Mistletoe (viscum album) has long been associated with Christmas and kissing.
The tradition of kissing seems to come from Norse mythology.
Some countries believed that if a girl did not get kissed under the mistletoe, she would not get married before the next year and another chance at a kiss under the mistletoe.
Early Christians believed that mistletoe was an upright tree and the cross was made from Mistletoe.
After the crucifixion the tree was cursed and became the parasite it is today, growing neither on nor in the earth.
Mistletoe is also believed to be extremely toxic by many.
Some say just the berries are toxic and other say the whole plant is.
Modern herbalists seem to agree that it can be toxic and should not be used outside a trained practitioners care.
It appears to be most toxic to children and the elderly.
Mistletoe is a relaxing nervine that soothes and relaxes the nervous system.
It is used for reducing blood pressure and strengthening the walls of the capillaries.
It will also relieve headaches due to high blood pressure.
Combined with Hawthorn and/or balm is probably the best way to use this herb.
Mixing equal parts of Hawthorn, Balm and Mistletoe, using 2 teaspoons of this mix with 1 cup boiling water and steeped for 10 minutes makes a good heart pressure remedy by drinking 1 cup in the morning and 1 cup in the evening.
There is also research showing that Mistletoe has anti-tumor activity much like chemotherapy.
Public interest was aroused in 2001 when Suzanne Sommers chose to use Iscador, which is a mistletoe extract, in lieu of chemotherapy for breast cancer.
She has been criticized by the American Cancer Society for her alternative cancer treatments.
Most research indicates that it works well in cancer cell growth impairment of lung and ovarian cancers.
These treatments are not accepted by the American Food and Drug Administration, but are used in Europe where alternative medicine is more widely accepted.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the bark of another tree.
It is good for the environment as it provides nesting and breeding spots for many birds.
It has sticky white berries that birds carry away and drop, thus reseeding another tree.
The tradition of kissing seems to come from Norse mythology.
Some countries believed that if a girl did not get kissed under the mistletoe, she would not get married before the next year and another chance at a kiss under the mistletoe.
Early Christians believed that mistletoe was an upright tree and the cross was made from Mistletoe.
After the crucifixion the tree was cursed and became the parasite it is today, growing neither on nor in the earth.
Mistletoe is also believed to be extremely toxic by many.
Some say just the berries are toxic and other say the whole plant is.
Modern herbalists seem to agree that it can be toxic and should not be used outside a trained practitioners care.
It appears to be most toxic to children and the elderly.
Mistletoe is a relaxing nervine that soothes and relaxes the nervous system.
It is used for reducing blood pressure and strengthening the walls of the capillaries.
It will also relieve headaches due to high blood pressure.
Combined with Hawthorn and/or balm is probably the best way to use this herb.
Mixing equal parts of Hawthorn, Balm and Mistletoe, using 2 teaspoons of this mix with 1 cup boiling water and steeped for 10 minutes makes a good heart pressure remedy by drinking 1 cup in the morning and 1 cup in the evening.
There is also research showing that Mistletoe has anti-tumor activity much like chemotherapy.
Public interest was aroused in 2001 when Suzanne Sommers chose to use Iscador, which is a mistletoe extract, in lieu of chemotherapy for breast cancer.
She has been criticized by the American Cancer Society for her alternative cancer treatments.
Most research indicates that it works well in cancer cell growth impairment of lung and ovarian cancers.
These treatments are not accepted by the American Food and Drug Administration, but are used in Europe where alternative medicine is more widely accepted.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the bark of another tree.
It is good for the environment as it provides nesting and breeding spots for many birds.
It has sticky white berries that birds carry away and drop, thus reseeding another tree.