What are the benefits of mistletoe injections?
European mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of conditions, including seizures, headaches, and menopause symptoms. Today, European mistletoe is promoted as a treatment for cancer. In Europe, European mistletoe extracts that are given by injection are sold as 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.Most of these studies were anecdotal,” says Dr. Salner. It seems that mistletoe might be able to help improve patients’ quality of life – especially when combined with modern treatment like chemotherapy or radiation – but we haven’t been able to prove any consistent survival advantage.Side effects from the use of mistletoe extracts include soreness and inflammation at injection sites, headache, fever, chills, nausea, and feeling very tired. A few cases of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported.Preliminary trials carried out using oral mistletoe have found it can reduce the symptoms of high blood pressure, particularly headaches and dizziness. However, mistletoe has a small (if any) effect on actually lowering blood pressure.
Why is mistletoe bad?
Some mistletoe is poisonous, so it is always wise to use care when handling the plant. Different parts of the plant and different species have varying levels of toxicity. And while birds and wildlife eat the berries, it isn’t something you want your family members, including pets, to ingest. 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.Ingestions of up to 20 berries and five leaves were reported. In cases where five or more berries were consumed, none of the patients had symptoms. Three of the 11 patients who swallowed 1-5 leaves developed gastrointestinal upset. One child had a seizure, but it could not be clearly connected to mistletoe.According to mistletoe etiquette, a man should remove a berry when he kisses a woman. And when the last berry is gone, the kissing is over. It’s safe to kiss under the mistletoe but hang it high or opt for the artificial sprigs as the berries are poisonous to people and pets.European mistletoe berries and leaves can cause serious harmful effects when taken orally. Injected European mistletoe extract may cause soreness and inflammation at the injection site, headache, fever, and chills. A few severe allergic reactions have been reported.
What’s wrong with mistletoe?
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. Damage Caused Infected trees have slower growth rates and reduced seed production. The parasite also can kill the tree the directly. The length of time it takes for mistletoe to kill a tree depends on the age of the tree, how vigorous the tree is, and how heavily infested the tree is with mistletoe.
Is mistletoe good for the immune system?
European mistletoe can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking European mistletoe along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications. 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.In several studies mistletoe has been found to increase certain white blood cells called lymphocytes including natural killer cells. Mistletoe treatment seems to help decrease the immunosuppressive effects of surgery.Mistletoe extracts are used to treat a variety of conditions including cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, and degenerative joint disease. Preclinical studies indicate that mistletoe extracts have anticancer effects, with lectins being the active constituents.Cardiovascular Health Some research suggests that mistletoe may benefit cardiovascular (heart) health. Once again, though, human trials are lacking in this area, and more research is needed to confirm mistletoe’s potential role in heart health.For centuries, mistletoe has been a symbol of vitality and fertility. The Druids, ancient Celtic priests, revered it, especially when found growing on oak trees. They believed it had magical properties and used it in rituals to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
Who should not take mistletoe?
Contraindications for mistletoe therapy You are allergic to mistletoe, which is very rare. You have a high fever or inflammatory/infectious disease. You have an autoimmune disease with very distinct symptoms or you are treated with an agent suppressing your immune response (immunosuppressive therapy). There is no specific mistletoe poisoning treatment. If you’re at the hospital, they will likely monitor your vital signs like heart rate and breathing. They may provide fluids to prevent dehydration or medication to manage symptoms like severe vomiting.