Mistletoe (Viscum album)

European mistletoe (Viscum album) is a parasitic evergreen shrub that forms large clumps on host trees, producing narrow leaves, yellowish flowers, and sticky white berries. Used for centuries in various folkloric traditions, it’s a potent nervine, hypotensive agent, and—in anthroposophical medicine—an adjunct therapy in cancer.

Cardiac & Hypotensive: Lowers blood pressure and helps with nervous heart conditions when used judiciously. Nervine & Sedative: Eases stress, anxiety, and certain types of headaches. Oxytocic: Stimulates uterine contractions during labor. Cancer Research: Used in anthroposophical medicine, though mainstream acceptance varies.

Professional Supervision: Potentially toxic and must be used carefully. Pregnancy: Can act as an abortifacient; avoid. Blood Pressure & MAOIs: Interactions may cause sudden drops in pressure; do not combine with antihypertensives. Berries: Especially toxic; best avoided in internal use.

Native to Europe and northern Asia, mistletoe grows on deciduous host trees (especially apple). Leaves and branches (and sometimes berries) are harvested in autumn.