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Viscum album (Loranthaceae)

Botanical Information

Family: Loranthaceae
Common Names: European Mistletoe, White Mistletoe
Parts Used: Leaves, Stems, Berries (⚠️ Toxic—Not Used Internally)

Description

Viscum album, commonly known as European Mistletoe, is a hemiparasitic evergreen shrub that grows on deciduous trees, particularly oak, apple, and hawthorn. It has a long history in European folk medicine, Traditional Western Herbalism, and anthroposophic medicine. Mistletoe is primarily known for its cardiovascular effects, immune-modulating properties, and potential role in cancer support therapies. The plant contains viscotoxins, lectins, and flavonoids, which influence immune activity, blood pressure, and nervous system balance.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in ancient Celtic and Druidic traditions as a sacred plant for rituals and healing.
  • Traditionally employed in European herbalism for epilepsy, hypertension, and nervous disorders.
  • Historically used as a circulatory tonic, helping to lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
  • In anthroposophic medicine, mistletoe extracts have been developed into adjunctive cancer treatments.

Constituents

  • Viscotoxins (Proteins with immune-modulating and cytotoxic effects)
  • Lectins (Affect immune function and cell growth)
  • Flavonoids
  • Polysaccharides
  • Alkaloids
  • Tannins

Actions

  • Hypotensive (Lowers blood pressure)
  • Immune-modulating
  • Nervine (Calming to the nervous system)
  • Mild Sedative
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-tumor (Investigated in cancer therapies)

Medicinal Uses

  1. Cardiovascular Health & Blood Pressure Regulation
    • Traditionally used to lower high blood pressure and improve circulation.
    • Supports vascular relaxation and helps regulate heartbeat.
  2. Nervous System & Epilepsy Support
    • Historically used for epilepsy, nervous tension, and anxiety-related hypertension.
    • Has mild sedative properties that may help in stress-induced high blood pressure.
  3. Immune Modulation & Cancer Therapy (Clinical Use Only)
    • Extracts of Viscum album (e.g., Iscador, Helixor) are used in European cancer treatments.
    • Believed to support immune response, reduce tumor activity, and improve quality of life in cancer patients.
    • Not for self-treatment—should only be used under medical supervision.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief
    • Used in some traditional practices for joint pain, arthritis, and inflammation.

Preparation and Dosage

⚠️ Warning: Berries are toxic and should never be consumed.

Infusion (Tea from Leaves & Stems – Traditional Use for Circulation):

  • 1 tsp of dried leaves per cup of cold water.
  • Cold infusion method: Steep for 12 hours and drink up to twice daily.
  • Do not use a hot infusion, as it may release unwanted alkaloids.

Tincture:

  • 1-3 ml taken up to twice daily (only under professional guidance).

Injectable Extracts (For Cancer Treatment):

  • Only available through licensed medical professionals (e.g., Iscador, Helixor).

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Toxicity Risk: Berries and high doses of mistletoe can be poisonous, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and cardiovascular collapse.
  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid use due to potential uterine-stimulating effects.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Use caution, as mistletoe affects immune modulation.
  • Low Blood Pressure: Can further lower blood pressure, so monitor carefully.
  • Epilepsy: Traditional use exists, but modern research is limited—use with caution.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and grounding; supports circulatory health, nervous system balance, and immune modulation.
European Folk Medicine: Used for high blood pressure, epilepsy, and nervous system disorders.
Anthroposophic Medicine: Employed as an adjunct therapy for cancer and immune modulation.

Combinations

  • For Hypertension & Circulatory Support: Combine with hawthorn and motherwort.
  • For Nervous System & Stress Relief: Blend with skullcap and passionflower.
  • For Joint & Inflammatory Support: Use with turmeric and willow bark.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting:
    • Leaves and stems are collected in late autumn and winter.
    • Berries should not be harvested for internal use due to toxicity.
  • Drying:
    • Air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area to preserve active compounds.
  • Storage:
    • Keep dried material in airtight containers, away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

  • Studies confirm mistletoe’s hypotensive effects, validating its traditional use for high blood pressure.
  • Clinical trials support the use of Viscum album extracts in cancer therapy, showing benefits in immune enhancement and symptom relief.
  • Research suggests viscotoxins and lectins contribute to its immune-modulating properties.

Conclusion

Viscum album (European Mistletoe) is a powerful herb with applications in cardiovascular health, immune modulation, and cancer therapy. However, due to its potential toxicity, it should only be used under professional guidance. While mistletoe extracts are widely used in European cancer treatments, self-medication is not recommended.

💀 ⚠️ Do not consume mistletoe berries. Use only leaves and stems in controlled doses.