Mistletoe

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

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.

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