Fireweed: From meadow to teapot – a herbal sensation rediscovered

Its taste somewhat resembles traditional tea brew, yet the raw material for preparing this beverage can easily be found in a nearby meadow. The transition between spring and summer is the best time to harvest the leaves of fireweed, which has been valued for its taste and health benefits for centuries.

In English, the plant is called "fireweed" because the plant is often the first to grow in areas affected by fire. Fireweed is found throughout the island in meadows, pastures, forest edges, gravel pits, and wastelands. Under favourable conditions, it almost reaches 2 metres in height, covered in charming, pink-purple flowers in summer that are loved by bees – from an area of about 1 hectare occupied by the plant. They can produce up to 590 kilograms of honey.

Although fireweed is considered a weed, it has been valued for centuries for its impressive medicinal and culinary properties. Fresh leaves can be brewed, and they can also be a tasty addition to salads and other dishes. In Russia, they are often used in dried form to prepare a brew called Ivan Chai. According to legend, the drink's name is associated with the story of a young man who spent entire days in meadows and forests, searching for herbs with which he healed the residents. One day, he disappeared, and in his favourite meadow, swathes of plants with flowers appeared in the colour of the purple shirt worn by the man.

Fireweed tea is tasty and healthy. How to prepare it?

In old folk medicine, fireweed was used as a medicinal plant. Modern scientific research has confirmed that it contains a potent dose of valuable active ingredients, such as tannins, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, strengthen immunity, prevent allergies, and positively influence the urinary and digestive systems.

Fireweed leaves provide a lot of flavonoids, including quercetin, a potent antioxidant that positively impacts the circulatory system, strengthens blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure. It is a rich source of phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic acid. According to some studies, this compound can reduce glucose absorption and improve fat metabolism, making fireweed tea helpful for weight loss. Chlorogenic acid neutralizes harmful free radicals, protects the body from oxidative stress, and thus reduces the risk of developing inflammation. Additionally, it has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Fireweed contains many vitamins, including vitamin C, which activates the immune system, plays an important role in producing numerous enzymes, influences collagen production, and reduces the tendency for bleeding and gum bleeding.

The best time to collect the raw material is in the morning. We gather young, undamaged leaves, spread them on clean cloth or paper, place them in a sunny spot, and leave them until they wilt. Then, we roll them in our fingers until they release juice. The rolled leaves are placed in a glass container, covered, and left for 12-18 hours. They should turn brown during this time, which means the fermentation process has started. Later, we cut them into smaller pieces, spread them evenly on a baking sheet, and dry them for an hour in the oven with the fan on (at a temperature not exceeding 100°C).

We can make a tasty and healthy brew from such dried leaves. We pour hot water (a cup) over the dried leaves (a tablespoon) and leave it to brew for 5-10 minutes.