Name
Mistletoe

Latin Name
Viscum album

Origin
Poland

All mistletoe species live on trees as semi-parasites, meaning they draw water and minerals from the host tree. Mistletoe bushes grow on the branches of such common tree species as oak, apple, elm, pine, birch, and maple.

Cultivated / Parts Used
Dried root of the plant

(Please note Mistletoe berries are highly poisonous and should not be consumed.)

History of Use

Magical
Mistletoe has been used for many years and for many purposes. The Druids revered the mistletoe, especially when found growing on an oak. Some interesting magical uses of mistletoe include protection from lightning storms, disease, misfortune of every kind, and fires.
A ring of carved mistletoe was said to ward of sickness when worn, and the plant will cure fresh wounds quickly when carried. It was said to aid conception and leaving it near the bedroom door or under the pillow mistletoe gives restful sleep and beautiful dreams. Burned mistletoe was said to banish evil.


Nutritional Breakdown
Mistletoe contains, among other constituents, two groups of toxins: viscotoxins and lectins. The molecular and pharmacological actions of viscotoxins are closely related to those of snake venom. They have cytolytic action. The lectins are related to castor-oil plant lectins. The mistletoe lectins have cytostatic properties.

Contraindications/Interactions
The berries are highly poisonous and the berries should only be prescribed by a qualified practitioner. Those on heart or blood pressure medication should exercise extreme caution as the combination of the two may cause blood pressure and heart activity to drop to dangerously low levels. Mistletoe also acts as a sedative so don't take it along with other medications that depress the central nervous system, such as anaesthetics, hypnotics and sedatives, narcotics, and tranquilizers. Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Instructions For Use/Dosages
Use 1 teaspoon per cup for a herbal infusion. The dried root can be powdered and taken internally, or made into a tincture with spirits or wine, a decoction may be made by boiling 1-2 oz (25-50g) of root with ½ pint of water for around 10 minutes, take a 1 tablespoonful dose several times a day.

Supporting Research
See: Iscador by Robert W. Gorter, MD