Epilobium Angustifolium is a herb. Its root is used for medicine.
Contents
Uses
The roots as well as the leaves of this herb were used to prepare an infusion, which was given as a remedy to patients suffering from whooping coughs, asthma and even hiccups.
Benefits
Members of this American tribe also prepared an herbal tea from the root as well as the internal cortex and administered the medication to infants in the form of an enema to treat constipation.
Apart from the plant’s therapeutic and other uses, fireweed is also used as a food. For instance, the leaves as well as the tender tips of the herb’s shoots are edible and can be consumed either raw or after cooking. Some people consider the shoots collected early during the plant’s growing season to be a treat. These shoots are generally harvested during the later part of spring or in the beginning of the summer. The shoots as well as the tender stems of fireweed are peeled and often consumed raw or steamed in the form of an alternative for asparagus. Provided the stems and shoots are prepared appropriately immediately after harvesting them, they are an excellent natural resource of pro-vitamin A and vitamin C. It is documented that the Yupik Eskimos conserved the harvested stems in seal oil with a view to consume them throughout the year. In this context, it may be mentioned that these Eskimos called fireweed as ‘Pahmeyuktuk’, which denoted the edibility of the plant.
Caution
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of fireweed during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Adelfilla, Blood Vine, Blooming Sally, Bouquet Rouge, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Chamerion angustifolium, Épilobe, Épilobe en Épi, Épilobe à Feuilles Étroites, Epilobio, Epilobium angustifolium, Epilobium spicatum, Flowering Willow, French Willow, Great Willowherb, Herbe de San Antonio, Laurier de San Antonio, Persian Willow, Purple Rocket, Rose Bay Willow, Rosebay Willow, Tame Withy, Wickup, Wicopy, Willow Herb
Reference
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-429-fireweed.aspx?activeingredientid=429&activeingredientname=fireweed
Herbs2000, http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_fireweed.htm