Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), commonly known as rosebay willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Eurasia and North America. It is easily recognized by its striking tall spikes of pink or purple flowers and its narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The plant is often found in disturbed areas, such as after forest fires, which is how it earned its common name.

Botanical Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Myrtales
Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Epilobium
Species: Epilobium angustifolium

Plant Characteristics:
Epilobium angustifolium is characterized by:

Size and Shape: A robust perennial that typically grows between 1 to 2 meters tall. It has an erect, unbranched stem that supports a dense spike of flowers.
Leaves: The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and are arranged alternately along the stem. They are typically green and can turn yellow in the fall.
Flowers: The flowers are bright pink to purple, with four petals and four sepals, forming a distinctive spike that blooms from the top downwards. They are usually in full bloom during summer.
Fruit: The fruit is a capsule that splits open to release numerous small seeds, facilitating widespread dispersal.
Soil and Light: Prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It is commonly found in disturbed soils, such as those cleared by fire or construction.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The chemical composition of Epilobium angustifolium includes:

Flavonoids: Includes compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
Tannins: Present in the leaves and stems, contributing to astringent qualities.
Phenolic Compounds: These compounds are associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Essential Oils: Found in smaller quantities, contributing to the plant's medicinal properties.

Uses and Benefits:

Medicinal: Traditionally used in herbal medicine for a variety of ailments. It is often employed as a treatment for urinary tract issues, prostate health, and inflammatory conditions. Research supports some of these uses, especially its role in supporting urinary and prostate health.
Cosmetic: Extracts of Epilobium angustifolium are used in skincare products for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
Aesthetic: The plant is valued in garden design for its attractive flowers and its ability to quickly colonize and stabilize disturbed soils.
Ecological: Plays a role in ecosystem restoration by colonizing disturbed sites and preventing soil erosion.

Applications:

Medicinal: Used in traditional herbal remedies and modern supplements, particularly for urinary and prostate health. The plant's extracts are also utilized in some over-the-counter treatments for inflammation and skin conditions.
Cosmetics: Incorporated into skincare products for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Gardening: Grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and used in wildflower meadows for its vibrant color and rapid growth.
Ecological Restoration: Employed in habitat restoration projects to stabilize soils and promote ecological recovery in disturbed areas.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Generally beneficial in ecological restoration and soil stabilization. It helps to prevent erosion and supports soil health.
Safety: Generally safe for use. However, individuals with allergies to plants in the Onagraceae family should exercise caution. When used medicinally, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and appropriateness for individual health conditions.

INCI:


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Synonyms:

CAS: 90028-31-2 EC number 289-821-5