Latin Name
Viscum album

General Description
Mistletoe was sacred to the Celtic Druids of Europe, who depended on this parasitic, evergreen plant, found on the branches of deciduous trees, to guard them from evil. Today mistletoe is widely known as part of a Christmas kissing ritual. There is a great deal of controversy concerning mistletoe's medicinal value. Although the leaves are reputed to be an effective remedy for high blood pressure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled this herb "unsafe" and does not approve of its use in treating any illnesses. The active constituents responsible for mistletoe's toxicity are proteins called viscotoxins, which slow and weaken the heartbeat and constrict blood vessels.

Mistletoe is believed to be a poisonous plant, to be used, if at all, only under the supervision of a health care professional.

Target Ailments

• High blood pressure and cancer. (In conjunction with conventional medical treatment.)

Preparations
Home remedies using mistletoe are not recommended. Check with an herbalist for other herbs that serve the same functions.

Special Information

• WARNING: Mistletoe is a poisonous herb, potentially fatal. You should not take it unless instructed to do so by a health care professional.
  
• According to a string of studies conducted over the past 25 years in Germany, mistletoe impairs the growth of tumor cells in test tubes. No conclusions have been reached, although research is still being conducted to determine the herb's potential use in cancer chemotherapy.