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Viscum album (Loranthaceae)
MISTLETOE
Mistletoe is a true parasite, which may explain the strong magical associations that the plant attracted,
and which are still evident in the custom of hanging it in
houses at Christmas. For the ancient druids it was sacred, and sprigs were held to dispel evil spirits.
The Latin name Viscum refers to the stickiness of the seeds, a property essential to the propagation of mistletoe,
as its seed must stick to the trunk of its host long enough to germinate and insert a specialized root into the bark for nutrients.
Native to Europe, mistletoe has evergreen, leathery, oar-shaped leaves and tiny flowers in early summer,
followed by pale-green to white berries that ripen in late autumn.
PARTS USED
Leaves, berries.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Glycoproteins; viscotoxins;
phenolic acids; flavonoids; lignans.
ACTIONS
Dilates the blood vessels; lowers blood pressure; sedative; reputedly anticancer.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for high blood pressure associated with arterial disease, particularly when nervous conditions are present.
PREPARATIONS
Decoction, tincture, tablets.
CAUTION
Use only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. |
