Mistletoe: Healing Effects and Use of the Medicinal Plant

Mistletoe is mysterious, romantic and already in Celtic belief it is said to have healing properties. In this article you will find out what it is all about and how to use mistletoe.

The medicinal properties of mistletoe

Mistletoe is a semi-parasite that grows on trees. What at first sounds like an insult is simply a description of a shrub that feeds on its host, usually conifers or deciduous trees. Here the mistletoe shows that it is not like other medicinal plants. She is unusual and has a lot up her sleeve. Mistletoe has healing properties for numerous ailments. However, remember to always consult your GP.

• Mistletoe helps to lower blood pressure and relieve circulatory problems, a study with rats shows. The plant also helps with digestive and metabolic disorders. You can also use the healing power for constipation, for example.
• Thanks to the endorphins released in the body by mistletoe, the medicinal plant can also relieve pain, anxiety or depression.
• Externally, it is used against rheumatism or arthrosis and probably also helps eczema to subside.
• The haemostatic effect of mistletoe has been known since Sebastian Kneipp. Those who also suffer from nausea can also benefit from mistletoe, as it calms the stomach.
• Preparations made from mistletoe are even used to support cancer therapy. The lectins present in the plant inhibit tumor growth, as can be read in Deutsches Ärzteblatt. In addition, well-being should be improved during chemotherapy.

How to use mistletoe

As with all natural remedies, application is not quite as simple as taking a pill. However, with the right information, using mistletoe is not rocket science. By the way: If you would like to have mistletoe in your own garden, simply spread a few of the white mistletoe berries in the crevices in the bark on the trees. The seeds are then shed again by birds that have eaten the berries and end up on the host tree.

• Ready-made mistletoe tinctures and mistletoe tea can be bought in almost every pharmacy or online.
• If you prefer to make the tea yourself: For one liter of tea, simply soak 2-4 teaspoons of the dried mistletoe in water overnight and heat it up the next morning, but do not boil it.
• The so-called cold approach describes cut mistletoe leaves that have been left in water overnight. The mixture can be used as a poultice for varicose veins, eczema or rheumatic complaints.
• In addition to the envelope, you can also use ready-made mistletoe ointments for external use. You can also buy these in pharmacies or online.
• However, please note: raw mistletoe berries and sprigs are poisonous and not edible.