The pink blooms of the fireweed plant are a common sight across Ireland at this time of year. It is one of the first plants to grow in a damaged by fire area, bringing healing and renewal to the Earth. Fireweed is also known as Russian tea or Ivan Chai. The Russians have invented the process of Ivan Chai fermentation. At the time of the Czars, Ivan Tea was exported to the rest of Europe. It was Russia’s second highest export at its peak of popularity, second only to wheat. In Russia it is called a warrior tea, as it provides stamina and energy, physical strength and renewal.
