Blooming in July, rosebay willowherb, a perennial member of the evening primrose family, is common all over Europe, USA and Canada. It’s also known colloquially as ‘fireweed’ as it’s often one of the first plants to appear after forest fires. The entire plant, root, stalk, leaves and flowers are all considered safe for use. The fresh juice was used by Native Americans for burns and skin irritations. Even today in Canada, it is a common ingredient in skincare products for women and aftershaves for men. The young stalks, which taste remarkably like asparagus, can be baked, boiled, pickled or steamed and are a highly nutritious source of vitamin C, flavonoids and beta carotene. An infusion can be made from the flowers and leaves and the root can be made into a tincture. In fact, an infusion made from the leaves and flowers was once a very popular beverage throughout Russia and the rest of Europe in both its dried leaf form and as a fermented black tea known as ‘Ivan Chai’.

- The leaf is cooling and drying in its action and therefore soothing to hot, damp conditions.

- It is said to be an excellent prostate tonic for men. In fact, it is listed in the European Pharmacopeia as a traditional remedy for this problem.

- Reputed to strengthen circulation, support the kidneys and urinary system.

- Fireweed has a solid history of use as an antibacterial, demulcent, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, neuroprotective and alterative tonic.

- Said to have a higher vitamin C content than citrus fruits or rosehips and it’s thought to be even higher in colder climates.

- Traditionally, it has been used for bronchial conditions, coughs, colds, laryngitis and the flowers can be used as a gargle in warm water for sore throats.

- Helps with insomnia and relieves tension headaches and migraines.

- The young spring shoots can be harvested in May and used as a pot herb or treated like asparagus.

- The ‘tea’ is entirely caffeine free and non-addictive.