Mistletoe Herb Profile
Also known as- Phoradendron flavescens, American Mistletoe, Christmas Mistletoe, American and Oak Mistletoe.
Introduction
Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant. It grows on the branches of host deciduous trees and forms clusters or "bushes" from 20 to 60 inches (50-150 cm) in diameter, drawing all its nourishment from the tree on which it grows. Small flowers mature in to sticky, greenish- or yellowish-white berries that remain on the plant throughout the winter.
Kissing under the mistletoe is a holiday tradition that began with the Greek festival of Saturnalia, celebrated in late December. The Druids believed that mistletoe protected its possessors from all misfortunes, and used it as an aphrodisiac, an antidote for poison, and to bestow long life and fertility. One strain of Christian myth teaches that the mistletoe was once the tree that was used for the lumber to make the cross; the plant shriveled in shame and became a parasite.
Constituents
Amines (acetylcholine, choline, histamine, GABA and tyramine), antioxidant flavonoids (quercitin, chalcone and flavone derivatives), and terpenoids (beta-amyrin, betulinic acid, oleanic acid, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ursolic acid, lupeol and ester combinations), as well as caffeic and myristic acids, mucilage, and tannins.
Parts Used
The entire plant, dried.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea or tincture. The anti-cancer drug Iscadore is derived from mistletoe, but mistletoe teas do not have a documented anti-cancer effect.
Summary
Mistletoe teas slow the pulse and lower blood pressure. They are most appropriate for treating the symptoms of high blood pressure, for example, headaches or dizziness, rather than as a primary treatment for high blood pressure. Traditional herbal medicine also uses mistletoe to treat arthritic pain and snoring.
Precautions
Mistletoe should be avoided during pregnancy, since it can stimulate uterine contractions. It is recommended that a qualifies practitioner administer this material.
