At the time of Russia, the unique herb Ivan-tea was in special honor. Its useful properties and unique effects on the body should not be forgotten in the modern world.
The Legend of Ivan Cha
The second name of the plant is fireweed. Other people can still be heard by the people: fire grass, fireman, down jacket, etc. But everyone knows the grass exactly as ivan tea. There is an old legend about a young brave guy named Ivan. The boy always walked in scarlet shirts and was very fond of nature, greenery. He was particularly fond of wandering among the tall grass.
People passing by, seeing the red in the green, said: "Yes, this is Ivan, tea, wandering." So it became a habit of the people to call the scarlet flowers among the greenery ivan tea. The word "tea" in ancient Russian times had a different meaning and meant adverbs "apparently", "probably", "apparently." But one day, kindling a fire with the help of fireweed, its leaves fell into a pot of water. The broth boiled and attracted people with its extraordinary aroma and taste. So the name Ivan-tea justified itself in the modern sense.
Fiery grass grows everywhere, throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In our country, it can be found in the fields, meadows, plains, along railway embankments, next to raspberries. The seeds of fireweed are very small and spread by wind to large areas.
Beneficial features
The value of herbal decoction lies not only in the spicy aroma and pleasant taste. It contains a reserve of vitamins and microelements valuable for the body: vitamin C (many times more than in lemon and orange), pectin, potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper, etc.
Ivan tea is extremely healthy. Infusion of leaves, flowers or roots of a plant has a positive effect on the human body:
- It has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. One of the best natural antiseptics. It is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory and infectious processes.
- Improves the functionality of the prostate gland and the male urinary organs, promotes the treatment and prevention of prostatitis. Increases male potency.
- It is an excellent diuretic.
- Helps eliminate constipation and cleanse the body.
- It has a calming and relaxing effect. The grass of Kipriya calms the increased excitement of the central nervous system, fights insomnia and stress, improves mood.
- Effective in lowering blood pressure.
- It is the prevention of viral infections and allergic diseases. It has antipyretic and analgesic effect.
- Beneficial effect on hemostatic and blood-forming processes.
In addition to the above, the regular use of willow tea:
- strengthens hair roots;
- enhances lactation and milk quality;
- helps from infertility;
- treats gastritis, ulcers, herpes;
- removes food and alcohol poisoning;
- It has a preventive and therapeutic effect in the fight against cancer.
Contraindications
Despite the obvious benefits of the drink, Ivan-tea is contraindicated for long-term use (more than a month). It is recommended to take breaks, because constant consumption of decoction can contribute to the development of diarrhea, disruption of the liver and digestive system.
Do not give infusions of fireweed to children under six years old. Before the beginning of the systematic use of willow-tea, pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor.
This plant is widespread in the agricultural direction. It is used as livestock feed and is also an excellent honey plant.
Harvesting, Drying and Storage
Leaves and flowers of Ivan tea are collected in the period of flowering, in summer. At the same time it is important that flowering has just begun, and not near wilting. It is best to collect in the morning in dry weather. Particular attention is paid to quality. Rotten, yellowed or dirty leaves do not need to be collected. For the preparation of some medicinal decoctions may need the root of the plant. His dig in the fall.
The drying process is different for components of fireweed. So, the flowers and stem dry in the shade under a canopy with adequate ventilation. Usually the flowers are twisted and squeezed to squeeze out the cell sap they contain. The root is washed, dried, then cut and dried in an oven or oven.
From the leaves to make tea. To achieve the best results, it is necessary to adhere to a certain technology and procurement steps:
- Zagylivanie. Rinse the leaves with running water, spread out a layer up to 5 cm and leave for a day, periodically stirring them.
- Twisting. To rub leaves in palms, forming from them balls or small sausages. This is necessary to isolate cell sap from the leaves, which will enhance the flavor of tea in the future.
- Fermentation. Put the prepared leaves into enameled dishes and cover
wet cloth or gauze. Leave for 12 hours. During this time there will be a change in the smell of grass. He will find flowery notes. The temperature should be 25-28 degrees, otherwise the aroma and quality of the leaves will be lost. Next, the leaves should be cut and lay out in a thin layer on a paper-laid baking sheet, dry at 50 degrees. It is necessary to ensure the ventilation of the oven and from time to time stir the leaves. Drying time depends on the quality of raw materials and is determined individually. The finished leaves will have the appearance and structure of the usual black tea.
wet cloth or gauze. Leave for 12 hours. During this time there will be a change in the smell of grass. He will find flowery notes. The temperature should be 25-28 degrees, otherwise the aroma and quality of the leaves will be lost. Next, the leaves should be cut and lay out in a thin layer on a paper-laid baking sheet, dry at 50 degrees. It is necessary to ensure the ventilation of the oven and from time to time stir the leaves. Drying time depends on the quality of raw materials and is determined individually. The finished leaves will have the appearance and structure of the usual black tea.Store tea made from the leaves must be in a tightly closed glass container in a dry, dark place. Flowers and roots are stored in paper bags or cardboard boxes out of the reach of moisture. Shelf life is 2-3 years.
Cooking methods
Preparation of willow-tea depends on the type of the desired means: infusion, decoction, tea. For therapeutic purposes, most often used inside the infusions and decoctions of herbs. For external use (compresses, rinsing) it is recommended to use only decoctions.
The recipe for cooking broth: 3 tbsp. spoons of dried plants pour 250 grams of boiling water. Put on the fire and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Let stand for 1.5-2 hours and strain.
Preparation of the infusion: one tablespoon of herbs pour boiling water (1 cup). Hold for 15 minutes and strain.
Cooking examples given are standard. When treating a particular disease, the prescription may be supplemented.
Since the times of Kievan Rus, there are many examples of brewing tea on the basis of fireweed. Tea traditions in those days were widespread. The most popular recipes are used now.
| Tea (title) | Cooking | Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional recipe with honey and dried fruits | 1-2 tablespoons of tea fall asleep in the teapot, which you must first rinse with hot water. Pour boiling water and cover with a towel. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes. | Poured into cups and not diluted with water. Served with honey or dried fruits. Remaining tea leaves can be refilled. |
| Gorodetsky Ivan-tea
| Prepare 2 teapots - large and smaller. In a small pour 1 spoon of tea (for one glass of water), pour boiling water and insist 5--10 minutes. Then pour it into the kettle, into a large kettle. Refill it with boiling water and insist. Repeat the procedure up to four times. | It is served in pure form as a medicine or with jam and other sweets as a relaxing drink. |
Ivan Tea is an ancient plant known both in Russia and abroad. It has a whole storehouse of minerals and chemical elements necessary for the human body. Due to the ubiquitous spread, the grass of fireweed can be purchased at affordable prices at any pharmacy and tea shop.
Reviews
Natalya, 37 years old, Noginsk, Russia
Tamara, 46 years old, Vinnytsia region, Ukraine
Milena, 25 years old, Sevastopol, Crimea
