemical composition this plant. It has been established that Ivan-tea is superior to citrus fruits, black currants and rose hips in terms of the content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Also, the vitamin range of the composition of the plant is also presented by PP. Of the trace elements in Ivan-tea, the following were found:
- iron;
- nickel;
- titanium;
- copper;
- manganese;
- molybdenum;
- potassium;
- calcium;
- sodium;
- lithium, etc.
Ivan tea also contains the following medicinal substances:
- tannin;
- alkaloids;
- mucus;
- tannins;
- pectin, etc.
We list the main useful properties of the plant:
- anti-inflammatory (the highest rate of anti-inflammatory activity among other medicinal herbs);
- enveloping;
- antipyretic;
- antioxidant;
- restorative;
- hemostatic;
- tonic;
- painkiller.
Contraindications to the use of Ivan tea
Like all other medicinal plants, Ivan tea requires caution when using it. However, medicinal willow-tea, unlike other herbs, has a minimal amount of contraindications and side effects. This is due to the fact that Ivan tea is non-toxic and has a balanced chemical composition.
Ivan-tea contraindications include hypersensitivity and individual intolerance to the components of preparations prepared on its basis. In any case, it is recommended to start taking Ivan-tea with minimal doses in order to check the body's reaction. If no adverse reactions are noted, Ivan tea is allowed to be consumed as much as you like, especially in the form of infusion and decoction, which have a pleasant taste and aroma and may well replace regular tea.
But still, you can’t drink Ivan-tea constantly and in large quantities, because. this can negatively affect the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, long-term use of a concentrated drink from Ivan tea causes.
Ivan-tea should be used with caution by children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. In such cases, before starting 
It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using this herb.
The stems, leaves and flowers of the plant are harvested during flowering, i. their collection can be carried out almost throughout the summer. Dry them in the shade under a canopy, subject to good ventilation. Ivan-tea roots should be harvested in the fall. After digging, they are washed, dried, and then cut and dried in a dryer or oven at a temperature of about 20ºC. The prepared raw materials are stored in paper bags or in glass for 2-3 years.
Pretty pink flowers on a thin-stemmed spikelet with pleasant aroma, this is what the most useful plant Ivan-chai looks like, which has dozens of names, including fireweed, Koporye tea and others. It has Ivan tea and useful properties and contraindications, in order to use it correctly, you should learn more about it. In Koporsk, under Peter I, there was a whole factory for making a drink for export, because Ivan tea was in great demand in England and other countries. During World War II, German tanks were ordered to destroy the enterprise.
This herb has been used in Russia since pre-Christian times, people eat it, use it as medicine and cosmetics.
The benefits of Ivan tea lie in its composition, it is thanks to it that the plant has the following qualities that are beneficial to the human body:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunomodulatory
- invigorating
- Vitamin
- Improves metabolism
- Prolongs youth
- Prevents cancer
- Relieves nervous disorders
Harm can be obtained without observing the dosage, with individual intolerance, when taken together with sedatives, sedatives, antipyretics. As a rule, the negative consequences of improperly taking willow-tea are associated with the excitatory nervous system and laxative properties of the plant.
Compound
A young plant of narrow-leaved fireweed is rich in tannins (15-20%), B vitamins, vitamin C (90-600 mg), iron (23 mg), copper (2.3 mg), manganese (16 mg), plant enzymes, pectin , carotenoids, polysaccharides (15% mucus). It also contains a certain amount of potassium and calcium and other trace elements.
How to brew Ivan tea
Properly collected, dried or fresh fireweed is brewed, after which they drink for 2-3 days, cold and hot. Perfectly combines Ivan-tea in collections with others useful plants, for example, with raspberry leaves, strawberries, currants, mint, lemon balm and rose hips.
The most useful for brewing is the so-called fermented willow-tea, that is, additionally ripened after harvesting, more on this later.
Ivan tea is brewed like this:
Take 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of dry raw materials (half a liter of water), rub them a little in your hands, pour them into a teapot scalded with boiling water, pour water (not boiling water, 90 degrees), you can drink it after 10-15 minutes, but it’s more useful to hold it in a thermos for hours 8 (for example, at night).
