Mistletoe

Christopher Hobbs:

“Mistletoe is useful for lowering blood pressure and has a sedative effect on the nervous system. It has been used for arteriosclerosis, for its antitumor activity, and as a compress for varicose veins. A specially prepared fermented extract of mistletoe is used in Europe as a cancer-remedy.

Dr. Rudolph Weiss, the renowned medical herbalist and doctor from Germany, gives the dose of mistletoe cold maceration as one cup, morning and evening, prepared by steeping 2-4 teaspoons of chopped, dried herb in about 8 ounces of cool water overnight for the morning dose, and in the morning for the evening dose. He also recommends a tea for mild hypertension, as follows.

Equal parts of:

• Mistletoe herb
• Hawthorn leaves, flowers
• Lemon balm herb

Steep 2 teaspoons in a cup of warm water for 5-10 minutes, drink 1 cup morning and evening.

Mistletoe has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COOL.”

Mistletoe, especially European mistletoe (Viscum album), has a long history of medicinal use in various cultures, primarily in Europe, where it was used for treating epilepsy, high blood pressure, and joint inflammation. Historically, it was also a symbol of fertility and protection.

Modern Clinical Uses

In modern herbalism and naturopathy, mistletoe is primarily used as an adjunct treatment for cancer. It is often administered in injectable forms under trade names like Iscador or Helixor. Herbalists and naturopaths may also use it for immune modulation, cardiovascular conditions, and as a mild sedative.

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Mistletoe contains biologically active compounds, including lectins, viscotoxins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. Lectins are particularly notable for their immune-stimulating properties and are thought to trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cells. Viscotoxins, another component, have cytotoxic effects but in lower doses can stimulate the immune response.

Clinical Trials

Clinical studies on mistletoe have shown mixed results, with some evidence suggesting that mistletoe extract may improve quality of life, reduce side effects of chemotherapy, and possibly prolong survival in cancer patients. However, large-scale, double-blind studies are limited, and mistletoe therapy is still controversial in mainstream oncology.

In summary, mistletoe is primarily recognized today for its potential as an adjunct cancer therapy with immune-modulating effects, though it requires professional guidance due to its complex pharmacology and potential toxicity.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs