Tuesday, November 5

    Fireweed facts

    Fireweed is a flower plant which is also called Epilobium angustifolium. Two varieties are found in North America:- var. canescens and var. angustifolium. Fireweed is found in the streams and open woods. Fireweed adapts well to burned or cut-over forests, avalanche areas, swamps, riverbars and deglaciated areas.

    Name Fireweed
    Scientific Name Epilobium angustifolium
    Native Native to Temperate Northern Hemisphere
    Common/English Name Fireweed, Great Willowherb, Rosebay Willowherb, Spiked Willowherb, Narrow-leaved fireweed, Perennial fireweed, Great willow-herb, Flowering willow, Rosebay willow-herb, Blood Vine, Blooming Sally, Fireweed, Flowering Willow, Willow Herb, Purple Rocket
    Plant Growth Habit Herbaceous, perennial
    Soil Well-drained, moist
    Plant Size 2 m
    Root Fibrous, rhizomatous
    Stem Reddish , stout, erect, smooth; Height: 1.3 – 3 m
    Leaf Alternate, long lanceolate, deep green, pinnate vines; Length: 4 – 8 inches
    Flowering Season June-September
    Flower Magenta, deep pink or rose color, obvoate; Length: 0.35-0.80 inch, Diameter: 2-3 cm
    Fruit shape & size Capsule, tubular, thick hair, Length: 5–8 cm (2–3.2 inch)
    Seed Brown; Length: 1 mm
    Fruit Season July-October
    Major Nutritions (Raw) Manganese, Mn 1.542 mg (67.04%)
    Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.145 mg (11.15%)
    Calcium, Ca 99 mg (9.90%)
    Magnesium, Mg 36 mg (8.57%)
    Copper, Cu 0.074 mg (8.22%)
    Iron, Fe 0.55 mg (6.88%)
    Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1.075 mg (6.72%)
    Vitamin B9 (Folate) 26 µg (6.50%)
    Total dietary Fiber 2.4 g (6.32%)
    Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.312 mg (6.24%)
    Health Benefits
    • Bone health
    • Prevent diabetes
    • Regulates metabolism
    • Prevent PMS
    • Thyroid ailments
    • Assist blood vessels
    • Brain function
    • Enhance mood
    • Improves vision
    • Cures anemia
    Calories in 1 cup chopped (23 gm) 24 Kcal.
    Traditional uses
    • This herb is used as a laxative, antispasmodic, tonic and hypnotic which contract the tissues and soften as well as soothe skin.
    • An infusion or tea made from Fireweed helps to treat urinary, prostate problems and gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea or dysentery.
    • Traditionally the plant is used to cleanse, soothe and heal the minor burns, ulcers, skin rashes, afflictions and skin irritations.
    • The Blackfoot Indians use the tea made from roots which is useful in curing constipation.
    • An infusion helps to cure diarrhea of enteric fever or typhoid. In this particular condition others attest its efficacy.
    • It is helpful for intestinal irritation and intestinal digestion.
    • An infusion made from leaves helps in menorrhagia, leucorrhoea and uterine hemorrhage.
    • A poultice of peeled roots assist in skin sores, boils, swellings etc.
    • A poultice of the leaves is applied to mouth ulcers.
    • Poultices of the fresh leaves & flowers can be applied to inflammations of the ears, throat & nose.
    • The poultice made from root and leaves is useful for bruises, skin injuries & infections.
    • The leaves ointment helps to soothe skin problems.
    • The cool decoctions treat hiccups, asthma and whooping cough.
    • A tea of roots and leaves is an aid for abdominal cramps, yeast infections, candida and dysentery.
    • It is used to promote colon.
    • The soaked flower can be used as a gargled to treat sore throat, laryngitis and if combined with leaf is helpful for insomnia as well as headaches.
    How to Eat
    • The shoots of Fireweed shoots could be used as a food.
    • The young stems can be consumed raw or added to salads.
    • The root could be roasted.
    • In Alaska, Fireweed is used to make candies, jellies, syrups, and ice cream.
    • In Russia, the leaves are consumed as a tea.
    • Shoots are boiled and consumed with butter.
    • The root can be used as a substitute for coffee and it can be ground into flour to use for bread.