What is the benefit of mistletoe extract?
Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on many types of trees, including apple, oak, maple, elm, pine, and poplar. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, headaches, menopausal symptoms, infertility, dermatitis, arthritis, and rheumatism. Mistletoe is well known for causing severe intestinal upset, as well as a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, breathing problems, and even hallucinations (unusual behavior). If a large enough amount of these plants are ingested, seizures and death may follow.Desert mistletoe plants, but not the berries, contain phoratoxins which can easily lead to death via slowed heart rate, increased blood pressure, convulsions, or cardiac arrest. Some of these compounds can cause hallucinations, but there is no way to judge dosage.When taken by mouth: European mistletoe is possibly safe when used appropriately. But taking more than three berries or two leaves is likely unsafe and can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver damage.Until recent studies were published, the American mistletoe genus, Phoradendron, was widely considered to be extremely poisonous. Swallowing American mistletoe can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset but is not likely to cause serious poisoning if small amounts are unintentionally swallowed.
Can mistletoe be used as a drug?
Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that has been used for centuries to treat numerous human ailments. Mistletoe is used commonly in Europe, where a variety of different extracts are manufactured and marketed as injectable prescription drugs. Mistletoe is poisonous, although it is doubtful as to whether it will actually cause death. All parts of the plant are toxic (that’s berries, stem and leaves). The mistletoe plant contains Phoratoxin and Viscotoxin, which are both poisonous proteins when ingested.For the Druids, the mistletoe was a powerful tool for healing. Spiritual leaders of Druid society believed that mistletoe could heal ailments, help with fertility, and even ward off evil ghosts. The plant’s characteristic to remain green throughout the harsh winters symbolized eternal life.Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on many types of trees, including apple, oak, maple, elm, pine, and poplar. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, headaches, menopausal symptoms, infertility, dermatitis, arthritis, and rheumatism.In fact, the Christian Church banned mistletoes for a long time because of its pagan origins. The mistletoe’s symbolic representation of fertility arose because their presence in the canopy of deciduous trees.Mistletoes are often considered pests that kill trees and devalue natural habitats, but some species have recently been recognized as ecological keystone species, organisms that have a disproportionately pervasive influence over their community.
What is mistletoe used for?
European mistletoe is a parasitic vine found in Europe, Northern Africa and Southern Asia that has been used to treat headaches and seizures and more recently as therapy of cancer. Animal and lab studies also indicated that mistletoe had the potential to lower blood pressure, provide cardiovascular benefits, and balance blood sugar, indicating its potential for effectiveness in treating diabetes. Mistletoe has also shown effectiveness as an immune system regulator.Mistletoe has been used as treatment of many diseases in traditional and folk medicine. To date, anticancer, immunomodulatory, cardiac, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuropharmacological, antibacterial and antifungal properties of mistletoe extracts have been studied the most.Although multimodal therapeutic management has significantly improved outcome in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, treatment options for castrate-resistant disease remain challenging. Plant-derived mistletoe extracts have supported cancer patients and are, therefore, widely used as complementary medicine.Scientists have discovered that extracts from mistletoe can stimulate the immune system, encouraging it to recognise and destroy cancer cells. Like an ally in a battle, they activate key immune cells to fight cancer more effectively.Mistletoe was initially used as an herbal remedy by the Greeks and Romans, but the romantic tradition of the kissing under the plant is linked to folklore from Norse mythology.
How to make mistletoe extract?
The fresh soft part of the mistletoe plant (including leaf, stem and/or berries) may be pressed to squeeze the cell-sap, which on dilution with water or sterile physiological saline will provide an aqueous extract. Mistletoe as Medicine. While the berries are poisonous to ingest in large doses, mistletoe has been used homeopathically for years to treat a number of ailments including headaches, seizures, and arthritis.
Where can I find mistletoe?
Mistletoe grows on the branches of trees but despite that, it is not generally found in a woodland setting, preferring hosts in open situations with plenty of light. You’re more likely to see it in gardens, orchards, parkland and even churchyards. Many ancient cultures prized mistletoe for its healing properties—and its romantic symbolism. Kissing under sprigs of mistletoe is a well-known holiday tradition, but this little plant’s history as a symbolic herb dates back thousands of years.It’s long been known as a romantic symbol of Christmas, but the reality is that mistletoe has a darker side to it. For one, it can be poisonous for humans. And what’s more, if you find that it’s growing in your yard, it can kill your other shrubs and trees.And the custom of kissing beneath a frond of mistletoe? That probably evolved from Norse mythology. One of their myths is that because mistletoe is dedicated to the Goddess of Love, if a couple embraces beneath a tree that has a mistletoe plant, they will be healthy and experience good luck.History of The Tradition Mistletoe was one of the few plants that could blossom during the cold winters, so the Druids began to view it as a symbol of vivacity. The Druids began to give mistletoe to humans and animals to restore fertility. Additionally, Norse mythology references mistletoe.