It is best to take spring water, outside the city you can use melted water, in the city - at least filtered or bottled. You can brew again by adding fresh boiling water.
They drink Ivan tea with meals, diluting the infusion with half a glass of water, up to 4 times a day. Honey goes well with a healing drink.
Medicinal properties
In naturopathy, home and folk medicine, Koporye tea is used not only for prevention, but also accelerates the cure of many diseases:
Colds
Due to its vitamin, antibacterial and immunostimulating properties, fireweed tea will help not to get sick in a dangerous season and overcome the first symptoms of diseases such as influenza, SARS and other respiratory diseases, but only at the very beginning of diseases. With an already active cough, runny nose, Ivan-tea is not advisable to use. It also has a diuretic, diaphoretic effect.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Ivan-tea contains polysaccharides, which envelop the stomach and mucous membranes, relieve pain and protect tissues, while other substances, meanwhile, have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the acidity of the stomach, which relieves the painful symptoms of heartburn and ulcers. Pectin improves digestion and metabolism, and Koporye tea also relieves colic, constipation, and prevents dysbacteriosis. Organic acids, magnesium and plant flavonoids act as a choleretic agent.
Diseases of the nervous system
In this case, the effect of fireweed is similar to the effect of valerian officinalis. Ivan tea will help overcome insomnia, relieve nervous overexcitation, and eliminate headaches. With constant use, it prevents neurotic attacks, hysteria, alcoholic psychoses. The beneficial effect on the nervous system is due to the content of magnesium and plant enzymes.
open wounds
Tannins, carotenoids, chlorophyll contained in fireweed give it a wound healing property. A compress of crushed fresh or dried leaves of the plant can be applied to the wound.
Toxicosis, poisoning
Koporye tea effectively removes various toxic substances, heavy metal salts, free radicals from the body, relieves a hangover.
hypertension, hypertension
Koporye tea reduces blood pressure, normalizes the water-salt balance of the body, relieves swelling, strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
Oncological diseases
Koporka is prescribed to cancer patients to prevent the appearance of metastases. Ivan-tea has a pronounced antioxidant and antibacterial effect, which has a beneficial effect in the treatment and prevention of various tumor diseases, including prostate and breast cancer.
For women
Good news for the ladies: regular use of Ivan tea (especially instead of black tea and coffee) stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, getting rid of wrinkles, leaving it taut. Ivan-tea has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, which means it prolongs youthfulness of the skin, prevents skin diseases (acne, allergic reactions, fungus), minimizes the risk of developing kidney stones and gallbladder, improves metabolism and, together with proper nutrition contributes to the transformation of the body into a more slender.
In addition, Ivan tea helps to make monthly bleeding less heavy, painless and more regular. It helps to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, such as nervousness, eating disorders, and slows down aging.
Ivan tea will help prevent (and also cure) such female diseases as: endometriosis, thrush, cystitis, fibroids, infertility.
For pregnant women (only with the permission of a doctor), Ivan-tea will help you sleep better, strengthen your immune system, calm the nervous system, and prevent inflammation.
For men
There is a case when a researcher, a doctor of Tibetan medicine, who loved Ivan tea very much and studied it, Pyotr Alexandrovich Badmaev (Zhamsaran) (died in 1920), having lived 110 years old, managed to conceive a daughter at 100 years old. And, perhaps, he would have lived longer if he had not ended up in a camp due to repressions (he was one of the attending physicians of the royal family).
Using Ivan-tea regularly, you can prolong male strength, avoid inflammation, adenoma and prostate cancer, prostate.
It is believed that those who drink Ivan tea will be able to quit drinking and smoking more easily.
For kids
Fireweed is contraindicated for children under six months of age. In the form of tea, it is not recommended to give to children under 2 years of age.
Older children with the help of willow tea can successfully correct behavior (calm down, prevent tantrums, make it easier to put to sleep), build immunity, relieve inflammation, heal wounds, remove allergens, and normalize the endocrine system. Ivan tea (especially if you hold it in your mouth longer) is an excellent prevention of caries. For teenage children, the anti-acne effect of tea will be relevant.
