* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Mistletoe is also known by the names European Mistletoe, Birdlime, Birdlime Mistletoe, Golden Bough, and Goldenbough. Viscum is an evergreen shrub, hemiparasitic on the branches of deciduous trees, particularly oak, chestnut, apple or black poplar. The berries produce a sticky substance known as bird-lime (hence the alternate name). The Latin name Viscum refers to the stickiness of the seeds, a property essential to the propagation of Mistletoe, as its seed must stick to the trunk of its host long enough to germinate and insert a root into the bark for nutrients.
One of the explanations for its common name is that Mistletoe is derived from the Celtic "mil'ioc," meaning "all-heal." The ancient Druids of northern Europe and other pagan groups revered Mistletoe, particularly when it infected oak trees (a rare occurrence). They celebrated the beginning of winter by collecting Mistletoe (by a high ranking priest who cut it with a golden knife) and hanging it in their homes. It is also the legendary "Golden Bough" that saved Aeneas from the underworld in Virgil's poem. In Scandinavia, the God of Peace, Balder, was slain with an arrow made of Mistletoe. Romans, Celtics, and Germans believed that Mistletoe was a key to the supernatural. Mistletoe also stood for sex and fertility. Over time, this reverence of Mistletoe was translated into the Christian ritual of hanging Mistletoe over doorways at Christmas. A berry was removed with each kiss, and when they were gone, the Mistletoe was said to have lost its powers. The custom of kissing under the Mistletoe may be a remnant of pagan orgies held before Mistletoe altars. The young leafy twigs with flowers are used medicinally. Mistletoe's white berries are potentially toxic and should be avoided.
American Mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens) is similar to European Mistletoe (Viscum album), but has not been widely studied, and therefore should not be substituted for European Mistletoe until more information is available. American Mistletoe is sometimes called "False Mistletoe" to distinguish it from the European genus, Viscum album. Herbalists use European Mistletoe to strengthen the heart and to reduce blood pressure. Combined with Valerian Root and Vervain in equal parts, it makes an excellent nervine tonic. The powdered leaves have been used in the treatment of epilepsy. The primary chemical constituents may vary according to the host plant, but typically include glycoproteins, polypeptides (viscotoxin), flavonoids, triterpene saponins, caffeic acid, lignans, choline, vitamin C, and histamine.
Test tube and animal studies suggest that European Mistletoe extracts can stimulate insulin secretion from pancreas cells, and may improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Given both Mistletoe's tradition around the world for helping people with diabetes, and these promising pre-clinical results, human clinical trials are certainly needed to establish Mistletoe's potential for this condition.
This herb is also known to relieve pain from headaches caused by high blood pressure. Mistletoe reduces the heart rate, and at the same time strengthens the capillary walls. Its cardiotonic action is thought to be due to the lignans, while the hypotensive action is believed to be due to a choline derivative related to acetylcholine. Choline derivatives bring about parasympathetic stimulation and vasodilatation.
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Directions
Stir 1/4 of a teaspoon into a glass of water and consume 3 times daily, with meals.
Cautions
Not recommended if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.
Additional Information
The TerraVita Premium Collection uses only the finest, purest and most potent plant extracts from around the world.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
