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Creative Nature Review 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. Medical The white-berried mistletoe, Viscum album, was used as a medicinal plant in cancer by Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, in the early 1900s. He found that mistletoe supports the body's functions, which are vital for healing processes, and therefore can strengthen the body's defence against cancer. Mistletoe is chiefly used to lower blood pressure and heart rate, ease anxiety and promote sleep. In low doses it can also relieve panic attacks and headaches, and also improves the ability to concentrate. The plant's efficacy as an anticancer treatment has been subject to a significant amount of research - there is no doubt that certain constituents of the plant, especially the viscotoxins, exhibit an anticancer activity when correctly prepared using. Properties Antispasmodic, Cardio tonic, Cytostatic, Diuretic, Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), Narcotic, Nervine, Tonic, Vasodilator. May help reduce the risk/ symptoms of the following occurring Anxiety Arteriosclerosis Chorea (spasms of limbs, trunk and facial muscles, common to diseases of the central nervous system) Depression Headaches High blood pressure and heart rate Hypertension Hysteria Insomnia Nervous tachycardia (excessive rapid heart rate) 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 (i.e. they dissolve cancer cells). The lectins are related to castor-oil plant lectins. The mistletoe lectins have cytostatic properties (i.e. they inhibit the growth of cancer cells). Please note all research on the use of Mistletoe as an anti-cancer drug are from studies using intravenous administration of mistletoe extract, not from oral administration using teas. How it works The biological activity of mistletoe extracts can be demonstrated in the test tube. The cells multiply in a nutrient solution. Growth of a human leukaemia cell line (Molt H) in a cell culture is stopped by mistletoe extract. Cytostasis occurs because the extract prevents intracellular protein synthesis and cell division. Microscopic examination shows a marked reduction of cell numbers. Animal sarcoma cells (Yoshida) are destroyed by mistletoe extract activity on the cell membrane, and causes cytolysis. Microscopic examination shows that the cells are dead. The extracts are obtainable by prescription. 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 |
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