Fireweed, Rosebay or Epilobium angustifolium – great herbal diet tea from Russia, where it’s called Ivan-tea or Kapor tea.
Ivan-tea is known for ages in Russia. It was used instead of modern black tea long time before the tea was brought there. Now this cute herbal tea is not so popular however it’s benefits are underestimated. I think its inpopularity is explained by the fact that it is not wide commercially exploited. There are no any adverticements about fireweed tea in the media.
Rosebay are very universal herb. All of its parts can be used for food. Its root are rich with starch and even can replace potatoes. Leaves and flowers are rich in proteins, antioxidants, vitamines of group B, Vitamin C and minerals.
Did you know that rosebay tea contains 6,5 times more of Vitamin C than a Lemon?
Dried or fresh leaves can be used for making beverages. Fermented fireweed leaves are used as herbal tea instead of black tea.
Comparing with herbal green tea, rosebay tea does not contain caffeine, which have some side effects.
Regular drinking fireweed tea can help you with anaemia (Ferrum rich), insomnia and headaches.
Brew can be used within 3 days (!) and it will not lose their benefits. Compare it with green tea which is “become a poison” after 20 minutes, according to chineese tea experts.
Here are some interesting facts about rosebay tea:
100g of the Ivan-tea contains:
- Ferrum – 2,3mg
- Nickel – 1,3mg
- Cuprum – 2,3mg
- Manganese – 16mg
- Titan – 1,3mg
- Molibdenium – 0,44mg
- Boron – 6mg
Also there are some Kalium, Natrium, Calcium, Magnium and Lithium.
As you can see this is a true mineral treasure!
How to prepare rosebay infusion.
Get one tablespoon of dried rosebay, pour it with 250ml of hot water and let it infuse for about 2 hours in a warm place. Filter the infusion.
Drink 3-4 times per day by one tablespoon in case of headaches, insomnia ear inflammations and respiratory diceases.
Fermented Ivan-tea leaves can be brewed as usual black tea.
Video about fireweed tea (In Russian)
Related articles:
Epilobium Angustifolium (Fireweed, Rosebay)
