Commentary and collecting tips for mistletoe
A valuable and special plantThe Mistletoe (Viscum album L.), an evergreen semi-parasite from the family Mistletoe family (Loranthaceae), is a remarkable medicinal plant. It is firmly anchored in the canopy of its host trees and draws nutrients through sucker roots. Its olive-green, leathery leaves are arranged opposite each other. The inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in March and April, followed by striking, glossy white, pea-sized berries in the fall.
Mistletoe is a fascinating medicinal plant, but it should be collected with caution. Because it's a semi-parasite, it grows high in trees and is often difficult to access. It is important to note that mistletoe berries are poisonous and should not be eaten under any circumstances. For medicinal purposes, only the herb (leaves and thin stems) is used.
When collecting, legal aspects must also be taken into account: Mistletoe is protected in some regions, and collecting it from other people's land is only permitted with the owner's permission. I recommend purchasing dried mistletoe for tea preparations from a pharmacy or a trusted herbalist to ensure both quality and sustainability. This way, you can be sure that you're holding an effective and safe medicinal plant in your hands without placing unnecessary strain on nature.
Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) – The fascinating tree parasite in naturopathy
Flowering time: March April
Harvest time: March-April, September-October
Plant parts used:Herb (Herba Visci albi)
Ingredients of mistletoe
The therapeutic effect of mistletoe is based on a variety of bioactive compounds:
- Polypeptides (viscotoxins)
- Mistletoe lectins
- flavonoids
- Biogenic amines
- mucilage
Medicinal effects and traditional uses of mistletoe
Mistletoe is known for its diverse effects on the human organism:
- Vasodilating and blood pressure lowering: Especially in cases of high blood pressure.
- Heart strengthening
- Hemostatic
- Antispasmodic
- Stimulates the metabolism
- Antiviral
It is traditionally used at Hypertension, Dizziness, Headache and Epilepsy Mistletoe has a special significance in the Stimulation therapy for malignant tumors and osteoarthritis, often in the form of finished medicinal products or high-dose infusions in anthroposophical medicine for cancer therapy.
Contraindication / Side effects:
With parenteral administration (e.g., injections), chills, fever, and headache may occur. Use in this form should always be under medical supervision.
Preparation and dosage forms
The following preparations are common for use at home:
- 12-hour cold infusion: One cup 2-3 times daily. This gentle method is ideal for preserving the heat-sensitive active ingredients.
- tincture: 2-3 drops 10-20 times daily.
Mistletoe in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, mistletoe is described as a plant with profound effects:
- Clears heat and calms the mind.
- Tonifies the kidney and heart yin in cases of deficiency.
- Dispels heart fire and phlegm heatthat can block the heart channels.
- Strengthens kidneys, tendons and bones.
- Repels wind moisture.
- Nourishes the blood and skin.
- Moves stagnant liver qi.
