- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, Africa (north)
- Other names
- Mistletoe
Europe · Herb · № 239
Viscum album
Herb · Europe
Mistletoe
Viscum album
Traditionally attributed effects: slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, antitumour.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. The berries are poisonous. Not in pregnancy. Restricted in some countries. Not in pregnancy (except for a desired induction). Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: The berries are poisonous. Not in pregnancy. Restricted in some countries. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Western herbalism: Not in pregnancy (except for a desired induction). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
According to Pliny the druids cut mistletoe from oaks with a golden sickle. In Norse myth the god Baldr was killed with an arrow of mistletoe; the custom of kissing under the mistletoe is said to derive from this. Rudolf Steiner introduced mistletoe extracts into anthroposophical cancer treatment; studies show no convincing effect on survival. In herbal magic associated with healing, protection, love and fertility.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, antitumour.
Preparation and amount
Young leafy twigs.
Caution: The berries are poisonous. Not in pregnancy. Restricted in some countries. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Strengthens the nerves, antispasmodic, tonic, calming; reduces epilepsy/convulsions, improves circulation, for high blood pressure and oedema, regulates the heartbeat, relaxes pelvic cramps.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tea, tincture.
Caution: Not in pregnancy (except for a desired induction). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Healing, protection, love, fertility, sleep, luck.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
According to the druids especially powerful when it grows on an oak.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Tincture