Mistletoe, Dried
(also referred to as...)
European Mistletoe, Biroume
Latin Name: Viscum album
Family: Loranthaceae
Description
Mostly found on old apple trees, mistletoe is a parasitic plant that lives entirely off its host. However, not all of its 30 varieties are parasites. For the Druids, it was a sacred plant that was thought to protect from all evil. On the other hand, if a mistletoe fell to the ground it was said to be a sign of misfortune coming over the country.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
This plant is a relaxing nervine and was once called the "janitor herb" due to its cleansing effect on the arteries. It is used in insomnia, nervous excitability, hyperactivity, epilepsy, chorea, tinnitus, and rabies. It helps ease headaches due to hypertension. Mistletoe is considered a cardiac depressant because of its stimulating effect on the vagus nerve which slows down the pulse. The plant also dilates the arteries and strengthens the walls of the peripheral capillaries. Due to these actions it will lower high blood pressure and ease the effects of arteriosclerosis.
Some success has been reported in using the juice of the berries externally on cancers (do not take internally as they are toxic). There is some rather promising evidence on mistletoe's anti-tumour activities. It is sometimes used as an immune enhancer alongside surgery and radiotherapy by people who will not use cytotoxic drugs due to the side-effects. Mistletoe is a strong luteotropic agent (an agent that stimulates the secretion of progesterone).
Source
Aerial portions of plant.
Preparations
Infusion: Three teaspoons of herb are infused with three cups cold water for several hours and taken in three doses.
Tincture: Take 20 to 40 drops of tincture three times daily.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
There is some controversy over the herb's supposed toxic effect on the liver, but to date it is unsubstantiated.
Do not use during pregnancy.
Avoid if you have low blood pressure.
Do not ingest the berries as the can be fatal.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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