The Natural Health Benefits of Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a common name for many parasitic plants in the Santalaceae, Loranthaceae and Miodendraceae plant families. The European Mistletoe is probably the most common and is easily recognized by its smooth, oval leaves. Scientifically described as Viscum album, the European Mistletoe grows in a wide range of trees, and be fatal to the tree if its growth is excessive. Do not confuse the mistletoe Viscus album with the popular holiday mistletoe Phoradendoron leucarpum, that is used in the United States during the Christmas season.

The leaves and new growth are used by herbalists for treating circulatory and respiratory conditions, and cancer. Mistletoe is currently still under study for the treatment of tumors, and although not approved for use in the United States, Mistletoe is prescribed by doctors in Europe.

Mistletoe is not your usual home remedy herb. Unprocessed mistletoe is very poisonous in either the American or European varieties. Processed mistletoe has been used for hundreds of years to treat seizures, headaches and other ailments including cancer. The new growth "shoots", and the leaves and berries are used to make extracts that can be taken orally or used to create drugs that are given by injection.

Tea can be created with mistletoe. Safe extracts of the herb is sold on the Internet, in health food and herbal stores. You can create a tea by boiling the dried leaves and flowers for 10 minutes then allowing to cool to taste. Mistletoe tea is believed to lower blood pressure, improve circulation and relax muscles.

Its tranquilizing effects have been used to treat mental and physical exhaustion and has been used to prevent the hardening of the arteries. Mistletoe is also believed to relieve the symptoms of malignant tumors, though not cure them. Injections are available in Europe that are thought to relieve rheumatoid arthritis.

Unprocessed mistletoe is very poisonous. Eating raw mistletoe, either the European or American version can cause vomiting, seizures, slowed heart rate, and even death. Because mistletoe has not been proven safe or effective in the treatment of cancer, one should not take mistletoe unless you are part of a clinical trial or test. Natural therapies and herbal medicines should be used adjunctively or complementary to traditional medical treatment. Self-treating serious ailments can be dangerous and possibly life threatening. Always seek out medical assistance when it is needed.

References

Janet C. Maccaro, Natural Health Remedies: An A-Z Family Guide, Siloam Press, 2003

Amy Rost, Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How: Useful Practices, Recipes, and Formulas for a Lifetime of Health, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishing, 2009.