Description

A perennial root-sprouting herb with erect cylindrical stems with little branching. The leaves are alternate, sessile, lanceolate, acuminate, dark green, from below glaucous-green, the flowers are purplish-pink, clustered in the long end of the brush. Corolla with four petals. The calyx is deeply divided, with eight stamens, a pistil with a four-part stigma and a lower ovary. The fruit is a long four-sided pod-shaped box. Seeds are numerous, with a fluffy white tuft. Height 60 – 120 cm.

The time of flowering. June-July.

Habitat. It grows in dry sandy places, on forest edges, bushes, in clearings, embankments, along roads and ditches.

The part used. Grass (stems, leafage, flowers) and leaves.

The time of collection. June-July.

Chemical composition

Not studied in detail. It is known that the roots and leaves contain from 10 to 20% of tannins, the leaves have up to 15% of mucus and about 0.1% of an unexplored alkaloid.

Application

Non-fermented rosebay leaf is used in herbal teas and collections, fermented Ivan-tea leaf is used as an independent drink. The taste is not fermented rosebay leaf is much less bright, but also quite enjoyable.

Method of application

1 tablespoon of dry herb rosebay insists 1-2 hours in 1 glass of boiling water, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.