From time immemorial, the leaves of Fireweed (Chamaenerion / Epilobium angustifolium) were used as a substitute for tea (Koporsky / Ivan tea).
For preparation one can use herb or only leaves, which are harvested during the flowering period of the plant.
For a long time, folk medicine has used Fireweed for the treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, cancer of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, as well as inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, neurodermatitis, eczema, boils. Infusion or decoction of Fireweed is prescribed orally in peptic ulcer disease, gastritis and colitis, topically – for gargling in case of inflammatory conditions of the upper respiratory tract and as a lotion – for ulcers and wounds. Epilobium angustifolium covers the mucous membranes in gastritis and ulcers, eliminates pain, cramps, inflammation, and helps to regulate acidity.
In folk medicine, in addition, infusion or decoction of Fireweed is used orally for migraines, insomnia and oligomenorrhea.
Therefore, Chamaenerion angustifolium is recommended as an additional source of biologically active substances that helps in normalizing the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, nervous and urogenital systems, increasing immunity and resistance to adverse environmental factors, including during seasonal infections.