Fermented Fireweed Herbal Tea

Fermented Fireweed Tea, lightly fermented Ivan Chai

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), or “willow herb,” is one of the first plants to return after wildfire, bringing color and life back to disturbed land. In traditional use, the leaves were sometimes fermented to develop a deep, fruity aroma and rich flavor—similar to how black tea is made, but naturally caffeine-free.

We hand-harvest fresh fireweed leaves, gently crush and bruise them, then seal them in glass jars for up to 48 hours to ferment. Once ready, the leaves are dried and stored for tea. This process brings out a bold, tangy taste that’s unlike standard herbal teas—smooth, slightly sweet, and wild at heart.

Each batch is lightly fermented and dried by our family in Alberta using sustainable wildcrafting practices.

Brewing Instructions

For a strong daily brew:
Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your desired amount of tea, reduce the heat to low, and let steep for at least one hour—or longer if you have time. Then strain into a large jug and enjoy throughout the day.

For a single cup:
Boil water, pour over 1–2 teaspoons of tea in a heat-safe mug using a reusable or compostable tea bag, and steep to your preference.