Children's dose (up to 8 years) - 1st. l. twice a day, from 8 to 16 years old - 50 ml. twice a day.
Ivan tea fermented
Simply collected and dried tea is only good for medicinal purposes because, frankly, the taste won't impress you. The preparation of fermented Koporye tea involves picking, drying, storing and brewing in a special way.
Fermentation of the leaves, depending on the duration, gives a different saturation to the drink - it can turn out something like black or green tea.
After collecting, the dried leaves are twisted (and the roots are washed and dried from water) and then dried in the oven at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. Twisted leaves are damaged and wrapped own juice, then darken due to enzyme activity. The raw materials are oxidized, fermentation processes take place and the tea turns out to be more saturated, tart and fragrant.
Instead of heat treatment, the assembled sheet is placed in freezer for 12 hours or crushed with a blender (meat grinder), after which the thawed leaves are already curled. Just crushed leaves are immediately sent to dry. Twist by rubbing 5-10 leaves between the palms until the juice stands out. Next, the sheets are separated one by one so that they do not become moldy during drying. The raw material is put into an enameled bowl or on a baking sheet, covered with a damp clean cloth, or just a lid or bag.
It takes 12-24 hours for a rolled leaf to ferment, and about 12 hours for a ground leaf. After that dry with room temperature with good air circulation in the room (draft or fan), in the shade. The tea should dry to brittleness, after which it can still be crushed by hand for convenience and spread out on metal or glass jars, keeping the lids loosely closed for several days.
Properly dried and fermented tea has a subtle fruity (prune) aroma. In order not to destroy this aroma, it is not necessary to brew with boiling water. The taste of mechanically crushed tea resembles apple, but quickly disappears. After a year, tea becomes tastier than freshly dried.
Where does Ivan tea grow?
Although one of the names of the plant is "Siberian tea", but nature is very generous, and it grows throughout the territory of the former USSR. It won't be hard to find him. He loves dry sandy soils, glades and river banks, dry peat bogs, clearings, roadsides and wastelands. As a rule, fireweed forms whole pink-lilac fields, like lavender in Provence, which are visible from afar and exude a delicate honey aroma.
The flowers are from pale pink to bright red and purple, the height of the plant reaches 2 m. The buds open at dawn, around 5 in the morning, and before the rain they hide and close. It will be easier to find Ivan tea in dry weather.
How to collect and dry Ivan tea
Not only koporka leaves are suitable for collection, but also flowers, stems and roots, they just collect it all at different times.
The best time for collecting leaves is May-June, until flowering begins and some of the nutrients pass into the petals. It is better to dig out the roots when the fireweed has faded: August - early September, the plant begins to fluff at this time, and the fluff of willow-tea in Russia has been used since ancient times for the manufacture of textiles, therapeutic pillows, you can also try it.
The leaves are collected by running a hand from the bottom to the top of the plant, in bunches. Remove spotted leaves, with cobwebs and bugs, so as not to bring larvae and fungi into the raw material. The most useful option for both you and the plant is to cut off the tops of young shoots in May, then, just before flowering, you can come again and find even more leaves.
Dry willow tea in a dark place at room temperature with good ventilation or in an oven at a minimum temperature (up to 60 degrees).
How to drink Ivan tea
Healthy people can drink up to 3 cups a day for prevention, but those who have any diseases (gastrointestinal tract, heart, blood vessels, genitourinary system, etc.), it is better to take it only as a medicine - several tablespoons a day in the form of a decoction.
They drink Ivan-tea before meals or during meals, depending on the purpose. Before going to bed, drinking a cup of such healing tea will be very useful for both adults and children.
You can brew from 10 minutes to a day in boiling water (not cool) and milk.
The course of treatment when using Ivan-tea in the form of a medicine (for example, for the treatment of prostatitis) is 30-45 days, then a break is taken for at least a month to avoid digestive disorders and diarrhea.
Contraindications
Fireweed contraindications, except for individual intolerance, have not been identified. Pregnant women take only with the permission of a doctor. Do not abuse Ivan tea and do not forget to take breaks in its use.
