• Traditionally used to help support blood pressure levels, inflammation, varicose veins, skin irritations, swelling and more.
Mistletoe is also known by the names European Mistletoe, Birdlime, Birdlime Mistletoe, Golden Bough, and Goldenbough. Viscum is an evergreen shrub, sitting 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 can be used to support health. Mistletoe's white berries are potentially toxic and should be avoided.
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. 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 help support blood pressure. Combined with Vervain, it makes an excellent nervine tonic. The powdered leaves have been used. 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 blood sugar level concerns. Given both Mistletoe's tradition around the world for helping people with blood sugar level concerns, 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 help support 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.
Mistletoe is used in the support for degenerative inflammation, high blood pressure, poor circulation (as heart tonic), and as sedative. Viscuna tea is traditionally used to help support high blood pressure.
Description: Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic, woody shrub that grows on trees. It has leathery, yellowish green leaves, inconspicuous flowers and spherical, white, sticky berries. Three subspecies are recognised: one grows only on broadleaf trees, one mainly on pines and larches (Pinus and Larix) and one only on fir (Abies).
Origin: Europe and Asia. The product is wild-harvested.
Parts Used: The fresh or dried herb (Visci herba) or leaves only (Visci folium).
Preparation and Dosage: For support for high blood pressure, 2.5 g of the dried herb is soaked in 150 mL cold water for 10 - 12 hours. It can be slightly heated before drinking (one or two cups per day).
Active Ingredients: The plant is rich in lectins (0.1%) (glycoproteins that can bind to specific sugar motives; mistle lectin I-III; = M1 I-III), each of which comprises numerous isolectin. Of special interest are up to 0.1% viscotoxins, polypeptides (viscoroxins A, B, P) composed of 46 amino acids. Also present are mucilage, polysaccharides, phenylpropanes, caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoids. Secondary metabolites of the host plant can influence the bodily activity of the product.
As everyone knows, the ancient Gauls and Germans regarded Mistletoe as a sacred plant. Every part of this plant has diuretic properties, but it may have a contrary effect if improperly used.
The Christmas kissing plant has a long but controversial history in health, owing to its potential toxicity In Europe, the plant's leaves and flowers are used medically, and mistletoe tea is entrenched in traditional health. Commission E studied European mistletoe, which is similar to the North variety. Both are shrubs that grow in the branches of trees. Mistletoe is gathered from the wild.
Potential Health Benefits
Commission E considers mistletoe a serious herb, to be used carefully and under medical supervision. Mistletoe preparations are injected to help support degenerative inflammation of the joint. In Germany, mistletoe extract can also be tried to enhance immunity and to help support healthy blood pressure levels.
Scientific Evidence
Commission E doesn't cite scientific studies in its approval of mistletoe. Instead, its endorsement is drawn from the experience using mistletoe as part of German medical practice.
How to Use the Herb
Commission E approves fresh plant or cut and powdered herb for injections, but doesn't specify dose levels, perhaps to discourage consumers from using the herb on their own.
herbal writer Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., flatly declares that "Mistletoe as a home supportive or as a beverage should definitely be avoided."
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TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
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ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
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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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ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
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