Botanical Overview
Chamerion angustifolium, commonly known as Fireweed or Rosebay willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Onagraceae family. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere including Europe, North America, and Asia. The aerial parts, especially the leaves, flowers, and young shoots, are used medicinally and sometimes as food.
Energetics
This plant is considered energetically neutral in temperature and moistening in moisture. Its taste profile includes sweet, bitter, and astringent notes. Directionality is generally descending and outward, with a relaxing tonicity and a focus on nourishing fluids.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Demulcent
- Diuretic
- Astringent
Indications
Western
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea
- Skin inflammation such as eczema
- Respiratory inflammation including bronchitis
- Prostatitis
Syndromes
- Urinary tract infection
- Irritable bowel conditions
- Eczema
- Bronchitis
TCM
No well-documented traditional Chinese medicine uses identified.
Ayurveda
No documented Ayurvedic indications found.
Unani
No specific Unani medicine uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Phytochemical constituents include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, leucoanthocyanidins, salicylates, and vitamin C, which contribute to the plant’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, demulcent, and astringent effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-4 g dried herb, steeped in hot water, 1-3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 ratio in 45% ethanol, 2-5 mL, 1-3 times daily
- Fresh leaf juice used topically for skin inflammations
Safety & Contraindications
Fireweed is generally safe in moderate doses with no significant toxicity reported. However, there is insufficient data on safety in pregnancy and lactation; thus caution is advised. Potential mild diuretic effects suggest caution when combined with other diuretics.
Astrological Correspondences
No established planetary or elemental rulers have been reliably documented for Chamerion angustifolium.
Selected References
- Community Herbal Monograph on Epilobium angustifolium L., herba – EMA (2017)
- Chamerion angustifolium – Plants For A Future
- Herbs at a Glance: Fireweed – NIH NCCIH (2020)