17/08/2025
Ever since giving up caffeine, I’ve been obsessing with Ivan Chai — also known as fireweed tea. For me, it’s the most beautiful alternative to black tea: deep and malty in flavour, with a calm, steady lift that feels nourishing rather than jittery.
Traditionally drunk across Russia and Eastern Europe, this wildflower tea was once called a cure for “all ailments of body and soul.” Today, research supports what folk healers knew: it’s rich in antioxidants, soothing for digestion, anti-aging for skin, balancing for the nervous system, and protects against inflammation, oxidative stress and microbial infections.
You’ll spot fireweed across the UK, rising in tall pink spires through meadows and woodland edges. It’s often the first flower to appear after fire or disturbance — a symbol of resilience, renewal and strength. That’s exactly what it offers our bodies.
The leaves are gathered as the flowers bloom, gently rolled and fermented before drying, which brings out a flavour close to oolong. Tricky to make at home, but thankfully available from herbal suppliers.
A cup of Ivan Chai feels like a grounding breath, like drinking in the soft summer dusk.
We’ll be doing tastings at Cloud Twelve next week — come and join us. 🍵
