Mistletoe Herb
It grows in the form of balls on different kinds of trees where it sucks water and
minerals, which makes it a partial parasite.
In former times the mistletoe was a very important magical plant, that was collected
by the druids with golden sickles. The mistletoe was not allowed to fall on the
ground because this would stop their special abilities. According to lore, Druids
held mistletoe in high esteem and collected it only when they received a vision
ordering them to do so, and then with great ceremony.
Since the seeds are spread through bird droppings, our observant fore-bearers named
Mistletoe “dung-on-twig”, (the word literally translated is a conjugation of
“birdlime” or “bird dung” and twig) mistakenly believing that the plant actually
sprang from the dung itself.
Other beliefs held the Mistletoe grew where a tree was struck by lightening.
Because of the magical importance the mistletoe was believed to be a remedy for all
medical problems.
In the time of the Winter Solstice and as Christmas decoration twigs of the mistletoe
are put at the doors of houses to prevent the house from harm. Who ever kisses
under a mistletoe will become a happy couple.
In modern herbal medicine the mistletoe is used against high blood pressure and
against cancer. But it has many more uses.
Medicinal Uses
- Calming
- Stops bleeding
- Inflammation-inhibitory
- Diuretic
- Spasm-dis-solvent
- Strengthening
- High blood-pressure
- Heart weakness
- Fast heartbeat
- Arteriosclerosis
- Edemas
- Fever
- Digestive weakness
- Constipation
- Stomach weakness
- Pancreatic weakness
- Diabetes
- Gall weakness
- Nervous weakness
- Headaches
- Giddiness
- Joint inflammation
- Chronic joint problems
- Arthrosis
- Rheumatism
- Menopause complaints
- Menstrual complaints
- Uterine pain
- Uterine bleeding
- Uterine tumors
- Discharge
- Epilepsy
- Hay fever
- Varicose veins
- Eczemas
- Ulcers
- Wounds
- Cancer (beside medical therapy)
Information
Used Parts: Leaves, branches Substances: Viscotoxin, Viscin, Viscalbin, Asparagine, Bitter essence, Histamine, OleanolicAcid, Saponins
Time to collect: Late Autumn, Winter and Spring
Methods
The main use of the mistletoe is high blood pressure. It is also used against cancer
beside the medical treatment of doctors.
The mistletoe has also a lot of other abilities. In former times it was thought to be a
remedy against every disease.
The mistletoe is a little bit poisonous and should be used with care.
Internally as tea:
A tea from the mistletoe should always be made as a cold infusion. This is
important, because in cold water the poisonous substances don't resolve and
therefore a cold infusion of it is not poisonous. Also the healing abilities of the
mistletoe weakens in a hot tea.
The tea can be used to lower a blood pressure, that is to high. It also helps against other circulatory problems like a weak heart or arteriosclerosis.
When someone has a low blood pressure the mistletoe can help to raise it. This sound not logical, but when we understand, that the effect of the mistletoe works by strengthen the heart and making the blood vessels more elastic, we understand, that the mistletoe can modify the blood pressure in both directions.
The mistletoe can also strengthen the digestive system and the metabolism. Because of this effects the mistletoe also helps against rheumatic complaints. It also strengthens the nerves and can thus be a remedy against headache and dizziness. It can also help against epilepsy.
In the menopausal time the mistletoe can help against the typical problems. It also helps against menstrual problems. With its blood stopping ability the mistletoe can stop menstrual bleeding that is too strong. Thus the mistletoe is very helpful after birth.
Externally as tea:
The cold infusion of the mistletoe can be used for bathing and poultices.
It can help against varicose veins and ulcers of the lower legs.
Also eczemas can be treated with mistletoe infusions.
A mistletoe poultice can allay rheumatic and neuralgic pains. External treatments
with mistletoe are also good against arthrosis.
Against hay fever you can take a snuff of mistletoe infusion.
Mistletoe as a treatment of cancer:
Accompanying to a chemical medical cancer treatment mistletoe extracts can be
used. They are offered (i.e. in Germany) as a special preparation for this use.
These preparations can help to allay the side effects of the chemical treatment and
to raise the healing rate of the therapy. This is examined by several studies.
Mistletoe preparations are not able to cure cancer as a standalone medication.
Beware!
The berries of the mistletoe are a little bit poisonous. Kids should be warned not to
eat the berries.
Plant description
The family of santalaceae has a lot of members around the world. In Europe and
northern Asia the mistletoe is the single member of this family.
The mistletoe is a partial parasite that grows on trees. It sucks the juice and minerals
from the tree. But it has its own green color and can do photosynthesis.
Trees that have lots of mistletoes suffer from them and finally die from them. But
mistletoes grows slowly and single plant wouldn't harm huge trees.
Some kinds of trees have mistletoes more often than other trees. Specially apple
trees, poplars and firs are the most favorite trees for mistletoes.
The mistletoes put their root through the bark of the trees into the wood. There they
anchor and suck water and minerals.
The branches of the mistletoes ramify again and again until they have the form of a
ball.
At the tip of the small twigs there always grow two leaves that have the form of a
long and narrow egg with the wide side at the outer edge.
From the end of February the mistletoes blossom. There are plants with female
flowers and other plants with male flowers. Both types of flowers are yellow and
very small. The smell like an orange what makes them attractive to insects.
In September the white berries start to ripen. They are like glue and inside they have
a seed.
Beware! The mistletoe is very seldom in lots of countries and may not be collected. (i.e. Germany)
Magickal Uses:
Mistletoe is one of the best luck and money drawing herbs there is, add it to sachets
or charms to increase fortune and finances.
Mistletoe is also carried or placed where protection is needed, it is hung over a
cradle to prevent the theft of a child by fairies. Amulets and jewelry can be made of
its wood as talismans of protection and to speed healing. It will aid in hunting and
in conception. Hang it in the bedroom to bring beautiful dreams and to unlock,
through the dreams, the secrets of immortality. Add a few berries to the ritual cup at
a handfasting, and hang it in the home to bring the blessings of the Goddess of love.
Mistletoe is protective against lightning, disease, misfortune and fires. It also aids in
matters of the heart. The fresh juice has been said to increase fertility in barren
women. Harvest Mistletoe on the sixth night after the New Moon.
Mistletoe is an excellent all purpose magickal herb. Its wood is a good choice for
wands and ritual implements. Place it around a “Hand of Glory,” a candle shaped
like a hand that is burned to ward off thieves. According to Virgil, Aeneas could go
down to Tartarus only when he carried a sprig of mistletoe in his hand as protection.
Mistletoe is reputed to protect the bearer from werewolves. Burned it banishes evil.
Wear in an amulet to repel negativity & ill will and protect against unwanted
advances. Carry for luck in hunting. Use to draw in customers, money and business.
Use in ritual baths or prayer bowls for healing.
HERB OF THE WEEK DISCLAIMER: DO not use any herb for medicinal purposes without first consulting your medical doctor (MD) first.
________________________________________________
Article Written by: Top-Advisor Robin
No comments:
Post a Comment