HINTERLAND APOTHECARY
Fireweed
Anti-inflammatory preparations
WORDS LORI SNYDER
ARTWORK DARCY TARA
T
he Cree call it ihkapaskwa, “flowering when the
moose are fattening and mating.” The Objibwa
say zhoshkid jeebik or oja’cid’bik, referring to
its slippery root. The Cheyenne in Montana call it “red
medicine.” The English call it fireweed.
A healer of burns, fireweed is the first plant to appear
after a landscape has been damaged by forest fires or
volcanic eruptions. It works similarly in the digestive system, where it acts as an effective anti-inflammatory.
Fresh fireweed leaves can be quite sour and
unpleasant, so it is often dried, which results in a
flavour similar to green tea but without the caffeine.
The Siberians ferment the leaves, Russians ovenroast them, and Chinese use pygmy fireweed as a
styptic to control bleeding.
The freshly squeezed flowers and leaves have
antiseptic properties, and their dry, cooling effects
provide relief for sufferers of psoriasis, eczema, acne,
burns, and wounds. Gargled in an infusion, the flowers
help soothe sore throats, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. A
decoction of the whole plant reduces symptoms from
hiccups, whooping cough, and asthma.
Warning: Fireweed leaves contain substances, which like grapefruit juice, can enhance the action of pharmaceutical drugs by up to 7 times.
Lori Snyder is a Métis herbalist from Vancouver, BC.
Her journey has led her to develop a strong relationship
with her communtiy and a healthy lifestyle promoted by
natural health.
Darcy Tara is a nature artist from the Han Whech’in Nation.
Having grown up in the Yukon and having spent a lot of
time in taiga forests, all of Darcy’s artwork is a homage to
the Spirit of Nature.
Ingredients
1 tsp dried fireweed leaves
1/2 tsp rose hips
1/4 tsp fireweed flowers
12 oz boiling water
Method
VOYAGEUR TEAS
1
2
Bring water to a boil.
3
4
Place both water and tea bag in cup.
Combine ingredients and place in infuser or
similar reusable tea bag.
Infuse for 10 minutes or until desired strength is
achieved.
SPRING/SUMMER 2016
21