Mistletoe Extract
Species Name: Viscum album
Also Known As: European mistletoe, common mistletoe, herb of the cross, golden bough, holy wood
This shrub, parasitic in nature, grows on the body of other trees collecting nutrients from its host. It can be seen growing on apple, pear, cherry and poplar trees and very rarely oak trees.
Birds feed from the seeds and they are re-deposited on the branches of other trees. The word mistle means "dung" and toe means "twig" as used by the Anglo-Saxons.
Mistletoe will also grow without a host tree and can live up to 70 years.
Native to Great Britain and Europe it has white berries and is considered to be a poisonous plant. It is important to note that eating any part of the mistletoe plant is potentially toxic.
There are different kinds of this shrub. American mistletoe does not have the same medicinal value as European mistletoe and the two should not be confused.
What is mistletoe extract? The extract comes from the European mistletoe and the whole plant can be used in the extract. It can also be found in tea, capsule and raw herb. Mistletoe extract may differ based on the type of host tree, when the plant is harvested and the species of mistletoe.
Home Remedies Using Mistletoe Extract
Benefits and Uses of Mistletoe Extract
Mistletoe has roots in the Ancient past and was thought to have mystical portent and medicinal power. It was seen as an aphrodisiac, representative of male fertility, used as a cure for sterility and considered to be an "all-heal". If it was seen growing on an oak tree it was thought to be of great value and removed with a golden sickle.
Today mistletoe is seen as an antispasmodic and immune stimulator. It can be used for hysteria, asthmatic attacks and nervous fits. It has narcotic effects on the body and has been used as a sleep aid.
It is thought to lower the heart rate and blood pressure and to be helpful to the digestive system.
Mistletoe extract is used for symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and hormonal issues. It is also thought to reduce menstrual flow and help with after birth bleeding.
This extract is currently one of the most widely studied alternative medicine therapies for cancer. It is thought to be a cytostatic which is something that inhibits cell growth and cell multiplication. It is also thought that this extract can have the opposite effect on cancer causing it to multiply.
In some European countries, European mistletoe is among the most prescribed therapies for cancer patients and some of the products are made and sold under brand names including: Iscador (also called Iscar) Eurixor and Helixor.
Side Effects of Mistletoe Extract
Although mistletoe extracts appear to be safe, all parts of the mistletoe are toxic or poisonous to humans. Eating any part of the mistletoe plant is potentially toxic.
A few cases of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported.
May interact with other drugs, alcohol and herbs.
Mistletoe is not recommended for use in children or for women during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Please consult with a doctor or herbalist before using mistletoe extract.
