What is Mistletoe?
Mostly used as an ornament for festive occasions, Mistletoe is a very popular yet misunderstood plant. Many people think that it is a toxic plant that can only be used for decoration. This, however, is only partly true. There are over 900 species of mistletoe and while it is true that some of them are toxic, there are some that are not only non-toxic but also great for health.
Mistletoe and its extracts have been used in Europe as a health tonic since the time of Ancient Greeks. In modern days, it is mostly given as an injection, which is quite a different from the ways other herbs are administered. Though tinctures and teas also exist, the injectable form is most efficacious.
Benefits of Mistletoe
- It reduces hypertension and lowers the heart rate. This makes it an effective supplement for those with coronary heart disease
- It is great for calming down the nervous system and has been used for this purpose for hundreds of years. Its ability to relax the nerves promotes good sleep, and can be used by insomniacs to regulate their sleep cycle
- It has been found to cause the death of certain types of cancer cells. It also reduces the negative effects of chemotherapy and promotes healthier blood counts. These are the reasons that more than 50 percent of all European cancer patients incorporate mistletoe in their treatment protocol in some way
- Its nerve soothing properties make it a great antitussive agent. Coughing is caused by irritation and distress of the respiratory system and mistletoe has been shown to calm this irritation
- It has the ability to lower blood glucose levels and has been used by diabetics to control their illness for generations
- It has antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that make it a great immune system booster
- It reduces inflammation and is an effective remedy for arthritic pain
By : Natural Health News