Product Review

Fireweed AKA Willowherb (Epilobium Angustifolium) - Fireweed has slender upright stalks with willowy leaves that reach about 3 feet in height. Firweed gets wonderful spikes of flowers in shades of pink in the months of June - September. While it spreads itself around by wandering roots, it is easy to control. The leaves of fireweed and young shoot tips are edible, raw or cooked. Early season shoots of this willowherb plant are considered to be delicacy by some, and are harvested late spring or early in the summer. Shoots and young stems are peeled and can be eaten raw or steamed as a substitute for asparagus. When properly prepared soon after picking they are a good source of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. Epilobium angustifolium has been used in herbal medicine to reduce inflammation, as a relaxant, laxative and to treat burns, coughs and asthma. Epilobium angustifolium is also used as a sweetener in candy and for honey production.