As mistletoe is the name of a plant genus that grows as a semi-parasite in the branches of larger trees. The plant often appears spherical and of various sizes and, through branching with its host, reaches water and all the necessary nutrients.
Occurrence and cultivation of mistletoe
The geographic distribution of the mistletoe is very extensive - different types of mistletoe can be found from temperate climates to the tropics and subtropics.
Depending on the delimitation criteria used, the mistletoe genus includes up to 1,400 different species. The plant body is densely branched and bush-shaped, occupied by leaves with a diameter of just 1 to 3 millimeters.
Depending on the type of mistletoe, white, blue or red berries form on the leaves of the mistletoe at different times of the year. These are surrounded by a coat of sticky consistency, which ensures that the mistletoe seeds stick to the nearest host after being spread by birds or wind.
Application & use
Using the mistletoe in medicine and medicine goes back thousands of years. Even in the earliest records of the Celts and Romans, mistletoe is mentioned, which at that time was regarded as sacred and could only be harvested by druids for ritual activities in compliance with strict regulations.
Mistletoe owes its earlier reputation as a "magic plant" to its positive effect on a wide variety of health problems. Mistletoe is also of great importance as a natural remedy in modern medicine. The mistletoe is usually presented in the form of tea. This is prepared with cold water, as mistletoe contains harmful toxins that would dissolve and unfold in hot water. Mistletoe can be purchased already dried in conventional tea bags.
However, the use of fresh mistletoe is considered more effective, as active ingredients can be lost through drying. The tea made from mistletoe can also be used externally. The tea is placed on the skin in the form of compresses or added to the water as a bath additive. In some cases, the dried leaves of mistletoe are even sniffed.
In addition to these primitive forms of administration of the mistletoe plant, there are also various ready-made preparations and ointments that use the healing power of mistletoe and expand it with additional components.
Significance for health, treatment & prevention
The range of diseases with the help of the mistletoe treated is very far-reaching. The main area of application is the treatment of irregularities in blood pressure.
By taking mistletoe tea, which has a stimulating and regulating effect on the circulatory system, a blood pressure-increasing but also a blood-lowering effect can be achieved. Secondary diseases of high blood pressure, such as heart failure or arteriosclerosis, can also be prevented by the healing power of mistletoe. Mistletoe also has a hemostatic effect. It is often given after birth to keep the weekly flow low. Mistletoe tea is also recommended for menstrual cramps.
A significant reduction in bleeding and an alleviation of the associated complaints, such as abdominal pain or digestive problems, are often found. The regulating active ingredients of mistletoe can also have a positive influence on women going through menopause. Applied externally, mistletoe unfolds its beneficial effects, for example on itchy or even bleeding skin eczema.
Skin stressed by neurodermatitis or psoriasis is soothed by the application of mistletoe compresses and with long-term use even more resistant to harmful environmental influences. Wraps soaked in mistletoe tea are also used to relieve rheumatic, arthritic or neuralgic pain.
The healing power of mistletoe is even used in cancer therapy. However, it is very controversial to what extent the healing of such a serious disease can be usefully supplemented with herbal supplements. Although the effectiveness of mistletoe preparations has been backed up by numerous studies, treatment of cancer by homeopathy alone is not recommended in any case.
Rather, the conventional medical treatment of the disease should be supplemented by the natural active ingredients of mistletoe, for example to alleviate the symptoms caused by chemotherapy and to increase the patient's well-being in general.
