Mistletoe

Mistletoe, a member of the sandalwood family, lives as a semi-parasite on trees, growing among the branches into spherical clusters up to 1 m in diameter and drawing water and mineral salts from them. The energy-rich organic compounds are produced by the mistletoe through photosynthesis using its own evergreen leaves. The fruits of mistletoe—false berries with sticky pulp—are dispersed by birds. Flowering period: June through September.

Depending on the host tree, a distinction is made between deciduous mistletoe (maple, linden, walnut, poplar, black locust, apple tree), fir mistletoe, and pine mistletoe.

In phytotherapy, the dried herb, twigs with leaves and flowers, as well as a few fruits (mistletoe herb— Visci herba) are used. For use in oncology, see “Mistletoe Preparations.” Furthermore, mistletoe preparations are used to strengthen circulation, regulate high blood pressure, treat osteoarthritis and rheumatic complaints, as well as dizziness, headaches, and menstrual and menopausal symptoms. 

Mistletoe branches are traditionally hung on front doors during the winter solstice and the Christmas season to ward off harm from the home. Another custom: Those who kiss under the mistletoe are said to become a happy couple.

1. Wenigmann, M. (2017) Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants, Phytopharmaceuticals, and Applications. Urban & Fischer, pp. 160–161
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/mistel.php
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5. https://pflanzen.fnr.de/industriepflanzen/arzneipflanzen/pflanzen-auswahl/mistel
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8. Szurpnicka A et al. (2022) Phytochemical screening and effect of Viscum album L. on monoamine oxidase A and B activity and serotonin, dopamine, and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera). J. Ethnopharm. 15, 1–10.