European Mistletoe

Other names : Viscum Album, Bois de Sainte-Croix, Devil’s Fuge, Herbe de Chevre

Evergreen parasitic plant, native to Europe, European Mistletoe is considered a poisonous herb, causing stomach problems, diarrhea and low pulse. According to an old legend, European Mistletoe became a parasite because the Cross was made from its wood. Many other superstitions about European Mistletoe are known today, but the most common is a Greek one saying that if you kiss your partner under mistletoe, you will have a blissful, long lasting marriage. In older times, the kiss under mistletoe was sometimes equivalent to an engagement. Unmarried women also used to keep sanctified mistletoe under their pillows at night, to dream their future husband. Although mistletoe is often used as a Christmas decoration, an old superstition says that you shouldn’t bring it into your home before New Year’s Eve because it will bring you major financial struggles in the next year. Also, you shouldn’t throw mistletoe right after the Holidays because it’s a sign of bad luck; you should keep it until next year.

Berries, leaves and stem of European Mistletoe have medicinal properties and were considered curative in many ailments, especially epilepsy and convulsive nervous disorders, hysteria and sleep disorders. Chemicals contained in European Mistletoe are cardiotonic, having immediate hypotensive action and leading to bradycardia. Although the empiric use can damage the myocardium, pharmaceutical products are precisely dosed and safe for administration.

European Mistletoe is also known for its hemostatic effect, being able to stop nasal bleeding, lung and intestinal hemorrhages (in typhus and dysentery). Useful in atherosclerosis and circulatory problems, European Mistletoe can normalize menstrual periods and treat menopause symptoms. Since 1920, especially in Europe, European Mistletoe was used in the treatment of various types of cancers (breast, stomach, colon cancer) and hepatitis C or to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, further research is needed. Other uses of European Mistletoe include asthma, whooping cough, liver and gallbladder disease while an ointment obtained from cold worked lard and fresh, white mistletoe berries is very effective for frostbites and failing joints.