Mistletoe: The Christmas Staple That’s More Than Just a Kissing Booth
When most of us think of mistletoe, our minds wander to the festive tradition of sneaking a kiss under the green sprigs at holiday parties. While this custom is undoubtedly charming, mistletoe has a far richer history and set of benefits that go beyond its romantic associations.
Let’s dive into this evergreen plant’s lesser-known perks, and who knows you might be tempted to hang a bit more than just a kiss this holiday season.
The plant (Viscum album), which is technically a parasitic evergreen shrub, grows on trees like oak, apple, and pine. In ancient times it was considered a symbol of peace, fertility, and protection. In fact, it was believed that if enemies met under mistletoe, they would lay down their arms and end the conflict.
Mistletoe is now celebrated for both its festive appearance and its medicinal properties.
Mistletoe contains several active compounds, which are thought to contribute to its medicinal properties.
Lectins are proteins that may modify the immune system by stimulating immune cells.
Viscotoxins are proteins that help fight cancer cells.
Flavonoids are antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.
Triterpenes have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to the plant's overall medicinal value.
What are the Health Benefits of Mistletoe?
1. Boosting the Immune System
Studies suggest that mistletoe can help stimulate the immune system, potentially improving the body's ability to fight infections and illness. While it isn’t a magic cure, it’s believed to play a role in supporting overall health.
2. Cancer Treatment (Adjunctive Therapy)
Some research suggests mistletoe extract may be useful as part of cancer treatment, particularly for boosting the immune system and reducing side effects of chemotherapy. It is often used in European complementary medicine.
3. Cardiovascular Health
Mistletoe can help to improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
4. Calming the Nerves
Given its purported effects on blood pressure, mistletoe has also been thought to help with reducing anxiety. This calming effect may be especially helpful for those who find themselves tangled in the emotional chaos of the season. Mistletoe might just help smooth things over, figuratively and literally.
5. Promoting Sleep
Struggling to sleep after all the holiday excitement and sugar rushes? Mistletoe has a history of being used as a natural remedy for insomnia. Some herbalists recommend mistletoe tea or extracts to promote deeper, more restful sleep.
6. Anti-Diabetic Properties
Mistletoe may help people with diabetes because it lowers oxidative stress, which is linked to complications from the disease.
How Should Mistletoe Be Consumed?
Keep in mind that only European mistletoe (Viscum album) offers medicinal properties. Using it straight from the plant is not advised. Here's how it can be safely consumed.
Extracts and Supplements
The most common way to consume mistletoe for health purposes is through standardized extracts or supplements, often available in liquid or tablet form.
💡 Read this before buying any supplements.Tea
Mistletoe tea should only be made from the correct species Viscum album, so buy it from a reputable supplier. Some varieties of mistletoe are toxic, and consuming the wrong type can result in poisoning.
🔴 Risks and Side Effects
Toxicity
Mistletoe can be toxic, when consumed in large quantities or if the wrong species is used. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and even more severe effects.Pregnancy
Mistletoe is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to its potential risks.Interactions with Medications
It may interact with medications, particularly those that affect the immune system or blood pressure.
Summary
Mistletoe is far more than just the holiday staple that sparks a kiss under its branches. This little plant has a lot of health benefits, from boosting immunity to helping with cancer treatment. So, this holiday season, let’s give mistletoe the appreciation it truly deserves because even the most familiar traditions can have unexpected depth.
Merry Christmas!
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And while you're here, take a peek at my other posts in the Natural Remedy Series and Genuine Prospect 👇
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References
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mistletoe-pdq#_17
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21871125/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28058393/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5893628/