Mistletoe - European

Description

European Mistletoe is a parasitic, evergreen herb that clings to trees, especially old apple, ash and Hawthorn trees. It is native to Europe and Northern Asia.

Botanical Names

 Viscum album

 European Mistletoe is from the Mistletoe (Lorantheaceae) family.

Part Used

 Leaves

 Berries from European Mistletoe are Toxic and should not be consumed.

Cardiovascular System

 European Mistletoe (tea) reputedly helps to prevent Atherosclerosis. 

 European Mistletoe may lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients (in part by affecting Blood Pressure-lowering mechanisms of the Central Nervous System).  ^[1]

 European Mistletoe may facilitate the production of Red Blood Cells after Radiation Therapy.   

Immune System

 European Mistletoe may be beneficial for the treatment of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS):  ^[2]

 Anecdotal reports from physicians administering Iscador via injection to AIDS patients indicate that it may cause regression of the lesions associated with Kaposi’s Sarcoma, may increase NK Lymphocytes and may cause weight gain in AIDS patients.  In vitro studies have also demonstrated that Iscador may suppress the HIV virus.

 European Mistletoe may be beneficial for the treatment of some forms of Cancer(in test tube studies it has been shown to possess cytotoxic (i.e. it may kill existing Cancer Cells) and Immune System stimulating properties):  ^[3]

 European Mistletoe may be useful for the treatment of Cancer - Bladder.  ^[4]

 European Mistletoe may be useful for the treatment of Cancer - Breast.  ^[5]

 European Mistletoe may prolong the survival of Cancer - Cervix patients.  ^[6]

 European Mistletoe may be useful for the treatment of Cancer - Colon.  ^[7]

 European Mistletoe may cause the regression of the lesions associated with Kaposi's Sarcoma (according to anecdotal reports provided by physicians administering Iscador to AIDS patients).