Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium / Epilobium angustifolium)

Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium / Epilobium angustifolium)

Common Names
  • Rosebay Willowherb
  • Fireweed
  • Bombweed (UK, WWII reference)
  • Great Willowherb
  • Blooming Sally
  • Ivan Chai (in Russian herbalism)
  • Purple Rocket (folk term)

Botanical Description

A tall, striking perennial with bright pink to purplish flowers that bloom on long terminal spikes, Rosebay Willowherb is a pioneer species found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, woodland clearings, and recently burned land — hence the name "fireweed." The plant can grow over 1.5 meters high, with narrow, willow-like leaves spiralling around reddish stems.

Native to the UK, Europe, and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, it thrives in open sunlight and moist, rich soils.

Parts Used
  • Leaves (dried or fresh – primary medicinal use)
  • Aerial parts (flowers and stems – traditionally used in teas)
  • Roots (used in folk remedies but less common)
Constituents
  • Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin)
  • Polyphenols
  • Mucilage
  • Tannins (ellagitannins – astringent compounds)
  • Pectin
  • Vitamin C
  • Gallic and chlorogenic acids
  • Epilobins (unique to willowherbs – antimicrobial)
Actions
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Astringent
  • Demulcent
  • Antimicrobial
  • Soothing to mucosa (digestive and urinary)
  • Mild lymphatic stimulant

Traditional Use

Rosebay Willowherb has long been used in European folk medicine for its cooling, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly supportive of digestive health, soothing gut inflammation, diarrhoea, and mild gastritis.

In Slavic tradition, fermented leaves are used to make "Ivan Chai" – a traditional tea with calming and tonic effects.

  • Internal:

    • Infusion or tea for digestive and urinary tract support, including benign prostate issues in men
    • Helpful in ulcers, IBS, and inflammatory gut conditions

  • External:

    • Poultices or washes for skin irritations, burns, rashes, and insect bites
    • Compresses used historically on wounds and swollen glands

Equine Use

- Applications:
  • Supportive in ulcers, digestive inflammation, or mild colic sensitivity
  • May be beneficial for horses with sensitive stomachs or after antibiotic use
  • Externally for minor skin irritations or mud fever
- Delivery:
  • Dried leaf added to feed (chopped or powdered)
  • Infused as a cool tea rinse for skin
  • Combined with slippery elm or chamomile in GI support blends
⚠ Cautions:
  • Not recommended during pregnancy in mares without professional advice
  • Use in moderation — tannins can reduce nutrient absorption if overused

Canine Use

- Applications:
  • Soothing for gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhoea or mild gastritis
  • Anti-inflammatory for urinary tract irritation
  • Used in calming teas for restlessness, particularly paired with chamomile or lemon balm
- Delivery:
  • Dried herb steeped and cooled, added to food or as a tea
  • Dried powder blended into meals with food-grade oil or broth
⚠ Cautions:
  • Avoid in dogs with known sensitivity to tannins
  • Short-term use recommended for acute cases unless advised by a professional

UK and Isle of Man Folklore

Rosebay Willowherb has a strong folkloric presence in the UK, particularly during and after WWII. It was known as "Bombweed" due to its rapid spread in bombed-out London landscapes, bringing color and hope to devastated areas.

In Isle of Man tradition, the plant was associated with healing after destruction, and it was considered a protective plant. Some folk practices included hanging dried stalks near doors or barns to ward off illness and promote regrowth. It was thought to attract bees and good fortune when planted near homesteads.

Old Manx herbalists sometimes used rosebay willowherb teas to "calm the fires of the stomach", referring to its cooling and anti-inflammatory nature.

Digestion

Inflamation

Rose (Rosa spp.) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)