Rosebay willowherb is a plant from the evening primrose family. Many people also know it under a different name - fireweed or Russian tea. The drink made of this plant was popular even in Tsarist Russia and was in demand among different segments of the population.
Fermented fireweed
Fireweed was the most common drink in monasteries and convents, where regular coffee and tea were forbidden due to its stimulating effect. Willowherb was most popular in European countries, so it was bought in incredible quantities - tens of thousands of poods (pood is a unit of measure in the Imperial Russian weight measurement system, which was equal approximately to 16.38 kilograms (or 36.11 pounds).
It contains a large amount of ascorbic acid, which helps to normalize the immune system and prolong youth.
The constituent components of the plant are the following trace elements: iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, copper, etc.
Tea made from fireweed offers general strengthening properties:
It is no secret that the modern rhythm of life is the main cause for disorders in the function of the nervous system. Permanent stress, lack of sleep, overwork contribute to the development of neuroses and depression. One cup of willowherb tea will help improve a person's mood, and its systematic consuming is aimed at reducing the negative activity of the nervous system. Fireweed can be compared to valerian in terms of its sedative effects.
Fermentation is a process by which zymosis occurs due to the influence of the product's enzymes. Speaking specifically about this process in plants, we mean that at the time the leaf is destroyed, there releases a certain amount of juice, which, due to oxidation, contributes to the onset of fermentation. Fermentation stops at high temperatures. Fermentation enhances the flavour and aroma of the tea revealing its beneficial properties in full force and effect.
A properly brewed fireweed tea will have not only all the useful properties but also a pleasant astringent taste, which emits a light floral and herbal aroma. It is best to brew the fireweed plant with black tea. Take the following steps to do so: mix dry leaves in a one-to-one proportion, pour hot boiling water over, and leave for 5-7 minutes.
Even though willowherb tea is a natural medicine, when using it, you also need to adhere to a certain dosage and use only high-quality products.
Across pregnancy and lactation, you need to consult your doctor about the further use of willowherb tea.
Drinking tinctures and teas from fireweed may cause erythema, itching, hives, etc. These reactions are the result of allergies, so it is best to restrain from further use of the drink.
Longtime drinking (in large quantities) of willowherb tea may cause disorders in the function of the gastrointestinal tract may, therefore, patients with digestive diseases should refuse to use it before professional medical advice.
