Fireweed
Scientific names: Epilobium angustifolium, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium spicatum
Family: Onagraceae
Alternate names: Adelfilla, Blood Vine, Blooming Sally, Bouquet Rouge, Chanerol, Épilobe, Épilobe en Épi, Épilobe à Feuilles Étroites, Epilobio, Flowering Willow, French Willow, Great Willow Herb, Great Willowherb, Herbe de San Antonio, Laurier de San Antonio, Persian Willow, Purple Rocket, Rosebay Willow, Tame Withy, Wickup, Wicopy, Willow Herb
Actions: Analgesic, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Prostate, Reproductive effect
Background
Fireweed is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above ground are used to make medicine.
People use fireweed for migraine, the common cold, stomach ulcers, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
People use fireweed for migraine, the common cold, stomach ulcers, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fireweed is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fireweed is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fireweed is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fireweed is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- A mental state in which a person is confused and unable to think clearly.
- A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis).
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers).
- Burns.
- Cancer.
- Common Cold.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
- Insomnia.
- Leg sores caused by weak blood circulation (venous leg ulcer).
- Low levels of red blood cells in people with a long-term illness (anemia of chronic disease).
- Migraine.
- Painful urination due to swelling (inflammation) of the urethra (urethral syndrome).
- Sore throat (pharyngitis).
- Stomach ulcers.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the stomach (gastritis).
- Swimmer's ear (otitis externa).
- Tumors without cysts or liquid (solid tumors).
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of fireweed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for fireweed. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Fireweed interacts with any medicines. Before taking Fireweed, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Fireweed might contain substances that reduce swelling (inflammation).
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/04/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 05/06/2018 20:47:12. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
